At the same time solo travel is at an all-time high, there's a loneliness epidemic and guided experiential travel leader EF Ultimate Break is fighting it with its Travel BFF MatchMaker program.
According to a Sept 2024 Gen Z traveler study from EF Ultimate Break, 46% of young adults often felt bouts of loneliness when traveling the world. On the Travel BFF website, solo travelers can take a quiz for the potential to get matched to new forever friends. Additionally, all solo travelers who submit a profile are eligible for the chance to win a $500 EF Ultimate Break travel voucher.
Although many initiatives leading up to Valentine's Day focus on romantic connections, this friend-connecting program celebrates other meaningful types of relationships.
What's Driving This Trend
- Solo Travel Friend-matching
- The rising demand for solo travel companionship services reflects a shift towards social connection in travel experiences.
- Experiential Travel Personalization
- Customization of travel experiences through matchmaking offers travelers unique opportunities to form lasting friendships.
- Loneliness Alleviation Initiatives
- Programs targeting loneliness among travelers highlight a growing need for emotional support solutions in the travel industry.
Who This Affects Most
- Travel and Tourism
- The travel industry is increasingly incorporating social matchmaking services to cater to the demands of facilitated peer connections.
- Mental Health and Wellness
- The intersection of travel and mental wellness is emerging as a focus area where companionship services address loneliness issues.
- Technology Platforms
- Tech platforms are exploring innovative solutions to curate social experiences and interpersonal connections for solo travelers.
