Travel is “girl.” We’re (re)claiming it, and rightly so.
Far be it from me to try to understand the male psyche. So when pondering why there always seems to be more women solo traveling, or traveling in general, than men, I can only come at it from a woman’s perspective.
But that’s what we’re all about here at SiteSee. It’s a woman’s world, which is becoming increasingly apparent through the “summer of girlhood” we just experienced. With the rise of all things “girl,” from “girl dinner” to the Barbie movie to T Swift’s Eras tour, we’re becoming less apologetic for what we love and what we love to do.
Historically, travel stories highlight the many adventurous men who climb big mountains or fly planes across the world, with the few exceptions of female figures everyone knows, the likes of Amelia Earhart and Cheryl Strayed (read here for more inspiring female travelers).
Well, here’s a bit of storytime for you.
Let’s journey back to the year 381 AD, where we find Egeria, a woman whose contributions to travel literature mark a significant milestone in history. Egeria’s adventure was not just wandering down the block, but a three-year adventure, including scaling Mount Sinai like it's a walk in the park. And where was she heading, you ask? Nowhere crazy, just on a pilgrimage from what might be Spain or the Rhone Valley all the way to the Holy Lands.
Egeria didn't just conquer mountains; she also conquered the art of documenting her adventures.
She penned letters on her journey that are now known as the original travel memoir, the first of its kind. That's right, some of the world's earliest travel writings? They're hers.
And why am I, an avid female traveler, and probably many of you, just finding out about this extraordinary woman? I’ll leave that question open-ended.
Women have been solo traveling around the world for longer than we’re given credit for.
A bit of research will pull up some inspiring travel writings from women in the 18th and 19th centuries. Yet, the image of women as household fixtures for many decades has historically lessened the number of women traveling, or maybe just hidden it better. The responsibilities of life, childbearing, household-keeping, and career-climbing (while being paid less than their male counterparts) had burdened women for much of the 20th century, with little time to breathe, much less travel.
Fearless and unapologetic: the essence of solo female travel
The times, they are a-changing.
Millennials are getting married and having children later, and those in the earlier generations now find themselves empty-nesters or going through divorces. Women are reclaiming their lives for themselves, and a large part of that is through travel.
The stats don’t lie: 64% of travelers worldwide are female, while only 36% are male.
The solo travel numbers tell an even more drastic story, with 84% of solo travelers being female.
Freedom and independence are among the top reasons that women hit the roads and skies alone. Group travel is also taking off, with women-focused travel businesses popping up left and right, probably because the industry is finally catching wind of women's enormous control, with a staggering 80% of travel decisions made by women.
Solo travel is not just a vacation; it's a proclamation of independence. While society might still be catching up, the data doesn't lie. The search volume for 'female solo travel' has skyrocketed by a jaw-dropping 62% in the last three years. We're not just flipping through travel magazines; we're making our own headlines.
Now, let's address the burning question: why are women dominating the solo travel scene?
It's not because we're trying to outdo men; it's because we're unapologetically embracing the thrill of the unknown. Solo female travel isn't just about visiting exotic locales; it's a journey that requires strength and resilience—navigating unfamiliar territories, making split-second decisions, and conquering fears.
A part of it may also have to do with how women process the world and their emotions. Women are often (though not always) more reflective than men. With travel becoming more and more about self-realization and finding inspiration and passion, women searching for meaning or their path in life may be more apt to turn to travel rather than hitting the gym or burying themselves in work. Riding solo appeals more since being with friends or a significant other might dilute the personal growth journey.
The idea that self-care is a solo act and travel is the ultimate self-care has triggered a surge of women booking solo flights. Forget mere sightseeing; women are treating travel as a serious investment in themselves. When a trip becomes your personal therapy session, hitting that "buy ticket" button suddenly feels like the most natural thing in the world.
Shifting Perspectives: Why Not Men?
While the surge in solo female travelers is undeniable, it raises the question of why men might be less inclined to embark on solo journeys. Societal expectations, perhaps, still tether men to traditional roles, creating a hesitation to step into the unknown alone. Breaking down these stereotypes and encouraging men to embrace the solo travel experience could lead to a more balanced representation in solo exploration.
The location of travel could also impact the number of men you encounter. Friends with solo travel experience mention noticing more men in certain cities or countries than others. For example, the number seems to be higher in places such as Southeast Asia versus Europe, where solo female travelers are much more likely to visit. Yet we love our male solo-traveling friends, regardless of the destinations they flock to. Some of my closest friends from traveling are incredible men brave enough to take the leap, find out who they are, and explore independently. The world needs more men like that.
Following Her-story
A common thread that ties throughout the millennial generation and every traveler is the desire to fill our lives with meaningful experiences rather than items. Funnily enough, this is a theory I focused on as part of my Thesis in college. Little did I know back then that this “experience hunger” I was writing about would envelop my life the way it has -- foreshadowing at its finest.
To Our Fearless Female Travelers:
Ladies, keep forging paths and scripting your solo narratives. Your stories resonate, inspire, and contribute to a growing industry of independent exploration. For those that need a little extra support, we’ve got you. Let's continue to create a narrative that celebrates the courage and curiosity inherent in all women.
For the Adventurous Men:
Men, the uncharted territories await you. Break free from conventional roles, challenge expectations, and venture into the world on your terms. Join the conversation and share your experiences. Together, let's redefine what solo travel means for everyone.
Irrespective of gender, let's question the norms tied to travel. What does solo travel mean to you, and how can we collectively foster an environment that encourages everyone to embrace the unknown? The world is vast, and so are the possibilities that solo travel offers.
The desire to explore the world has illuminated the hearts of many women, known or not, throughout history. And it still lies in many of us today. Our souls know what we yearn for, even when we aren’t mentally aware of it yet. If there’s an inkling or a faint whisper in yours that this is what it wants, embrace the leap and go for it.