The solo female travel movement has become one of the most remarkable shifts in the global tourism industry.
Today, women make up 64% of global travelers, and an astonishing 71% of all solo travelers are female.
What was once a niche market is now shaping mainstream travel trends, fueled by growing independence, digital platforms, and shifting cultural norms.
What Are the Key Female Travel Statistics in 2025?
- 53% of women now travel solo because they actively prefer it – not because they lack companions.
- 64% of global travelers are women, underscoring their dominance in shaping tourism.
- 71% of all solo travelers are female, making women the clear leaders in this niche.
- Women make 80–82% of all travel decisions, showing their remarkable influence on the industry.
- The female travel market is worth $125 billion annually and continues to grow.
How Fast Is Solo Female Travel Growing?
The popularity of solo female travel is rising at an astonishing pace. Over the past three years alone, solo trips by women have increased by more than 60%. In the U.S., more than 32 million single women travel every year, and the solo female travel market has grown by 230%, reaching an estimated $125 billion.
Interestingly, 54% of British women say they are now more likely to travel solo than before. In the UK, 59% of female clients book more solo trips compared to ten years ago. Younger generations are also driving growth: 85% of Gen Z women travel solo to meet new people, and 87% of women overall say they seek independence and self-discovery through solo journeys.
Who Are Female Solo Travelers?
Solo female travel is not limited to one age group. In fact, the demographic spread is wider than many expect:
| Age Group | Share of Solo Female Travelers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18–24 (Gen Z) | 37.7% | Often travel for social connections |
| 25–44 (Millennials) | 42% | Balance between work and personal freedom |
| 45+ (Boomers & Seniors) | 81% (in some surveys) | Average age: 57 in UK, 47 in US |
| 50+ in Australia | 30% (past 5 years) | “Grey gap year” trend |
This proves that solo female travel spans across generations, from adventurous Gen Z travelers to financially independent Baby Boomers.
What Are the Main Safety Concerns for Female Travelers?
Safety remains the single biggest concern for women considering solo travel. A staggering 70% of female travelers report feeling anxious about safety, up from 64% just a year earlier. Among women with limited solo travel experience, 78% say they feel unsafe, compared to 59% of more seasoned solo travelers.
Additionally, 68% of women cite safety as their number one consideration when planning trips. As a result, women-only group travel is gaining popularity, with 65% expressing interest in joining such tours. In fact, 14% of women already plan to take a women-only trip in 2025.
| Concern | % of Women Affected |
|---|---|
| General anxiety about safety | 70% |
| Feel unsafe with little solo travel experience | 78% |
| Feel unsafe with 10+ solo trips | 59% |
| Cite safety as #1 consideration | 68% |
When it comes to destinations, the safest countries for solo female travelers include Switzerland, Ireland, Canada, the Nordic countries, Japan, Portugal, Spain, and Poland.
How Much Do Female Travelers Contribute to the Economy?
Women are not only changing how people travel — they are changing the economics of the industry. Globally, women make up 80–82% of all travel-related purchasing decisions. By 2028, women are projected to control 75% of all discretionary income, further amplifying their influence.
The annual spending power of female travelers is already remarkable. Women are expected to spend $125 billion on travel in 2023 alone. Female-focused travel companies have grown by more than 200% in recent years, reflecting demand for tailored experiences.
Why Do Women Choose Solo Travel?
Travel has become more than leisure for women — it’s empowerment. According to surveys, 86% of women who travel solo feel empowered and adventurous. An overwhelming 90% say they choose solo travel for personal freedom, while many highlight self-growth and the ability to connect with others as key motivations.
Generational differences are also striking: while Gen Z women often travel solo to meet people, women over 50 increasingly view solo travel as part of their “pleasure revenge” lifestyle — reclaiming time, independence, and freedom after years of family or career commitments.
The rise of digital platforms has made solo travel more accessible. Search interest for “female solo travel” grew by 62% in the last three years, reflecting broader cultural acceptance and curiosity.
Do Female Travelers Care About Sustainability?
Women are also shaping the ethical direction of travel. 56% of female travelers say they prioritize eco-friendliness and local ownership in their choices. This preference is pushing the industry toward more sustainable practices and socially responsible tourism.
What Are the Regional Trends in Female Travel?
