The Rise of the Solorette: Why Brides Are Taking Themselves on a Solo Bachelorette

Solo travel honeymoon destinations
Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, Vogue, July 2004

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It’s the time of year when bachelorette season is in full swing. The pre-wedding celebration with friends has long been a rite of passage—and in recent years, it’s become a full-fledged event, complete with themed itineraries, matching outfits, and Instagram-ready backdrops. But a growing number of brides are quietly opting out of the group trip altogether or adding another one to the mix, embracing a new kind of send-off: the solorette, or solo bachelorette. Equal parts solo retreat and personal reset, the solorette is a one-woman bachelorette designed for reflection, indulgence, and a little solitude before the big day. So what’s driving this shift—and could the solo bachelorette be the new bridal essential?

According to Fora travel advisor Rachel Havens, the rise of the solorette is part of a much broader change in how women—and especially brides—are thinking about travel. “There’s been a noticeable shift toward solo travel, especially among brides who want to carve out intentional time for themselves before the wedding,” says Havens. “Whether it’s a wellness retreat, a reset trip, or simply a chance to reflect before the big day, more clients are embracing the idea that celebrating yourself can start with a solo adventure. It also takes the pressure off trying to coordinate with everyone else’s schedules and preferences—there’s something really freeing about planning a trip that’s 100% for you.”

Kristine Thomason, a lifestyle journalist, experienced that firsthand when she went on a solo trip before her nuptials in July 2024—a month before her wedding in August 2024. She loved the idea of terming the trip a “solorette” as opposed to a solo bachelorette. “Rather than refer to it as the solo version of a bachelorette party, I wanted the occasion to have its own term and identity. So, I combined the words solo and bachelorette into ‘solorette’—while it’s incredibly simple, something about mashing the words together seemed to give it the same kind of fun, joyful energy as a bachelorette,” she says.

While also partaking in a traditional “bachelorette,” Thomason wanted to have a trip pre-wedding that emphasized reflection and moving into a different way of living, from solo to partnered. “To me, it felt like a missing puzzle piece in pre-wedding culture: It’s easy to get swept up in all the excitement, but I also think it’s crucial to be mindful and clear as we enter this new chapter,” she says.

Thomason’s decision to take herself on a solo getaway didn’t mean skipping the group celebration altogether—instead, it became an intentional complement to it. Alongside her friend-filled bachelorette weekend in Ojai and even a surprise “brolorette” dinner with close guy friends in New York, her solorette offered something distinct: space to reflect, decompress, and fully arrive at this next chapter of her life. “It was really important to me that in addition to all the beautiful pre-wedding rituals I was lucky to enjoy, I also had time to myself—time to think about who I am (and want to be) as an individual,” she says.

For others, like Priscilla Torres (known online as @prissymaae) the solorette wasn’t an addition—it was the main event. After months of trying to plan a group trip with six friends, the stress of coordinating began to outweigh the excitement. “I found myself becoming very frustrated at the fact that the entire planning process of a bachelorette was falling on me,” she explains. “I had to think of myself for a second, and ask myself if this was truly what I wanted.” Ultimately, she canceled the group plans and opted for a luxe solo staycation at The Colony Hotel in West Palm Beach. “It really isn’t selfish choosing ‘you’ during a very stressful but special time in your life,” she says. “Some may think that selfish, but I thought of it as choosing self-love.”

During her three-day solorette, Torres journaled on the beach, sipped cocktails to the sound of ocean waves, and indulged in solo dinners—a first for her, and one she now fully embraces. “Going solo actually built up some confidence in me,” she says. “At first, I felt a little weird booking solo dinner reservations… but the moment I sat down and started to enjoy an incredible meal in my own presence, it all went away.” She also took time to reflect on her changing status from single to married. “It allowed me to reflect on this new chapter of life that I was about to take on,” she says. “I really took time alone to think about what becoming a spouse meant and all the growth it personally took to arrive in a place where I felt ready to get married.”

The appeal of the solorette continues to grow. Whitney Meer, a Denver-based product manager, is planning her own for the summer of 2025 ahead of her fall elopement. Inspired by Thomason’s experience, she’s eager to reclaim a type of solo travel she hasn’t done since she began dating her fiancé in 2020. “I’d like to remind myself that just because I’m getting married doesn’t mean I have to give up traveling in a unique way that I really value,” she says. Her itinerary? Still undecided, but likely somewhere within driving distance of Colorado—think desert hot springs, mountain towns, or maybe even a detour to New Mexico. “I’d like to do a focused ‘self care’ weekend,” she adds. “Journaling, reading tarot cards, maybe doing a sound bath or seeing an astrologer.”

As interest in solorettes rises, destinations are evolving to meet the needs of solo celebrants. “A travel advisor can take the stress out of planning and turn a solo bachelorette into something truly elevated,” says Havens. “From choosing the right destination to securing VIP perks and curating thoughtful, personalized experiences, it becomes less about logistics and more about celebrating yourself in style. Plus, it takes one more thing off your plate during an already busy season—no need to add ‘plan a vacation’ to your wedding to-do list.”

