Besides, solo travelling has become the most popular getaway for women in their middle and old age, making them recognise themselves, identify their interests, seek knowledge, and apply new experiences. The rise in demand for vacation tours, disclosed in the recent tourism study, prompts travel companies to change their strategy to better appeal to this empowered demographic.
A New Chapter for Middle-Aged Women
Older women, especially widowed, divorced, or those whose partners are uninterested in travelling, form a significant part of this trend. Travel companies like Road Scholar, which cater to people over 50, report that 85% of their solo clients are women. Though married, many women prefer to go on appliances solo because they are unindulged with their spouses in their common interests.
“There’s a space that’s normalising and encouraging travel for older women, particularly for those whose partners can’t or don’t wish to travel,” said Renata Haas, head of adventure operations at Natural Habitat Adventures. The company’s “Women in the Wild” travel experiences have been in high demand. Thus, a 75% increase in capacity in the past year and the plans to double the offerings in 2025 were designed.
This thought is repeated by Beth Whitman, the CEO of WanderTours, who specifically points out that a large section of the people in her customer base are retirees who have extra money and are used to spending it on high-quality women-only experiences. “It’s become more acceptable for women to leave their families, partners, or spouses behind and travel with a group of like-minded women,” she said.
The Financial Power of Solo Female Travelers
This growing demographic also represents a significant financial opportunity. Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World, emphasised that the travel industry has long underestimated the financial resources many women command. Her company attracts solo women travellers who are eager and able to spend on luxury experiences that prioritise comfort and adventure.
Not only have male travellers used the services of self-guided tours of cycling and hiking trips of Macs Adventure, but men’s use of the company’s guided tours has also increased. However, women make up 56% of the total solo travellers booking with the same travel service, and thus, women, in general, are showing themselves increasingly independent from being guided.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the current positive global trend, solo female travellers experience some peculiar hardships. Carin Smith, a 61-year-old journalist from South Africa, remembers being unable to sit facing the river at a restaurant in Venice because she was alone. The discrimination aimed at women, even those who travel as a majority at the moment, is gradually being erased by the travel industry. Different companies are now creating a more inclusive and comfortable environment for women.
A New Era of Empowerment
As women’s appetite for solo adventures grows, travel operators respond with tailored offerings emphasising safety, community, and high-quality experiences. From luxury tours to adventure expeditions, the rise of solo female travel signals a shift in how women view independence and exploration.
In 2025, women aren’t just travelling alone—they’re reclaiming their time, embracing their freedom, and proving that the world is ready for them, one journey at a time.
