WeRoad Research Reveals 'Social Backpacking' On The Rise As Travellers Seek More Intentional Community

Research into changing traveller behaviour has been released by solo adventure travel experts, WeRoad .

Founded in 2017 to connect people through authentic adventures around the globe, WeRoad specialises in small group travel for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences catered to every kind of traveler.

During the first wave of backpacking from the 1960s through the 1990s, backpacking was strongly associated with solo travel and finding yourself. Although backpacking has always had a strong social dimension - meeting new people along the way in hostels, on trains, and on trails was considered a given and an essential part of the experience - but you were expected at least to start the journey alone.

In recent years, that has started to change. WeRoad surveyed over 4k solo travellers ages 20-49* on why they chose to backpack with a group of strangers on a WeRoad trip instead of by themselves. Seeking friendships was the most popular motive, with almost half (48%) of respondents saying they'd made a lifelong friend by the time the trip was over. 7% said they'd even met a romantic partner.

The company's wider research into changing traveller behaviour** has identified day-to-day social isolation as a major driver of this shift: 55% of respondents reported feeling lonely in daily life, and 40% said they struggled to meet new people. Travel has become a necessary antidote to this loneliness, not just a break from the norm or a way to experience other cultures.

The importance of finding yourself and personal growth hasn't disappeared. Nearly half (48%) of travellers surveyed said they stepped out of their comfort zone while on a backpacking trip, and another 27% said they 'learned more about themselves than ever.' 17% described it as 'better than therapy.' 

Clarissa Cappelletti, International Regional Manager at WeRoad, comments: "Solo backpacking is now giving way to social backpacking. First wave backpacking was all about going it alone and spontaneously meeting people along the way. The new wave backpacking is much more deliberate about fostering those connections. People want to travel solo, but not be constantly alone while doing so but together. Social isolation and loneliness are much more prevalent now than it was 30 years ago, and it makes sense that it's changed backpacking culture and travellers' priorities and expectations. On our fifth annual World Backpacker Day, we're celebrating backpackers who set out to find themselves and real connections on the road."

Based on WeRoad's booking data, the company ranked the five most desirable destinations and itineraries for backpackers in 2026:

1. China – Increased flight connectivity and up to 30 days Visa-free entry for UK passport holders is contributing to a surge in popularity for this destination.  China also offers a massive variety of attractions in one country, from iconic landmarks to futuristic cities and dramatic nature – making a trip to China an unforgettably epic adventure.  

2. Italy – A classic destination, Italy continues to be a bestseller, with shorter, experience-packed trips appealing to travellers looking to maximise their annual leave. Express options include Naples & the Amalfi Coast, and Venice, Verona & Lake Garda, as well as a Rome Weekend trip - exploring Trastevere and Pincio.

3. Peru - Interest in this destination is growing rapidly, with WeRoad seeing a 50% year-on-year increase in bookings to Peru. The abandoned Inca citadel Machu Picchu is a must, but it's not all the country has to offer. Spot condors in Colca Canyon, visit with indigenous communities living on Lake Titicaca's floating islands, and hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain. 
4. Albania – This emerging Mediterranean hotspot still retains a refreshingly undiscovered feel, with many travellers saying it's like Greece 15 years ago. Expect fewer crowds and lower prices, alongside stunning beaches, traditional villages, and enchanting natural landscapes.
5. Puerto Rico – With rising interest in the Caribbean in 2026, what better place to begin a Caribbean adventure than this enchanting island - a destination where tropical rhythm, Latin passion, and North American energy blend into one unforgettable experience.
    

To celebrate World Backpacker Day, WeRoad is offering up to 30% off, plus a free backpack on travel booked until Wednesday 22nd April (23:59): www.weroad.com/backpacker-days