Women-only travel: how this movement is reshaping tourism - Women-only destinations

Safety, autonomy, and a sense of community are driving a wave of trips planned exclusively for women—and the effect is already spreading throughout the tourism chain.

Who decides — and where the money goes

Women have a strong influence on the industry: they make the majority of travel purchasing decisions and, globally, represent the largest share of travelers. At the same time, female financial independence is growing, with recent reports showing women are wealthier on average than ever before, and in some markets, young women are already surpassing men in average annual income. This combination of choice and spending power helps explain why tour operators created "by and for women" have grown significantly in recent years, while large companies are adding women-only product lines and seeing bookings soar.

Search data reflects this phenomenon: between 2020 and 2025, terms like "travel companies for solo women travelers" and "solo travel for women" saw significant growth in interest. Meanwhile, luxury travel chains report that the majority of solo travelers are women .

Why do they choose all-female groups?

Two reasons frequently appear:

• Cost : Traveling in a group spreads out expenses — a sensitive point for those considering their first solo trip.

• Safety : many women feel more at ease on trips without men, which reduces daily concerns about exposure, as well as reducing “unknowns” about behaviors during prolonged cohabitation.

But there's a third decisive factor for women-only destinations: connection . Travelers report that all-female groups create an emotionally safe environment , where conversations about topics often overlooked in everyday life—menopause, motherhood, empty nest, career changes—flow without judgment. For some, this sense of "sisterhood" was so transformative that it inspired them to found new women-led agencies.

Cultural access and experiences that did not exist in mixed groups

Tour operators began designing women's expeditions specifically to unlock women-only encounters and spaces in more conservative destinations. The result: more genuine conversations with locals, visits to family homes, beaches, and clubs where men aren't allowed—experiences that broaden cultural understanding and would be unfeasible in mixed groups.

Practical support for active travel - Exclusive destinations for women

On trails, treks, and adventure tours, the presence of a female guide and an all-female group often transforms the dynamic: techniques are taught without paternalism, challenges are embraced, and collective encouragement boosts individual confidence. The focus shifts from "proving something" to evolving with support .

The multiplier effect on the destination's economy

Women already represent more than half of the tourism workforce . When travel revenue circulates through women-owned businesses , the positive impact tends to spread: more jobs for women, more income in communities, and greater autonomy. Some tour operators have taken on clear goals—from employing and training female guides (becoming leaders in countries like India and Morocco) to including stops that fund local initiatives dedicated to women, such as cafes and support centers for survivors of violence. There are also traveling empowerment retreat models that, since 2019, have allocated resources to scholarships, exchanges, conservation projects, and women's health in Africa.

Exclusive Destinations for Women - Where the Industry is Headed

The message is simple: women-only travel isn't a passing fad. It meets objective needs (price and safety), the desire for belonging , and produces measurable social benefits in destinations. By choosing an itinerary designed by and for women, travelers enjoy a richer experience—and help sustain a network that empowers other women along the way.

Go Girls Travel: all women-only destinations in one place. See list