New Trends as Female Solo-Travel Gains Popularity

By Gabrielle Diepenbrock, Account Manager

Solo-travel is a growing trend. Especially among females.

In 2016, The US Travel Association reported that more than 11 percent of adult leisure travelers were women solo-travelers. And according to Stark Tourism, the female-only travel segment makes up about 350,000 women around the world.

As more women travel by themselves, there is a higher demand for travel alternatives and companies are taking advantage of this new market with new platforms, programs, etc.

Overnight (a site like Airbnb) has partnered with Girls LOVE Travel to create a platform where women can share their homes through a trusted network -- an alternative many prefer over Airbnb for safety reasons. The platform also establishes a network community for women who share a passion for travel.

The platform covers 96 cities with 928 listings and has 12,138 members.

Hotels are also working to attract female solo travelers. Many hotels in Europe have created female-only floors with all-female staffs, and other amenities.

The Kimpton and Wyndham chains have programs specifically for single female travelers -- like the Kimpton’s Women in Touch Program. This program offers:

Healthy snacks in the room's bar
Large bathroom counters
Hosted wine receptions in the evening
Hand-held clothing steamers
Makeup remover
Free tote bags with yoga equipment

Large counter spaces --- Kimpton Hotel Gray

There are also mobile applications launching catered to solo travel -- like SoloTraveller. SoloTraveller is a social networking app for those traveling by themselves (both men and women).