“Increasingly more and more travelers are shifting away from traditional tourism and faster-paced itineraries. Instead, they are looking for something deeper – they're leaving behind something that has changed them. That's why India has become the number one solo destination of 2025. – Antoinette Turner, GM at South Africa's Flight Centre
My solo trip is still another moment. According to Hilton's Annual Trends Report, 34% of travelers plan to travel solo by the end of 2025, so the world is surged to independent explorers looking for a journey beyond relaxation. And when it comes to mindful and transformative travel, there is no destination to capture this shift like in India.
In fact, India was named the first solo destination in 2025 in a recent report by Kensington, cementing its position as a go-to place for those seeking personal renewal.
“India has experienced an incredible post-pandemic recovery,” Turner says. “The forecast estimates an INR of 21.15 trillion in 2024 from the local tourism industry to the Indian economy, with a dramatic 21% increase from 2019. Naturally, the Indian government is also investing in tourism infrastructure, with 23.44 billion people being allocated to the 2025 Tourism Sector Initiative.”
Bali and Thailand have long been a favorite among South African wellness travelers, but India offers something as deep as its different. With centuries of spiritual traditions, the world's most authentic yoga and meditation retreats, and intensive Ayurvedic healing experiences, it offers a unique environment for travelers considering resetting, recharging and rediscovering.
Why South Africans are hoping for transformative travel
South Africans are not stressful strangers. Rising costs, work instability and harsh work environments have created mental health crises. In fact, a 2023 report from South Africa by the Employee Assistance Programs Association revealed that almost a quarter of South Africans employed are likely to be diagnosed with depression, but only 15-25% are seeking help and receiving assistance.
It's no wonder why South Africans admire more than they would on holidays. They are looking for something very resilient.
“More than ever, South Africans need rest, but not just the kind that comes from weekends and inclusive resorts. They need spiritual rest,” explains Turner.
What is mental rest and why is it important?
Most people understand physical rest – taking time off from work, getting more sleep and spending a few days on the beach. But mental rest is a completely different kind of rejuvenation.
Spiritual rest is a state of deep peace and inner alignment. It's your chance to separate yourself from external pressure and reconnect with something bigger than you. That's about:
Find comfort from emotional burnout. Engage in meditation, mindfulness, or silent retreat. Surrounded by nature, spend time in a sacred space and explore healing traditions.
This is why India is set to keep pace with Bali and Thailand, which stand out as the leading solo travel retreat of 2025.
Why Solo Travelers Choose India over Bali and Thailand
For years, Bali and Thailand have been South Africans' go-to destinations for health and relaxation. From beachfront yoga retreats in Ubud to affordable Thai massage resorts, Ryogoku has built a reputation for self-care escapes. However, many have found that India is a place where sole travelers can seek spiritual immersion that they cannot manufacture.
For South Africans considering a mindful solo journey, practical factors such as flights, visas and costs all play a key role. From an affordable standpoint, India is the cheapest option, with return flights from Johannesburg starting at R12,766 for the October 2025 holiday*. Thailand continues at R14,959, while Bali is the most expensive at R15,715.
While none of these destinations offer direct flights from South Africa, India balances accessibility and affordability, with shorter stopovers at transport hubs like Dubai and Doha.
Regarding visa requirements, Thailand is the easiest, allowing South Africans to visit without a visa for up to 60 days. However, India offers a simple e-Visa system, so the plan is seamless and the visa is free. Bali, on the other hand, requires a visa upon arrival.
But what really separates India is its depth of mental and healthy experience. It is the birthplace of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda, offering authentic hideaways in places like Rishikesh, Goa, Mysore and more.
Those seeking meditation and retreat of silence have access to ashrams and Buddhist monasteries from centuries ago. For example, like Dharamshala and Ladakh, travelers can engage in Vipassana, an intensive form of quiet meditation.
The difference in healing therapy is also impressive. India is world-renowned for its full-scale Ayurvedic healing, with a dedicated centre in Kerala where visitors receive advanced detoxification and rejuvenation programs. These are rooted in science – a wellness system from centuries that focuses on physical, mental and mental balance.
Another major advantage for South African travelers is the affordable prices in India beyond flights. Everyday costs in India are significantly lower than in Thailand and Bali. From accommodation to food and transportation, India allows travelers to extend their lands even further. Local meals can be transported on average from around R50, a comfortable guesthouse, transport via tuk tuks, or R35 per ride from around R845 per night. On the other hand, similar costs in Thailand or Bali tend to be at least 20-40% higher, making these destinations more expensive for extensions.
For those overwhelmed by stress for South Africans, wanderlust is about both escape and evolution. And Bali and Thailand always promise relaxation. India is also striving to make a long journey after the flight back home.
Whether you meditate in the Himalayas, jump into Ayurveda in Kerala, or rediscover yourself in the spiritual turmoil of Varanasi, India isn't just changing itinerary.
With affordable flights and a seamless visa, you will rarely get in the way of your solo journey.
Perhaps the real question is not whether you are ready for it, but whether you can afford to wait.
*Based on flight centre flight search conducted on March 12, 2025 for travel between October 2nd and 9th, 2025.
