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 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 you’re single and childless.
Some enjoy the complete autonomy of travelling alone while others say their partners aren’t interested in travel – or the same type of travel. Others want to achieve a personal goal, such as climbing a mountain, or embark on a journey of self-discovery.
“It’s perfectly fine to want to take a trip without your other half or kids, whether that’s with girlfriends or completely solo,” says Emma. “We see this particularly among women in their 40s-60s, and they are especially drawn to transformational experiences like our retreats or physical challenges like climbing mountains.
“It can be liberating to reconnect with the independent traveller you once were, but with the safety of a group and guide. In fact, I’ve not giggled so much in years as when I was let loose in Serbia last year with a great gang of our all-female guests!
“Whether they’re single, travelling with friends, or bringing their families along, women look to us for adventures that match their curiosity and passions. Some want to try wild swimming, but somewhere guaranteed to be warm and beautiful. Others are drawn to stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or looking for a nature reset.”
Why we don’t offer women-only trips
Unlike some travel companies offering women-only adventure holidays in Europe, we don’t separate the sexes. Because if we did, the boys probably wouldn’t get a holiday – kidding! It’s because mixed groups work better. And in reality, so many of our trips are led by awesome female guides like Ana, Vera and Aurora, or expert instructors such as Fiona for our yoga retreat and Karen for our painting holiday, you’re always in good company.
Of course, you’re welcome to round up your girlfriends and fill all of the places on one of our small group tours for a girls’ trip. Get in touch if you’re keen to discuss that option.
Are you the adventure planner in your house? Browse our growing collection of Balkans holidays for your next escape.
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