Millennials just want some alone time

Sometimes, Millennials just want to be left alone — even if it’s something as simple as one night in a hotel, with a glass of wine and room service.

Sometimes, Millennials just want to be left alone. It’s as simple as that.

New research conducted by IHG Hotels & Resorts has revealed a staggering 61 cent of Aussies admit they need solo time after the holiday season to recharge and reset – and it’s Millennials leading the charge.

Today, more than ever Millennials are really feeling the pressures of life – whether it be work, finances, juggling the household, feeling too technologically connected – there’s a lot of factors at play and so the rise of self-care has quickly become a thing.

For many, a night or two at a hotel, in a robe, indulging in a few glasses of vino and ordering room service is enough.

According to the research based on 1000 Australians in March 2025, 75 per cent of Aussies aged 25 to 44 are craving me-time.

Jess Minter, a 33-year-old recruiter based in Sydney, mostly prefers to travel on her own.

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Therapist and burnout expert, Sheena Shuay from Sacasana Collective in Queensland, said it’s Millennials who crave it the most.

“Whether you have kids or not … it just feels like there’s always so much to do and alone time gives you an opportunity to really take a breathe,” she said.

“When you’re at a hotel, there’s absolutely no responsibility. I think that’s where it’s coming from, we are all absolutely overloaded with responsibility.

“Never in human history have we actually had the load we have now. We had communities so we weren’t expected to cook every single meal of the week on our own,” she explained.

“We had shared responsibilities, where as now, the more individualistic Australia gets and less community-based we get, the more load individuals have to have because we are not sharing it with our community anymore.”

Ms Shuay said she has seen a rise in solo travel among her clients as Aussies learn the importance of prioritising experiences.

She finds that a solo getaway is the ideal way to reset and recharge, especially when dealing with the constant grind of living in Sydney.

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“I actually think it’s incredibly wise of Millennials to seek time for themselves because these mini getaways are a nervous system reset for one – but also it’s not trying to escape by buying materialistic things” she said.

“You’re actually spending money on an experience rather than buying a handbag to fill a void.

“I think it’s really important for us to acknowledge the importance of experiences rather than things. People are rebelling against material things and so we have money to spend on experiences instead.”

She explained there is something incredibly powerful about a change in environment.

“When you’re at home, people want to contact you or stop by and you feel this urge to do something around the house – it’s like we can’t turn the doing switch off.

“When you’re in a new location it’s almost like you can take a breathe because you’re not in the same routine or house or seeing the same thing and there is something incredibly powerful about that.

She has enjoyed solo stays in places like Thailand and Queensland, with a Bali yoga retreat next on her list as it’s revealed Millennials are craving solo time.

“It’s almost like a permission slip when you say I am going away for the weekend. It’s like you’re telling people ‘don’t contact me’.”

The research also found women are slightly more likely to crave post-holiday alone time than men (64 per cent vs. 58 per cent).

Jess Minter, a 33-year-old recruiter based in Sydney, mostly prefers to travel on her own.

She finds that a solo getaway is the ideal way to reset and recharge, especially when dealing with the constant grind of living in Sydney.

She has enjoyed solo stays in places like Thailand and Queensland, with a Bali yoga retreat next on her list.

She prefers to save up and spend her savings on experiences. Picture: IHG Hotels

“You are not on anyone’s clock – and it’s not often you can just do whatever you want,” she said.

“When I was in Queensland for five days, I hired a car and headed to Port Douglas, spent time on the beach, read my book – it’s a way for me to recharge.”

She also likes to save her money and spend it on more luxurious hotel stays whether it’s locally or abroad.

Dean Jones, Vice President of Commercial, IHG Hotels & Resorts – East Asia & Pacific, said there’s absolutely a shift in the way people travel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has launching a unique concept called NOMO (Night On My Own) at more than 30 properties across Australia and New Zealand from April 28 to June 30, 2025. Picture: IHG Hotels

“We’re hearing more stories of guests checking in for a night to themselves, no meetings, no partners, no kids, just a chance to unplug and have a bit of quiet,” he told news.com.au.

“It’s different to ‘solo travel’ in the traditional sense, but the intent is the same: a space to reset from the demands of the everyday.

He said solo travel has soared over recent years, citing a recent report that predicted more than 1 in 4 travellers were planning to go solo in 2025, which was double previous years.

As such, the hotel group has introduced something unique called NOMO – Night On My Own.

It’sdesigned for one night for guests to get that micro-retreat and reset, without the commitment of extended time away. Picture: IHG Hotels

“I’m going to be widely presumptuous here and say a few things may be tipping this cohort toward a NOMO, particularly those who are balancing the demands of young families and busy professional lives – and I’d hazard a guess that it’s only going to increase after the school holiday period,” he explained.

Mr Jones added it’s designed for one night for guests to get that micro-retreat and reset, without the commitment of extended time away.

“Our hotels had a lot of fun designing the NOMO perks that would draw out the personality of their destination, as well as what’s going to appeal to a NOMO guest at their property.”

“For example, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef is offering a $250 Hayman Spa credit which will instantly appeal to those wanting the ultimate in relaxation, whereas guests of Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets receive a ‘Pamper & Play’ pack, and guests at Crowne Plaza Queenstown receive a chocolate fondue set and blanket set up on the balcony which will connect guests to the outdoors.”

Mr Jones said self-care has never been more important – as is self-awareness, knowing when to hit the reset and how to do it.

“Personally, I’ve found carving out even one night for myself can make a huge difference in how I show up, both professionally and personally,” he told news.com.au.

“I’ve seen first-hand with my team how taking time out can positively impact someone’s overall wellbeing, and I think we’re all starting to appreciate that taking time to yourself isn’t indulgent, it’s maintenance.”