Traveling the world alone – What sounds scary for some at first is a dream for an increasing number of people and can be seen as the ideal way to travel. More and more women in particular want to travel independently and freely.
Solo Travel is the Trend
Interest in traveling alone has been increasing for several years now. This is reflected in the increased search volume on Google for relevant offers and tips, as well as in numerous surveys and analyses by travel providers, travel communities, and tourism companies. Travel providers in particular also state that women dominate the market for solo travel. And this is true for all age groups.
The reasons why women want to go on a solo trip are many and varied. According to a survey by Solo Traveler, however, „seeing the world and not waiting for others to do so” is at the top of the list. So instead of waiting for friends and/or partners to decide to join them, more and more women are going solo.
A Gap in the Travel Market?
The tourism market is struggling to keep up with the rapid development of the trend, it seems. Although search engines immediately add the suggestion „solo travel for women” to the search term „solo travel”, there are still comparatively few offers for women traveling alone in the tourism market. But it is not only the limited (booking) options or prevailing safety concerns that prevent booking numbers and search volume from meeting. The often high surcharge for a single room is also a nuisance for many solo travelers, who often end up paying more than if they were traveling as a couple.
Women traveling alone choose accommodations and destinations very consciously. Safety is one aspect. They also ask themselves questions such as: Are there any local contact opportunities? Are there only couples at the hotel? What group offers and leisure activities are there? What is the group composition like on organized trips and tours? The more questions are answered and the more concrete the information that tour operators and hotels provide, the more attractive they become for the large group of solo travelers.
Traveling Alone and Sustainably – Best Practice Examples from Green Pearls® Hotels
As with all target groups in tourism, the sustainability factor is also becoming increasingly important for women traveling alone. Especially during a conscious solo getaway, they attach great importance to a healthy and organic diet, experiences in nature, conscious use of resources, and gentle treatments with natural cosmetics.
The Green Pearls® partners have also recorded rising numbers of solo travelers in recent years. With special offers, they create a framework in which guests traveling alone feel comfortable and can enjoy their time out or make contact with other guests if they wish.
Group Activities, Courses, and Group Offers
Group activities and group courses are ideal starting points for solo travelers to connect with other guests. During group hikes, cooking classes, or workshops, as offered in the Green Pearls® properties, solo travelers can easily start up a conversation with other guests.
Communal Tables and Public Spaces
In addition to the activity programme, the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu offers a social table in the evenings. The concept of the „Communal Table” is perfect for giving solo travellers the opportunity to get to know other solo travellers in a cosy and informal atmosphere. But of course, there are also single tables.
It is equally important to the Pichler family of the Weihrerhof in South Tyrol that all guests feel comfortable, whether travelling alone, as a couple or with the family. The communal areas are deliberately designed so that guests can enjoy time for themselves as well as opportunities to socialise with others.
Special Offers for Women Traveling Alone
At the Lifestylehotel SAND, the team has come up with a special offer aimed at giving women traveling alone a relaxing break. In addition to a visit to the private sauna on the roof terrace, this includes the rental of bamboo bikes to explore the area around Timmendorfer Strand, as well as delicious breakfasts and dinners and a cocktail at the SANDbar.
There is also an offer for women traveling alone in East Tyrol in Austria. At the Naturhotel Outside, you can enjoy „Me-Time in East Tyrol” during March. In addition to an organic breakfast and 5-course dinner, the four nights also include a guided snowshoe hike and access to the Naturspa. The single-room supplement is not charged to travelers during this period.
The Maldives are mainly known as an exclusive destination for couples. However, many single travellers, especially women, spend their holidays at the green luxury resort of Gili Lankanfushi. The Gili Solo Experience offers a social programme that leaves little to be desired: Breakfast and dinner at the Kashiveli Restaurant, spa treatments, a Dine in the Dark experience, a photo shoot, a sunset sailing tour, a snorkelling excursion, plus yoga sessions and other water sports activities that make it easy to socialise.
And for those who prefer to keep to themselves: The luxurious resort and the unique nature of the island world offer paradisiacal spots and opportunities for an unforgettable solo holiday.
