Women-Only Tours and Trips: Why Female Travel Groups Are Taking Off

Women-only tours are having a major moment in travel. Today’s travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that offer independence, connection, and flexibility, with many women embracing travel as a way to explore the world confidently and on their own terms. As a result, interest in solo female travel and women-focused trips has exploded, and travel companies are racing to keep up.

From small-group adventures to women-only cruises and retreats, there are now more options than ever for women who want to travel safely, confidently, and in good company. Here is a closer look at why women-only travel is booming and what makes these trips so special.

Women are no longer waiting for a partner, a group of friends, or the perfect timing to travel. They are planning trips for themselves, and often for their families and friends too.

A big reason for the rise in women-only tours is simple: demand. More travelers are choosing to explore the world on their own, and women make up a growing share of the solo travel community.

Searches for solo female travel have surged in recent years, and many tour operators report that most of their solo guests are female and that women now make more than half of their adventure bookings.

Travel brands are responding with:

• Small-group women-only tours in popular and off the beaten path destinations
• Women-only departures on adventure and expedition trips
• More solo-friendly cabins and pricing structures on ships and tours
• Itineraries that highlight women leaders, local women-run businesses, and female guides

Far from being a niche, women-only travel has grown into a powerful movement that centers safety, connection, and empowerment.

Safety is the number one concern for many women who would love to travel but feel hesitant about going alone. This is where women-only tours shine.

In a women-only group you get:

• Strength in numbers, which feels reassuring in unfamiliar places
• Fellow travelers who understand your concerns and look out for each other
• Local guides who choose safe neighborhoods, vetted accommodations, and trusted partners

That support can make a big difference in destinations where solo women might feel exposed or where cultural norms are more conservative.

For many women, a group tour is the perfect bridge between traveling with others and eventually traveling solo. Surveys show a large majority of women who have never traveled alone would feel more comfortable doing so if they were part of a group, and many would specifically choose an all-women group.

With logistics handled and safety prioritized, you are free to focus on what you came for: enjoying the experience instead of worrying about what could go wrong.

Women-only travel is not just about feeling safe. It is also about feeling strong.

There is something powerful about being surrounded by women who share your curiosity and courage. In an all-female group, travelers often encourage one another to:

• Try new activities

• Tackle challenges

• Speak up and ask questions

• Step outside their comfort zones

Maybe you sign up for a hike you would never do alone, or you navigate a busy city that once felt intimidating. Watching other women succeed sends a quiet but powerful message: if she can do it, maybe you can too.

Many women-only tours lean into this idea of empowerment by:

• Choosing all-female guide teams or crews

• Partnering with women-owned businesses and social enterprises

• Including workshops, talks, or visits that highlight women leaders and change-makers

You are not just checking destinations off a list. You are traveling in a way that celebrates women and often come home with a stronger sense of confidence and possibility.

One of the biggest joys of women-only travel is the community that forms along the way.

You may start the trip as strangers, but you already have a lot in common: a love of travel, a willingness to try something new, and a bit of bravery for showing up. That makes it very easy to connect.

On a typical women-only tour you might:

• Share stories over breakfast with someone from another country

• Cheer each other on during a challenging hike or activity

• Laugh your way through a cooking class or dance workshop

• End the day with a glass of wine and a heart to heart you did not expect

For women who do not always have a travel buddy at home, these trips are a game changer. Instead of waiting for friends or family to join, you step into a ready-made circle of like-minded women.

Many groups stay in touch long after the trip ends. WhatsApp chats continue, photos are shared, and reunion trips are often planned. In the end, the friendships can matter just as much as the destination.

Women-only travel has also helped more women say yes to true adventure.

In the past, some women skipped rugged or remote destinations because they were worried about safety, logistics, or simply did not have a partner who wanted to go. Now, women-only adventure trips are showing that the outdoors and high-energy travel are absolutely for women too.

You can find women-only groups that:

• Trek in Patagonia, Nepal, or the Alps

• Climb peaks such as Kilimanjaro

• Kayak, surf, or sail in coastal destinations

• Join wildlife safaris and polar expeditions with female guides

Having expert leaders and a group behind you removes a lot of the fear factor. You do not have to figure out routes, gear, or safety alone. You get the thrill of pushing your limits, with a guide and a group who are there to support you.

For many travelers, these trips turn into life milestones: the first time summiting a mountain, camping in the wilderness, or seeing penguins in Antarctica. Doing that surrounded by a team of women cheering you on adds another layer of meaning.

Women-only trips are just as diverse as the women who book them. There is no one type of traveler and there is no single style of trip. Popular options include:

Cultural and Learning Journeys

If you love history, food, and local stories, cultural tours are a great fit. These trips might include:

• Cooking classes with local women

• Visits to women-run cooperatives and social enterprises

• Guided tours with female historians or guides

• Home-hosted meals with local families

In some destinations, an all-women group can open doors to spaces that are traditionally female, which gives you a more intimate look at daily life.

Wellness and Self-Care Retreats

Wellness focused women-only escapes center on rest, reflection, and self-care. Think:

• Yoga and meditation retreats

• Spa and thermal bath getaways

• Creative or journaling workshops

• Nature-based retreats in mountains, forests, or by the sea

Because the vibe is supportive and non-judgmental, many women feel more comfortable truly unwinding and showing up as themselves.

Active and Outdoor Adventures

For women who love moving their bodies, there are:

• Hiking and trekking trips

• Cycling tours

• Surf and paddle retreats

• Multi-sport adventures that mix hiking, paddling, and more

These trips often welcome mixed skill levels and focus on encouragement rather than competition. You learn, improve, and celebrate each other’s progress along the way.

Girls’ Trips, Mothers and Daughters, and Bonding Getaways

Not every woman-only trip is for solo travelers. Many groups consist of:

• Friends planning a big birthday or reunion

• Sisters or cousins wanting to reconnect

• Mothers and daughters sharing a special adventure

Women-only travel companies make it easy by handling the logistics and offering itineraries specifically designed with bonding and fun in mind. You get quality time together, plus the chance to meet other women and widen your circle.