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Osnaživanje, stil i inspiracija spajaju se u svakom izdanju našeg magazina.
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December 27, 2025
Solo female travel is not a new phenomenon. However, it has only become a major trend over the past five years. Female solo travel has recorded a 50% increase since 2020, and in the past year alone, the number of women travelers grew by eight percent. According to data published by the U.S. Travel Association, every third woman is interested in taking a solo trip. What happened during these few years to spark such a shift?
Solo female travel has grown in popularity because the way we live, work, and define our personal needs has fundamentally changed. Social perceptions have shifted as well: traveling alone is no longer seen as unusual or as a sign of loneliness, but increasingly as an expression of independence and self-confidence, especially among women and younger generations. At the same time, the need for a mental reset, self-reflection, and personal growth has intensified. Travel is no longer just a break from everyday life—it has become a way to step out of routine, reassess one’s life from a different perspective, and regain a sense of control and freedom.
According to the 2025 survey by the Solo Female Travelers Club, women who travel alone most often are baby boomers and members of Generation X. This is a significant insight: these are mature women who are no longer primarily focused on raising children or caring for a nuclear family. For 36% of them, the decision to travel solo is linked to major life changes, such as divorce, the loss of a loved one, or entering the “empty nest” phase. Of course, younger women also travel alone from time to time, but many of them still prefer to travel with others. Women aged 18–24 are more likely to travel with family members or partners.
Discovery, freedom, and self-care are the key motivations driving women toward solo travel. The report The Future of Female-Led Travel: 2025–2030, published by Citizen Femme, highlights self-discovery and experiential travel as the main forces behind this trend. One example from the report shows that luxury safari company Discover Africa recorded a doubling of solo travel inquiries, with women accounting for as much as 70% of all bookings.
The reasons women choose to travel alone can vary by age group. Generation Z travelers may follow recommendations from their favorite influencers, while baby boomers often use solo travel as an opportunity to finally check off long-awaited items from their bucket lists. Still, recent research consistently identifies five main reasons women choose to travel solo.
They want the freedom to do exactly what they want, with the flexibility that solo travel provides. They seek an escape from routine and everyday responsibilities. They value time dedicated entirely to themselves—often referred to as a “MeMoon.” They are drawn to new challenges and opportunities to step outside their comfort zones. And finally, they choose to prioritize their own plans rather than waiting for someone else to join them.
When traveling alone, women face several key challenges. Safety is the biggest concern, with as many as 66% of solo female travelers reporting that it worries them. Traveling without a companion also means there is no one to share expenses with, making budget another important consideration. Other common concerns include language barriers, fear that something might go wrong, getting lost in unfamiliar places, and feelings of loneliness.
Equally important is the freedom to manage their own time and energy. Solo travel often means the absence of compromise—no adjusting to someone else’s pace, plans, or mood. Women want the ability to start and end their days on their own terms, to change plans spontaneously, without explanations or justifications. For many, this is the first space in which they consciously choose themselves.
Rather than following classic tourist routes, women increasingly seek authentic experiences. They are drawn to local culture, small towns, conversations with people, food, and customs that are not shaped by mass tourism. Travel becomes a way to connect with a destination on a deeper level, to understand everyday life, and to find a personal experience rather than just a photo opportunity.
For many women, solo travel is also guilt-free time devoted entirely to themselves. It represents a break from mental and emotional overload—a space for silence, reflection, and rest. Whether through time spent in nature, wellness experiences, or simply a slower pace, travel is seen as an investment in personal health and inner balance. An important part of this experience is the sense of empowerment. Many women return from solo trips with greater self-confidence and a stronger belief in their ability to rely on themselves. Navigating unfamiliar places, making decisions, and overcoming small challenges often turn into personal turning points that extend far beyond the journey itself.
It is no surprise, then, that some of the most popular destinations for solo female travelers globally include Copenhagen (Denmark) and Reykjavik (Iceland)—cities and countries known for extremely low crime rates and strong safety measures. Women also frequently choose Singapore, which is considered one of the safest cities in the world and offers excellent infrastructure, making it easy for solo travelers to organize their stay. Thailand remains popular for its relaxed pace, affordable costs, and strong traveler community. In Europe, solo female travelers often choose Lisbon and Prague, while in the region, Bled and Korčula stand out as preferred destinations. In Greece, Rhodes and Paros are among the top choices.
Photo: Anastasia Shuareva / Pexels.com