Her top picks for a solorette? “Domestically, places like Sedona, Santa Fe, and Ojai are perfect for wellness and scenic beauty, while Charleston and Palm Beach offer charm, great food, and walkable neighborhoods,” she says. “Internationally, Amsterdam and London are incredible for solo travelers looking for culture, style, and elevated city energy. The French Riviera is perfect for a chic coastal escape, while Tulum and Mexico City offer a dynamic mix of beach, design, and unforgettable food. And if there’s time for something farther afield, Bali is a dream for wellness and reflection, while Seoul brings vibrant energy, world-class dining, and beauty experiences to get ready for the big day.”

To Havens, the solorette is more than a moment—it represents a shift in mindset around what and who travel is for. “Solo bachelorettes feel like a natural extension of a larger shift I’ve seen—more people embracing travel as a form of self-celebration, not just something that requires a group or a big occasion,” she says. “It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and step into this next chapter feeling grounded and empowered. I think more brides are realizing the value of making space for themselves in the middle of all the planning and pressure. At the end of the day, we should all be our own biggest cheerleader—and what better way to honor that than with a trip that’s entirely about you?”

Where to Go on a Solorette

Sedona, AZ
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Photo: Getty Images

A solorette favorite for its grounding energy, red rock hikes, and deep desert stillness. Spend your days crystal shopping, stargazing, and soaking in the spa.

Stay: L Auberge de Sedona for creekside luxury, or Enchantment Resort for canyon views.

Scottsdale, AZ
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Ideal for brides who want pampering on repeat — think rooftop pools, full-body massages, and desert sunsets.

Stay: Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort a minimalist and luxury resort with a wellness focus.

Santa Fe, NM
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For the nearly-wed who wants stillness, art, and soulful solitude. Mornings here are for gallery walks and delicious slow breakfasts.

Stay: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi for adobe charm and curated calm.

Ojai, CA
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A SoCal staple for a reason—vineyards, vintage shops, and mountain-backed meditation await.

Stay: Ojai Valley Inn is iconic and serene with a spa you’ll want to spend all day in.

Charleston, SC
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Romantic, walkable, and full of charm, Charleston is perfect for solo slow travel with top-tier food and photo-worthy streets.

Stay: The Dewberry is classic-meets-modern with rooftop cocktails.

Palm Beach, FL
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Bold, bright, and delightfully retro—perfect for a solo bachelorette who wants a bit of glam.

Stay: The Colony Hotel is a solorette dream: palm-printed everything, a beach cruiser with your name on it, and the perfect poolside Aperol spritz.

Jackson Hole, WY
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For a bride-to-be who’d rather trade bottle service for mountain air. Go horseback riding, hike solo, and return to a cozy fire.

Stay: Rusty Parrot Lodge: intimate, peaceful, and an easy walk to downtown. (Look out for the daily cookies and cider at 4 p.m.)

Lisbon, Portugal
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Photo: Getty Images

Sun-drenched, soulful, and full of old-world charm, Lisbon is perfect for a solorette seeking a mix of history, style, and sea breeze.

Stay: The Ivens, Autograph Collection is a design lover’s dream—lush, artful, and wildly romantic. Set in the heart of Chiado, it’s a perfect launchpad for exploring.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Cultural, quirky, and effortlessly cool—Amsterdam is ideal for solo wandering, boutique shopping, and canal-side journaling.

Stay: Pulitzer Amsterdam is perfect for solorettes: it’s canal-front, artful, and full of character.

London, UK
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Effortless and endlessly rewarding for solo travelers—spend your days exploring museums, people-watching in leafy squares, or lingering over afternoon tea.

Stay: The London Edition for refined elegance or The Hoxton, Shoreditch for design-forward comfort in one of the city s most creative neighborhoods.

French Riviera, France
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Photo: Getty Images

The perfect backdrop for a solorette that’s equal parts luxe and low-key—think rosé by the pool, spa mornings, and solo strolls through Provençal markets.

Stay: Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort for a serene, ultra-private retreat tucked in the hills of Provence with world-class wellness and endless lavender-scented air, or Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in Monaco for iconic Riviera glamour—where you can slip into a silk dress and sip champagne at the American Bar.

Tulum, Mexico
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Photo: Getty Images

For the bride who wants to balance tranquility and fun—sunrise yoga, mezcal at sunset, and vibrant nightlife in between. Whether you re unwinding by the beach or dancing under the stars, Tulum offers the best of both worlds.

Stay: Be Tulum is barefoot luxury at its finest—breezy, beautifully curated, and tucked between the jungle and the sea, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and high-energy vibes.

Mexico City, Mexico
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A solo bachelorette playground of world-class art, street tacos, and rooftop cocktails—all in one vibrant, walkable city.

Stay: Las Alcobas is intimate, design-forward, and perfectly located in Polanco for chic solo exploring (and unbeatable food).

Bali, Indonesia
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If your ideal solorette is part spiritual retreat, part sensory reset, Bali delivers in every way—from healing rituals to rice field views.

Stay: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay blends ocean views with Balinese serenity, perfect for solo rituals, spa time, and a total reset.

Seoul, South Korea
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Equal parts skincare mecca and street food paradise, Seoul is perfect for the beauty-loving, trend-savvy bride-to-be.

Stay: RYSE, Autograph Collection is bold, creative, and centrally located—ideal for late-night shopping and solo café hopping.