The Rise of Female Travel: How Women are Dominating the Industry

Over the last few years, the travel industry has experienced a significant shift, with more and more women taking to the road and exploring the world on their own terms. Solo female travel has become increasingly popular, and women are also dominating the travel industry in clubs and groups. This trend is not only changing the travel industry but also the way women are perceived as travelers. In this blog, we will explore why women are traveling more now than ever before and how they are making their mark in the travel industry.

Changing Status

There are several reasons why women are traveling more, but the most important one is the changing social and economic status of women. In the past, women had limited access to education, job opportunities, and financial independence. However, with the rise of the feminist movement over the years, women have gained more freedom and autonomy in their lives. This has led to an increase in the number of women who are financially independent and have the means to travel and explore the world.

According to a study by the George Washington University School of Business, women represent the majority of leisure travelers. In 2019, women made up 65% of all leisure travelers, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. This trend is also reflected in the number of solo female travelers. According to a survey by the website Solo Traveler, 87% of their readers are women. The survey also found that the number of women traveling solo has increased by 88% between 2015 and 2019.

Solo Female Travel

Solo travel has been on the rise for a while, with more and more people choosing to travel alone. However, the trend has been particularly pronounced among women. According to a survey by Booking.com, women are more likely to take solo trips than men, with 72% of women saying that they have traveled alone at least once, compared to 65% of men.

Independence & Empowerment

One reason for the rise of solo female travel is changing attitudes toward women's independence and empowerment and women’s desire to have them. Women today have much more freedom than they did in the past and are more likely to pursue their passions and interests, including travel. Traveling solo allows women to explore new places, meet new people, and experience new cultures on their own terms, without having to compromise or make concessions for others. It also provides an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. In fact, the Solo Traveler survey found that 60% of female solo travelers said that their trips were empowering and helped them gain more confidence. Who doesn’t want more of that?!

Personally, one of the things that I have always loved about traveling on my own is making all the decisions about where I want to go, where I want to stay, my mode of transportation, where I’m eating, and what I spend my time doing. It’s nice to not have to run every little thing by a travel partner. That way every solo trip I take is exactly the trip I want it to be in every way. I know that may sound a little selfish, but that’s the beauty of traveling alone. You CAN be since you have no one to answer to but yourself! That probably sounds like a dream come true for women who have spent their lives doing everything for other people and who have always put their wants and desires on the back burner. Don’t let it just be a dream, make it your reality!

Travel Apps

Another factor contributing to the rise of solo female travel is the proliferation of travel technology and social media. With the rise of travel apps, online reviews, and social media platforms, women are now able to research and plan their trips more easily and connect with other solo female travelers. This has made it easier and safer for women to travel alone and has given them more confidence to explore the world. Wander and Soul Travel & Lifestyle Club created its own app for female travelers to connect with others, research, plan, and book trips (or have them planned and booked for you), have access to major discounts and giveaways, and a whole lot more! You can learn all about the benefits here.

Female-Only

Solo female travel has also been boosted by a growing number of companies that cater specifically to women. These companies offer everything from female-only hostels and tours to travel insurance tailored to women's needs. This has created a more supportive and safer environment for women who want to travel alone and has helped break down some barriers that may have previously prevented women from embarking on solo travel adventures.

Travel Clubs and Groups

While solo travel is on the rise, many women also enjoy traveling in groups. Because of this, there has been a significant increase in the number of women-only travel clubs in recent years. According to a report by the George Washington University School of Business, women make up 80% of the members of travel clubs.

Travel clubs and groups offer a variety of benefits to female travelers, including safety, companionship, and the opportunity to explore new places with like-minded individuals. These groups range from casual meetups and social events to more structured travel itineraries and tours. According to a survey by Intrepid Travel, 58% of their customers are women, and 65% of their bookings are made by solo female travelers. Also, a report by MMGY Global found that 75% of women who travel on guided tours do so with other women.

Safety & Security

One of the reasons that women enjoy traveling in groups is that it offers a greater sense of security and safety. Women-only travel clubs and groups often provide a supportive and protective environment, which can be particularly important for women who may be traveling to unfamiliar or potentially dangerous destinations. They can make the difference between whether you make your dream come true or not by going to a country you’ve always wanted to explore but were too wary of going on your own.

Connect with Others

Another great thing about travel clubs and groups is that they offer the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. This can be particularly appealing to women who may not have a lot of friends who share their passion for travel. By joining a travel club, women can connect with other women who share their interests and passions. For example, there are travel groups for women who love hiking, food and wine, yoga, or photography. These groups not only provide an opportunity to travel but also to learn new skills and engage in activities that they may not have tried on their own while forming long-lasting friendships. According to a survey by Booking.com, 72% of women who have traveled with friends said it strengthened their relationships, and 59% said it helped them bond with their travel companions.

Travel Bloggers & Influencers

The rise of women-only travel groups is also reflected in the high number of female travel bloggers and influencers out there today. These women have a significant impact on the travel industry and inspire other women to travel and explore new destinations. According to a survey by the website, We Are Travel Girls, 84% of female travelers said they have been influenced by travel bloggers or influencers.

Affordability

Finally, travel clubs and groups can offer a more affordable and hassle-free way to travel. By pooling resources and sharing expenses, women can save money on accommodation, transportation, and other travel expenses. They also take care of all the logistical details of travel, such as booking hotels and activities, which can make travel planning much easier and less stressful, especially if you’re not the type of person who enjoys looking after all the details yourself!

Final Thoughts

Statistics clearly demonstrate that women are increasingly taking charge of their travel experiences, whether it be through solo travel or in travel clubs and groups. The travel industry is taking notice and responding to this trend by offering more tailored and supportive services for female travelers.

With Wander and Soul Travel & Lifestyle Club, you have all the resources you could ever need right at your fingertips with our app, whether you want to travel solo or with a group of like-minded ladies. This club is exclusively for women who love to travel and connect with others with the same interests. Remember, how you travel matters. It’s not just where you go, but how the journey shapes you! Learn more about all the amazing benefits of becoming a member of our Travel & Lifestyle Club here. Or if you love planning and booking all your own holidays, check out Wander Wise, our private DISCOUNT travel booking site where we guarantee the best price on hotels, cruises, car & house rentals, and more!