- U.S.: 72% of solo trips are taken by women; 32 million single women travel annually.
- UK: 59% of travel agencies report more women booking solo trips compared to 10 years ago.
- Global: 64% of all travelers worldwide are women; 71% of solo travelers are female.
- Australia: A growing number of senior women take solo trips, with the “grey gap year” becoming a mainstream travel trend.
| Rank | Country | Reputation/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | High safety index, reliable infrastructure |
| 2 | Ireland | Friendly locals, safe cities |
| 3 | Canada | Low crime rates, multicultural acceptance |
| 4 | Japan | Extremely safe public spaces, efficient transport |
| 5 | Portugal | Popular, affordable, safe for women |
| 6 | Spain | Strong tourism infrastructure |
| 7 | Poland | Ranked high in European safety for women |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of travelers worldwide are women?
As of 2025, women make up 64% of global travelers.
How many solo travelers are female?
An estimated 71% of all solo travelers are women.
Why do women prefer traveling solo?
The majority cite personal freedom, empowerment, and self-discovery as their main reasons.
Is safety a big issue for female travelers?
Yes. Around 70% of women feel anxious about safety, and many opt for women-only tours as a solution.
How much do female travelers spend on tourism?
Women are expected to spend over $125 billion annually on travel.
Do female travelers care about sustainability?
Yes. 56% of women prioritize eco-friendly and locally owned businesses when making travel choices.
What is the average age of a solo female traveler?
The average age is 57 in the UK and 47 in the U.S., though Gen Z and Millennial women are also driving solo travel growth.
Which countries are safest for solo female travelers?
Top-ranked destinations include Switzerland, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Portugal, Spain, and Poland.
Which gender is more likely to travel?
Women are more likely to travel than men, making up 64% of global travelers.
Why are most solo travellers female?
Women often seek empowerment, freedom, and personal growth, which makes solo travel especially appealing.
What is the female travel trend?
The female travel trend refers to the rapid rise of women-led tourism, especially solo female travel, which has grown over 230% in recent years.
Which country is best to visit as a solo female traveler?
Countries like Switzerland, Japan, and Portugal are among the top choices for their safety and strong travel infrastructure.
Is it a good idea to travel alone as a woman?
Yes — with the right preparation and awareness, solo travel can be both safe and deeply rewarding.
Why is solo travelling so scary?
The fear usually comes from safety concerns and social perceptions, though experience and planning often reduce this anxiety.
Who is the girl who travels to every country in the world?
Lexie Alford (known as Lexie Limitless) is recognized as the youngest person to travel to all 196 countries.
Why do girls solo travel?
They do it for freedom, self-discovery, empowerment, and new experiences.
Should I travel alone as a woman?
Yes, if you take precautions. Many women report solo travel as one of the most empowering experiences of their lives.
Is China safe for solo female travellers?
China is generally safe for female travelers, though cultural and language barriers can make navigation challenging.
Where is the safest place for solo female travellers in Europe?
Switzerland, Ireland, and Portugal are considered among the safest destinations.
Which country is best for solo female travel?
Top-rated destinations include Japan, Canada, and Spain for their safety and accessibility.
Is it safe to stay in a hotel alone as a woman?
Yes — most hotels are safe, but women should follow best practices such as securing valuables and choosing reputable accommodations.
Is Norway safe for female travellers?
Yes, Norway consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world for female travelers.
Conclusion
The statistics make one thing clear: female travelers are not just participating in the tourism industry — they are driving it. From their overwhelming influence on travel decisions to their growing solo travel market, women are reshaping the way the world travels.
With concerns about safety still present, we’re seeing the rise of new solutions such as women-only tours and platforms that emphasize trust and security. But beyond the challenges, the solo female travel movement represents empowerment, economic strength, and cultural transformation.
As the numbers show, the future of travel is female.
Sources
- Condor Ferries – Female Travel Statistics
- Atlys – Solo Female Travel Statistics
- Queen on a Journey – Demographic of Solo Female Travellers
- News.com.au – Grey Gap Year Report
- The Australian – 83-Year-Old Widow Trekked Pakistan’s Glaciers Alone
- Daily Telegraph – Safest Places for Solo Female Travellers
- Solo Traveler World – Solo Travel Statistics and Data
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