gone girl
As summer slips into the rearview, the end of the travel season stirs mixed emotions. For some, it’s the blissful recollection of sandy beaches, sun-soaked cities, and well-earned breaks. But for others, it’s the itch to break free from the mundane , craving the next adventure that could take them to places they’ve never been. Enter the trend that’s been steadily taking the travel world by storm: solo travel, particularly for women over 40.
In a world where women are embracing their financial freedom, independence, and the ability to set their own pace, solo travel isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement. Women are stepping away from the conventional, opting for self-guided journeys that affirm their autonomy, deepen their self-awareness, and allow them to experience the world on their own terms. When a woman enjoys her own company, it is powerful. It’s sometimes difficult for men to appreciate or comprehend because society has set them up to depend on women’s emotional labor to complete and coordinate their worlds. Women, on the other hand, are self-sufficient and secure in their desires. Female travel is not only increasing in popularity, but it is also becoming the driving force for growth in the travel and tourism sector worldwide.
Women are increasingly tired of waiting for her dream vacation, the one that aligns perfectly with their schedule, a potential partner’s interests, or a social circle that may not always be available. Gone are the days when women put their travel dreams on hold, waiting for the right companion or the ideal moment. This shift reflects a broader cultural change where women are reclaiming their autonomy—not just in everyday life, but also in their travel choices. The girlies have learned to stop waiting for permission to take that solo trip, and they’ve stopped deferring their happiness to someone else’s timeline.
Female travel is not only increasing in popularity, but it is also becoming the driving force for growth in the travel and tourism sector worldwide.
For many women, the act of packing up, booking flights, and checking into a hotel on their own is an act of profound liberation. It’s a declaration that they are worthy of their own time and experiences. The thrill of independence lies not just in choosing the destination but in embracing the freedom to curate the entire journey according to their own desires. There’s no need to negotiate or compromise over the itinerary; they can explore the places they've always wanted to visit without anyone else’s input or approval. The allure of a solo vacation is about making the world bend to their needs for a change—no compromises, no waiting.
This transformation is a natural extension of the autonomy many women feel in other areas of their lives. After all, women are self-sufficient and secure in their desires. She no longer need a partner or a group to validate her travel choices. Instead, sis is packing her bags and booking flights because her time and happiness is valuable and not dependent on others. Whether it’s a weekend retreat, a cultural immersion abroad, or an adventure to a bucket-list destination, solo travel has become the ultimate expression of self-love and empowerment. The world is ready to be explored on their terms, and the notion of waiting for the “perfect” trip is simply a thing of the past.
45% of solo bookings made by women
The changing face of holiday travel comes as single women and solo travelers—especially those in their 40s—are on the rise. According to recent studies, 64% of travelers worldwide are female, while only 36% are male, signaling that the travel market is increasingly being shaped by women’s decisions and desires. In fact, 73% of travel agents agree that women are more likely to travel solo than men, highlighting a shift in how women view travel—not just as a means of escape but as a profound act of independence and personal growth.
While solo travel has always been a staple for backpackers and gap-year adventurers, today’s solo travelers are a much more diverse group. In fact, the demographic of solo female travelers is growing steadily, with a 42% increase in solo traveler bookings between 2015 and 2017, and 45% of solo bookings made by women, according to HostelWorld Group. Over 60,000 women traveled alone between 2018 and 2019, showcasing a monumental leap in how women are shaping their own travel experiences.
What makes this particular demographic—women over 40—so significant in the world of solo travel is the increasing freedom and control they now possess. These women are financially independent, have the flexibility to explore new destinations, and are making travel decisions without the need for validation from others. This trend is revolutionizing the travel industry, and women are taking the lead.
These women are financially independent, have the flexibility to explore new destinations, and are making travel decisions without the need for validation from others.
One of the major factors driving this wave of solo female travelers is financial independence. Women today have more financial power than ever before. With a spending power of $15 trillion, women are not just the primary consumers; they are also a force that drives industries—none more so than the travel and tourism sectors. In fact, 54% of well-to-do travelers (those making over $250,000) are female, and women have been shown to spend more on travel than men. This financial freedom allows women to curate travel experiences that align with their values—whether that’s indulging in luxurious accommodations, exploring remote destinations, or opting for bespoke travel packages.
The increased earning power among women over 40 is also reflected in their commitment to self-care and personal fulfillment. As they age, many women become more confident in their desires and needs, knowing exactly what they want from a holiday. No longer willing to compromise on safety, comfort, or experience, women are dedicating more of their disposable income to travel, with 15% of women spending over $250 USD per day on average when traveling. Notably, this figure surpasses what the average male traveler spends.
For many women, solo travel represents more than just a chance to take a vacation; it’s about choosing their own path. Whether it’s a relaxing retreat in the Icelandic wilderness or a cultural exploration through Japan, women over 40 are breaking free from the societal pressures to be ‘on someone else’s timeline.’ In doing so, they are choosing to prioritize themselves, their well-being, and their growth.
