An increasing number of women plan to take a women-only trip in 2026, with solo travel also continuing to gain traction for women, though concerns do remain surrounding safety.
The Solo Female Travelers Club’s 2026 Solo Female Travel Survey shows 21% of those surveyed are taking a trip this year, with the demand level increasing for the last three years. It also found that searches for solo female travel have increased fivefold since pre-pandemic levels, with a significant surge in 2025.
. . . Where & Why
The main reasons women are travelling solo are a desire for freedom and flexibility, and to escape responsibilities, this accounting for 85% and 81% of travel respectively. Self-care is also a reason for 76%, while 75% state they are looking for a challenge. Some 58% of women travel solo because they have nobody to go with.
Europe was highlighted as the top international destination for a first solo trip, with the top countries including UK, Italy, Spain and Ireland, while the most desired solo destinations globally are Japan, Iceland, Australia, Italy, Greece, and New Zealand.
As to what influences destination choice, it’s not shopping: 78% are picking a destination based on cultural attractions, 70% based on its beauty and 64% for its local cuisine, with safety, access to nature, weather and friendliness of the locals also cited as being important.
. . . Concerns
The survey found that women worry a lot when traveling solo, with 68% saying they’re concerned about their personal safety, 36% worried something bad will happen and 32% were concerned about feeling lonely.
The report notes that these concerns are brought up year after year with minimal changes, and it also found that these concerns were not entirely unfounded.
Some 16% of solo female travellers say they have feared for their safety in the last 12 months during a solo trip, with 1% of the respondents saying they did not manage to keep themselves safe. See more HERE.
. . . Revenue Stream
Some Kiwi agents and brokers are captialising on the demand, but offering escorted tours for solo travellers. Anecdotally the agents say the tours are profitable, and have a high rate of repeat business. In addition a growing number of cruise lines and tour operators are waiving solo supplements.
