More women are taking charge of travel plans than ever before. In fact, 82% of women are the decision-makers when it comes to family trips. Whether it’s solo adventures or trips with family and friends, women are leading the way in travel.
Today, 64% of travelers worldwide are women, and they’re exploring more destinations and trying new types of trips. Solo travel is especially popular, with nearly 40% of women planning to travel alone in 2025. This trend is even stronger among women aged 55 and older, with 21% preferring solo trips over traveling with family.
Lauran Peoples, a travel director in Canada, says solo travel is empowering. “Traveling alone feels like a small act of rebellion. It’s a way to take care of yourself, find joy, and discover who you really are. Every time I return from a solo trip, I feel braver and more confident.”
Women are also choosing destinations that feel safe, welcoming, and culturally rich. To help with this, here are some popular ways women are traveling today:
Solo Travel for Women
Searches for “solo female travel” have grown 1,000% in the last 10 years. Women planning solo trips often prioritize safety and how welcoming a destination feels. According to a survey by Solo Female Travelers, 66% of women say safety is their top concern.
Some of the safest and most popular destinations for solo female travelers include Spain, Australia, Nordic countries, Thailand, the UK, Singapore, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Japan. Japan, known for its low crime rate, is especially loved by solo travelers. Georgia Fowkes, a travel expert, shared, “Japan was the easiest place I’ve ever traveled alone. Whether in busy Tokyo or quiet Kyoto, I always felt safe, even at night.” She also appreciated women-only train cars and capsule hotels designed for women.
New Zealand is another favorite. Fiona Spinks, a travel blogger, said, “The views are amazing, but what really stood out was how friendly the people were. When I hiked the Abel Tasman track, strangers shared stories and food. It felt like a community experience.”
To support women-owned businesses during solo trips, the travel community Wanderful created a map highlighting women-owned shops, cafes, and hotels around the world.
Women-Only Group Trips
Traveling with other women can be a lot of fun. Kimberlee Lauer, who often travels with her female friends, said, “I laugh more when I travel with women. We can be spontaneous and silly together, and even when things go wrong, we still have a great time. I’ve traveled with men before, but it’s just not the same as traveling with my girlfriends!”
In short, women are reshaping travel by exploring the world on their own terms, whether solo or with friends, and choosing destinations that make them feel safe and welcome.
