This International Women’s Day, we’re bucking the trends and celebrating all female travellers, not just those flying solo. Because apparently, if it wasn’t for women and their wanderlust, a lot of family holidays and couples getaways might not get booked. A study revealed 82% of all travel-related decisions are made by women, who now outnumber men on adventure-style trips, says another. This is something we’re witnessing first hand at Undiscovered Balkans; around 80% of our lead bookers are female – and they're not all solo travellers. We have mothers planning action-packed holidays for their families, and girlfriends taking charge of their adventure for two. UB co-founder Emma Heywood says: “As a woman running an adventure travel company, this trend isn’t surprising. I co-founded Undiscovered Balkans with my partner, Ben, and while we welcome all adventurers, it’s women — whether mums, partners, or solo travellers — who are taking the lead in planning their next big escape.” A package deal “Most things you read about women’s adventure travel focus on solo women, usually taking on impressive outdoor challenges. And while that’s really inspiring, the reality is that most women come as a package,” says Emma. “What this shows is that the sense of adventure doesn’t stop when a partner or family comes along — and it’s women driving the search for holidays that excite them and suit everyone else. "Back in my parents’ day, men were the ones booking the holidays. It’s brilliant to see women taking charge of their own travel plans these days.” ‘Solo,’ not ‘single’ Women may often come as a package deal, but that doesn’t always mean they always want to travel as a unit. More women are leaving behind their spouses and families to explore independently, showing that being a ‘solo female traveller’ doesn’t automatically mean