The number of women travelling internationally increased again in 2023, data from the Office of National Statistics shows.
The number of females who took trips abroad from the UK rose by a fifth from 2022, the data shows, following a significant post-Covid increase.
There are multiple factors as to why this growth continues to occur with societal expectations, safety awareness, social media and freedom to study abroad all potentially having an impact.
Another potential factor is that more than half of women in England and Wales born in 1990 were without children when they turned 30, making them the first generation to do so, figures released in 2022 show.
Although generally, men travelled more than women, the ages in which trips took place were more closely correlated between the ages of 16-34, which is the time when historically, women would have children.
Jo Rushton, who is in her late 30s, has been taking solo trips for a number of years.
She said: “Women now have more financial freedom and independence, especially in Western cultures.
“We have much less expectation to get married, pop out some kids and keep a home.”
Gráinne Ní Chonchúir, a marine biologist in her 50s, regularly embarks on solo trips.
She added: “Like me, there are a growing number of women deciding not to have children which obviously frees up a huge amount of time and money that can be spent on passion projects like travel.”
A 2024 Psychology Today article stated: “Today, in most developed countries, women have alternatives to being a mother and often feel the need to choose a lifestyle that better fits their interests and goals.”
On the other hand, some women feel that friends getting married or having children also encourages them to not only travel, but to do so alone.
Taryn Miller, in her 40s, has been travelling since 2018.
She said: “Finding others to travel with me became increasingly challenging every year due to friends getting married, starting families, having limited vacation time or funds.
“Once I spent years waiting for the perfect opportunity, envisioning visiting certain destinations with a significant other or a friend and I found myself waiting.
“I realized that I was totally capable and I’m now confident to travel solo and not miss seeing the world because I want someone else to go with me.”
Ní Chonchúir added: “Most of my friends are married and have children, so even trying to arrange a night away for a catch up became next to impossible.
“I eventually realised that I couldn’t wait around in the hopes that one day, a friend would be free to travel with me, so I decided to bite the bullet and book a trip.”
In fact, in their Travel Trends report, Forbes stated that solo female travel is increasing at a rapid pace yearly, saying that solo travellers are 71% women and this might be down to more financial independence, social media and females seeking connections with likeminded people.
Online communities and social media have no doubt contributed to the increase of both female travel and safety precautions whilst doing so.
Miller added: “It is incredibly refreshing to see a surge in solo female travel.
“Social media, YouTube, travel blogs and journalism have provided women with the visibility of the solo female travel opportunities and resources that are within reach and now more than ever, women have more disposable income and they are choosing to spend it on travel.”
Mar Pages, also in her 40s, co-founded the Facebook page Solo Female Travelers, which has amassed nearly half a million members, with the intention of connecting women with others to share experiences, form friendships and plan group trips abroad.
She said: “Everything you can be concerned about when you are solo travelling can be addressed with a women’s-only tour.
“Travelling solo is not so different to how we live everyday but as women, we are so conditioned to think that we cannot do it.”
She explained how many of their members have sent messages after their first trip saying that they feel like their lives have changed from travel, with a strong sense of achievement and newfound confidence.
Ní Chonchúir said: “Joining a group is a great option, as they take care of the itinerary and logistics which can be great in countries where getting around as a solo female traveller can be challenging.
“Female travel groups are a great source of information and tips and hints and it’s amazing to be able to benefit from the experience of other well-travelled women.”
Although women are travelling more, there are some stark differences in the data when comparing men’s and women’s trends.
For example, between 2021–2023, men have consistently travelled more for the purpose of business, highlighting a potential work responsibility imbalance.
In 2022, a report was published which said that women hold less than 38% of senior business positions.
However, travelling for the purpose of studying is the only category in which women do travel more than men, potentially indicating a general increase of confidence and opportunities.
Rushton said: “My advice is to just do it. Get out there, go see what you want to see, and drink it all in.
“The world out there is chaotic and wondrous and filled with adventure and beauty.
“The time is now and the place is wherever the flight can take you.”
Featured image credit: Ross Parmly via Unsplash
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