International Women’s Day saw Euronews Travel engaging with women-led travel companies to explore what women are truly seeking in their travel experiences. According to Virtuoso’s August 2024 trends report and Skift, there’s a notable rise in women travelers; 71 percent of solo travelers are women, including a substantial 25 percent aged 65 or older.
Shared experiences, cultural immersion, and a search for authenticity define the modern female traveler’s preferences, as per a 2024 Global Rescue Survey. This trend has spurred female entrepreneurs to initiate innovative ventures in the travel industry.
For many women, the quest for genuine travel experiences outside the traditional tourist benchmarks leads to a preference for smaller, often more intimate tours and less-visited destinations. Travel organizers cater to this trend by offering niche experiences that include culinary journeys, creative workshops, and visits to meet local artisans and entrepreneurs. These specialized ventures not only facilitate authentic cultural exchanges but also empower travelers with unique skills and perspectives.
Active holidays, including walking, biking, and hiking excursions, are another trend among female travelers. These offerings not only fulfill the desire for social connections and a sense of accomplishment but also cater to a desire for active lifestyles with a community of like-minded individuals.
Moreover, the desire for thrilling experiences and exploration isn’t confined to youth; women of all ages are embracing adventure travel, challenging the notion that age is a barrier to trying new experiences or pushing personal limits.
Safety, however, remains a concern for women travelers. Travel companies are addressing this by curating travel experiences that prioritize comfort and security, often through partnerships with women-owned hotels and transport services, employing female guides with a nuanced understanding of local culture and potential challenges, and providing robust support systems for their clients.
In essence, the future of women in travel seems to be one of seeking authenticity, embracing personal growth, and pursuing adventures with confidence, all while being well-supported by an expanding ecosystem of women-led travel enterprises.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/03/08/unleashing-adventure-how-women-only-touring-holidays-are-transforming-travel-experiences
