Women-only tours: A new era of female-focused group travel

The world is more accessible than ever, and with constantly evolving travel trends, the dream of seeing the world has never been more attainable.

Thanks to social media, budget airlines, competitive travel deals and tech innovation, all kinds of travellers are visiting what were once unreachable destinations. As global traveller numbers grow, one of the fastest-growing segments is women’s travel.

Women are travelling now more than ever, ticking off bucket lists, enjoying wellness retreats, participating in volunteer projects, joining adventure trips and taking educational excursions.

However, despite the world becoming more accessible, female travellers still have fears, reservations, and hesitations about travelling and venturing to new destinations and trying new experiences. This is where niche travel businesses have stepped in, catering to specific cohorts of women and addressing their unique concerns and desires, and making their dreams a reality.

I recently recently joined a women-only tour in Laos and experienced the new era of women’s travel first-hand.

Women-only tours: A growing trend in organised travel

Women-only tours are rapidly growing in popularity, offering like-minded women the opportunity to travel in small groups and share itineraries that align with their values, passions, and interests.

The rise of these tours reflects a broader trend in the travel industry, where personalisation and community are paramount. New companies such as Pip & Co Travel offer tours to a range of destinations in Asia and the Pacific region, with flexible itineraries for small groups – and no age limits.

Multi-generational travel

Women’s travel is commonly multi-generational. Organised tours often bring together women of various ages, from young adventurers to seasoned travellers, creating a unique dynamic where experiences are shared and wisdom is exchanged. This diversity enriches the travel experience, fostering connections that transcend age and background.

The travel group on Pip & Co Travel’s Laos Explorer tour consisted of just eight women aged from their mid-40s to just over 80. Despite the difference in ages, the group was extremely respectful, supportive, caring and shared knowledge and kindness for the entire trip. The amount of laughter each day was a good measure of the cohesiveness of the group.

Finding your tribe: Connection and companionship

Travelling with a group of like-minded women offers a sense of connection and companionship that can be hard to find in traditional travel settings. These tours create a space where women can bond over shared interests, whether it be cultural exploration, adventure sports, or wellness retreats.

This sense of community is a powerful draw for many, providing a support system that enhances the overall travel experience.

Data shows a noticeable increase in solo travel with age, particularly for women aged 55 and older. While women aged 18-24 prefer travelling with family or a spouse/partner, solo travel becomes significantly more common among older travellers.

Balancing structure and flexibility

One of the key features of women-only tours is the balance between structured activities and the flexibility to explore independently.

While itineraries are thoughtfully planned to include must-see attractions and unique experiences, there is often room for personal exploration and downtime. This balance allows female travellers to enjoy the best of both worlds — guided discovery and personal freedom.

When I was on my tour of Laos, I noticed this approach allowed each traveller to tailor the trip to their particular interests – the early risers could enjoy the sunrise, the fitness enthusiasts could pound the pavement, the shoppers could shop ‘til they dropped, and the photographers could take the time to capture portraits and scenery.

Safety and support

Safety is a primary concern for many female travellers, and women-only tours address this issue head-on.

These tours often include local guides, secure accommodation, and detailed planning to ensure a safe and worry-free travel experience. The presence of a supportive group also provides an added layer of security, making it easier for women to venture into unfamiliar territories with confidence.

This also addresses the solo travel concern for women who lack travel companions and are not confident or comfortable venturing off alone. In 2023, Google searches for solo female travel increased by 131 per cent, demonstrating the appetite for travel experience regardless of marital status or social structures.

Diverse destinations provide options

Women-only trips are not limited to mainstream destinations; they often include unique locations that offer adventurous, cultural experiences and untouched natural beauty. This diversity in destinations allows women to explore new places, broadening their horizons and enriching their travel experiences – quite often inspiring further travel in the future.

According to data from the Adventure Travel Trade Association, women make up more than half of the bookings with adventure companies.  

This new era of women’s travel is characterised by empowerment, connection, and adventure. With the rise of women-only tours, female travellers can explore the world in a supportive and inspiring environment. These tours cater to the unique needs and desires of women, offering a blend of structure, flexibility, safety, and community.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, non-traditional women-only tours are set to play a significant role in shaping the future of travel, encouraging more women to embrace the world and all it has to offer.

Disclaimer: The writer was a guest of Pip & Co Travel on their Laos Explorer tour.