Solo Female Travel does not mean a “Single” Female Travelling Alone  

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the demographics of female solo travellers. 

Traditionally, the image conjured when hearing the term “solo female traveller” would no doubt involve an independent woman navigating the world alone. Assumptions would be made that she is single, most likely in her 20s or 30s. Further preconceived notions around her hedonistic motivations to travel the world, may also be made. 

However, this stereotype is increasingly outdated for a number of reasons. 

Gone are the days when solo female travel was solely associated with singlehood, loneliness or young female travellers. 

Women of all ages and relationship status crave adventure and life affirming travel experiences. 

Changing world

Today, more and more females with partners are embracing solo female travel and challenging the notion that solo female travel equates to travelling alone as a single woman or that loneliness is the driver behind their journeys.

Interestingly, those with partners, are often older females.  

As Skift points out in their article “​​Married Yet Solo: More Women Are Traveling Without Their Plus-Ones” there has not only been a rise in older solo female travellers, but older married women opting to travel alone. 

One of the significant contributors to this shift is the changing dynamics of relationships and the evolving perceptions of independence within partnerships. 

Put simply, travelling alone as a woman is less likely to raise eyebrows than in the past. 

Within the article, the women interviewed talk of not being held back by a partner who does not share the same interests and wanting to live their “Second best Life”.  

Personally, I’d like to think –  more and more women are finding their voice – rather than keep quietly fantasising about visiting far off places, they are just doing it. 

In return, partners are now positively supporting these adventures.  

The result? 

Women are confidently leaving their significant other home whilst they set off to pursue salsa dancing in Cuba, kayak down Portugal’s Douro River or horse riding across Spain’s Doñana National Park.  

Returning happy and rejuvenated. 

Independence has been achieved, with none of the dynamics of the partnership having been compromised in the process. 

As this video on the Today Show confirms. Not only does it talk of the general rise in solo female travel, but also talks of the benefits independence brings within a relationship. 

As Lisa Tsering,  who features in Today Show video and an article from the Wall Street Journey, points out “Independent travels have strengthened her relationship, she says. Each partner gets to see the person they love fulfilled and happy.”. 

Social media and Solo Female Travel

Further, we cannot ignore how significant a role the rise of social media and online communities has played in normalising solo female travel for women across the globe.

Platforms such Instagram and travel blogs showcase the adventures of women exploring the world solo, inspiring others to do the same. 

Virtual communities, prevalent on Facebook, provide support, advice, and encouragement for women looking to venture across the globe. Creating an online global village that is on hand to provide reassurance to fellow travellers. 

Normalising, solo female travel.

In conclusion, the notion of solo female travel has gone way beyond the  boundaries of age and relationship status, challenging traditional stereotypes and perceptions. 

Solo Female Travel should never imply one is travelling alone as a single woman; instead, it should project an image of a woman in pursuit of her own dreams and goals. 

A woman who simply wants to see the world on her own terms unaccompanied and unhindered by family or friends. 

Let’s leave the woman herself (and whether or not she has a significant other) shrouded in mystery. 

As attitudes towards solo female travel continue to evolve, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the myriad of women who desire to journey alone and explore the world, whether they are single or not.

At Travel with Abeona, we offer a range of luxury travel experiences for women travelling alone.

To begin your luxury solo female travel journey get in contact with our team of luxury travel planners by email abeona@travelwithabeona.com and we’ll be in touch to hear all about your trip so you can stop dreaming and start planning.