29/04/2026
She Travels Solo
And she’s bringing her friends, too.
More women than ever are claiming the world on their own terms. Solo female travel isn’t a quiet trend anymore; it’s a cultural movement reshaping the entire travel industry. The global solo travel market hit $550 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2033. Women make up as much as 84% of all solo travelers and account for over 54% of the industry’s total revenue.
The Numbers
Nearly 40% of female travelers plan to vacation solo, up 8 points in a single year. 76% of Gen Z and Millennial women plan solo experiences, and 72% of American women have taken at least one solo journey. The #1 motivation? Freedom and flexibility (87%). Escape from routine (83%) and self-care (79%) round out the top three. 86% of women say they’re unafraid to travel, even amid global uncertainties.
Solo, With Friends or Both
Solo travel is a style, not a lifestyle. Only 23% of women travel exclusively alone; the vast majority also travel with friends, family, or on curated group tours. Women-only trips are surging: 14% took one last year and 19% plan to book one this year. Uniworld saw a 61% jump in female solo cruise guests since 2019. Multi-generational girlfriend getaways, women from age 25 to 74 bonding over shared adventures, are one of the fastest-growing categories in travel.
Retreats & Wellness
Wellness tourism is projected to surpass $1 trillion globally in 2026, and women are the fastest-growing segment. Retreats have evolved beyond spa weekends into programs built around hormonal health, nervous system regulation, longevity, and personal transformation. Over 90% of luxury travelers now actively seek wellness programs when booking. Pilates retreats are becoming the new yoga retreat, selling out months in advance. From Bali to Patagonia, women-only retreats blend breathwork, nature immersion, and personalized nutrition into experiences designed for lasting change.
Where She’s Going
Japan, Iceland, and Greece top the bucket lists. Europe holds 37% of the global solo travel market, and Spain ranks #1 for safety. Top visa destinations for solo women include the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Turkey. Whether it’s boutique hotels in Lisbon, hidden restaurants in Tuscany, or eco-lodges in Costa Rica’s cloud forests, we’re curating the best of every destination in each issue.
Discover our favourite hotels, restaurants, shops, and retreats in every issue of mod+women magazine.
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