By Jessy Hamel
Originally published in Media Decision | Dec 27, 2024
Forget waiting for the perfect travel companion. Women across the globe are packing their bags, booking solo trips, and turning vacations into journeys of adventure and self-discovery. Solo travel is surging among women ahead of the new year, marking a big industry moment as more women embrace traveling alone. According to the American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, 76% of Millennial and Gen Z travelers planned solo trips this year — a number projected to grow in 2025.
Hilton’s Annual Trends Report further confirms this shift, noting that 47% of travelers are already traveling on their own, so much so that Hilton incorporated them into the design of its hotels and restaurants. They refer to this trend as “MeMooning,” reflecting the growing popularity of solo travel, with women leading the charge. Like a honeymoon or babymoon, but taken alone, “MeMooning” reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing wellness and self-care. Travelers embracing this trend opt for experiences that allow them to connect with themselves, explore new cultures, and gain personal enrichment.
Breaking Barriers in Adventure Travel
Women are also making waves in adventure tourism. The Adventure Travel Trade Association reports that women now account for over half of adventure bookings. To go one step further, it’s also the most popular type of travel for women over 50.
Adventure Life’s Antarctica expeditions and Escape Adventures’ Mountain Bike Canyonlands tours in Utah draw interest from female adventurers seeking extreme experiences and cultural immersions. Additionally, Geographic Expeditions’ “Women of the World” collection tailors unique, women-only trips to destinations like Turkey and Cuba.
The Travel Industry Responds to a Growing Market
Recognizing the economic potential of solo female travelers, destinations and hospitality providers are adapting quickly. Resorts are stepping up their game with complimentary solo traveler programs, including mindfulness walks and creative workshops.
Destinations like Japan and Costa Rica embrace the trend, introducing women-only tours and accommodations that cater to this growing market.
Safety-conscious destinations are always popular, with places like New Zealand, Iceland, and Portugal among solo female travelers’ top picks. These locations offer low crime rates, robust infrastructure, and welcoming cultural attitudes.
Top Solo Travel Destinations for Women in 2025:
Lisbon, Portugal
Thanks to Air Portugal (TAP)’s Stopover Program, I try to tack on a few days in Lisbon whenever I’m in Europe. It’s a gorgeous city known for its safety and affordability, making it a top choice for solo female travelers.
The people are wonderful, the food is incredible, and it has a thriving digital nomad community.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I’ve extensively traveled solo in Scotland, and Edinburgh has always made a great home base for those adventures. Edinburgh offers a magical mix of history, charm, and safety for solo travelers.
The city’s walkable neighborhoods, like the medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, are perfect for feeling like a local.
London, England
My first solo trip was to London. Its great public transportation and lack of language barrier checked a lot of boxes for me. As a multicultural city, London provides solo travelers with endless opportunities for exploration and connection.
Many women-centric exhibits and education are available, with a huge focus on major female players throughout history, such as Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a Mediterranean gem ideal for solo adventurers. Its stunning UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, low crime rates, and well-developed tourism infrastructure make it a hassle-free destination.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai’s affordability, strong expat community, and focus on wellness retreats make it a haven for women traveling alone. Ancient temples, bustling markets, and cooking classes offer endless opportunities for cultural immersion.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul combines a cutting-edge environment with beautiful cultural traditions, making it a unique destination for solo female travelers. The city’s advanced public transportation and women-only subway cars prioritize safety, while cool neighborhoods like Hongdae and traditional tea houses in Insadong offer diverse experiences.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Known for its exceptional safety and bike-friendly infrastructure, Copenhagen is ideal for solo exploration. Its focus on sustainability, cozy hygge culture, and cutting-edge design creates an almost inspirational atmosphere.
You can wander through royal palaces or ride a roller coaster at Tivoli Gardens; the region perfectly mixes relaxation and adventure.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto’s tranquil atmosphere and deeply rooted cultural traditions make it a serene destination for solo travelers. The city’s meticulously preserved historical districts, tea houses, and iconic temples offer profound insights into Japanese culture.
With its emphasis on safety and respect for personal space, Kyoto invites peaceful exploration.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s welcoming vibe makes it a favorite among independent travelers. I visited solo for a week during tulip season, and it was such a wonderful experience.
The city’s extensive canal network, bicycle-friendly streets, and renowned museums, like the Van Gogh Museum, make it the perfect spot for a solo adventure.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, a stunning city known for its safety and welcoming atmosphere, offers solo travelers an incredible blend of urban and natural experiences. Adventurers can enjoy walkable neighborhoods, diverse cultural districts, and endless outdoor activities in a city where mountains meet the ocean.
Redefining Travel
As women continue to redefine travel in 2025, solo journeys are becoming less about isolation and more about empowerment, self-discovery, and connection. These experiences reflect a growing movement toward prioritizing individual growth and adventure. With the industry adapting to meet their needs, solo female travelers are not just shaping their narratives but travel itself.
Since 1992, we at Escape Adventures have been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Each successive season, our passion for adventure grows through memorable moments with our guests. Fresh air, faith, fitness and friends are the building blocks for our ventures, the treasured experiences that keep us moving forward. For those of you who have trekked and traveled with us over the past quarter century, Heather and I express our sincerest gratitude. The memories are priceless.