No longer willing to compromise on safety, comfort, or experience, women are dedicating more of their disposable income to travel, with 15% of women spending over $250 USD per day on average when traveling.
But what’s the draw of traveling alone? It’s the solitude—a term often misunderstood and, at times, demonized. For women, solitude isn’t about loneliness. It’s about freedom. It’s the freedom to explore new places on your own terms, to engage with the world at your own pace, and to be present with yourself in a way that’s often difficult when surrounded by others. Solo travel gives women the opportunity to cultivate a deeper relationship with themselves.
When a woman enjoys her own company, it is powerful. She sets her own rhythm, follows her own desires, and finds satisfaction in independence. It’s not an easy concept for some men to comprehend, particularly in a society that has long conditioned them to rely on women’s emotional labor to coordinate and complete their worlds. The same men who often ask, “Why would anyone want to go alone?” fail to realize that women are self-sufficient—they are secure in their desires, whether it's a desire for adventure, introspection, or simply a break from the pressures of everyday life.
It is, at its core, an empowering act. The power lies in the choice itself—the ability to say, “I don’t need anyone else to validate my desire to explore the world,” and “I am enough.” These realizations are key drivers in the rise of solo female travelers, especially for those over 40, who are no longer constrained by societal expectations or the traditional roles they were once expected to play.
A growing number of female travelers are opting for destinations that align with their sense of safety and empowerment. In fact, 75% of travelers taking cultural, natural, and adventure trips are women. The desire for unique and enriching travel experiences has led to a rise in demand for off-the-beaten-path destinations like Japan, Iceland, and New Zealand—all of which have earned reputations as safe, welcoming spots for solo female travelers.
75% of travelers taking cultural, natural, and adventure trips are women.
But it’s not just about the destination. It’s about the experience. Women are now seeking to go beyond mere tourism. They want to immerse themselves in local cultures, support local economies, and practice responsible travel. This desire to have an authentic experience drives women to spend more on experiences that align with their personal values, whether that’s sustainable travel, eco-friendly accommodations, or ethical animal experiences. As Vanessa Karel, founder of the women’s travel app Greether, puts it, “Women are the primary decision-makers when it comes to travel spending, and research has shown that they are the ones who are the most interested in sustainable travel, supporting local culture, and being a traveler, rather than a tourist.”
One of the most significant concerns for solo female travelers remains safety. However, as more businesses and travel companies cater to this growing demographic, there’s been a marked improvement in how safety is addressed. For instance, Greether’s app pairs solo female travelers with local women guides to ease concerns and provide a sense of security when exploring unfamiliar destinations. Moreover, many women are now taking steps to safeguard themselves while traveling by opting for travel insurance, booking women-only tours, and choosing smaller, boutique accommodations that allow for greater control over their environment.
In fact, the concern for safety is so prevalent that 73% of women are willing to pay more to feel safe when they travel. This is particularly true when it comes to solo accommodations—46% of women are willing to pay extra for a room of their own, and 43% will splurge on a desired experience, even if it means spending more. These preferences reflect the growing demand for safe, comfortable, and personalized travel experiences—all of which align with the growing trend of female independence in travel.
The growing influence of female travelers is reshaping the entire travel and tourism sector. Companies are beginning to recognize the value of catering to solo female travelers, from offering women-only travel packages to ensuring that accommodations and activities are safe, inclusive, and comfortable for women. The increase in solo female traveler bookings, which rose 45% compared to 40% in male bookings between 2015 and 2017, underscores the industry’s shift toward prioritizing the needs and desires of women.
Travel agencies, airlines, and tourism boards are realizing that they can no longer afford to overlook the female market—especially solo travelers who make up an increasingly large portion of the travel industry. As women continue to spend their $15 trillion in travel, it’s clear that their needs, safety concerns, and interests will continue to influence and drive the global tourism economy.
Moreover, as women over 40 continue to embrace solo travel, their voices will increasingly shape the narrative around independence and self-empowerment. They are showing the world that travel isn’t about seeking validation from others but about creating experiences that resonate with personal growth, self-discovery, and a love for exploration.
As the travel industry evolves, so too does the spirit of adventure that defines solo travel for women. The surge in women over 40 embarking on solo journeys signals not just a growing trend, but a cultural shift in how women approach their personal freedom. By embracing travel as an act of independence, choice, and empowerment, these women are reshaping the travel landscape for the better.
In a world where women have more financial power, independence, and confidence in their desires than ever before, the rise of solo female travel is not just a trend—it’s a movement. Women over 40 are leading the way, proving that there’s nothing more liberating than exploring the world on your own terms. So, the next time you see a solo female traveler, don’t ask, “Why are you going alone?” Instead, ask, “What’s next on your adventure?” Because for women, solo travel is more than just a getaway—it’s a statement of independence, self-sufficiency, and the undeniable power of choosing yourself.