I’ve been a solo traveler since I was twenty-two. It wasn’t born of some deep desire to find myself, alone. I had twenty-two years of experience in that department already as an only child. No, this was born of circumstance at a time when the lens of social media couldn’t (yet) highlight other women my age traveling solo, and I couldn’t find anyone else willing to travel with me.
Between the ages of nineteen and twenty-two I became obsessed with travel programs like Rick Steves, Samantha Brown, but most notably Globe Trekker. While the first two were featuring travel hosts in their 30s and 40s, it was Globe Trekker that featured real travelers in their 20s, backpacking around the world.
Without Instagram to inspire, it was Globe Trekker that articulated a spirit of travel that I wanted to emulate and captured the essence of a nomadic seeker. I loved that there were many travel hosts represented, making it possible for me to also imagine myself in exotic locations and get off the beaten path.
Globe Trekker was catnip to me.
So, after a road-trip out West gone awry, and no one willing to backpack Europe with me, I set out by myself for three months and what would be fourteen countries. Five months and one week after returning home, I left for Australia and a solo trip around the world. One year and one week after that, I finally returned home.
People would always tell me how brave I was for traveling solo as a woman. I never felt brave. I felt resigned that if I wanted to travel, I’d have to do it alone. Very quickly, I learned to love and identify as a solo traveler. I loved being completely autonomous in my decisions and directions.
While I did join a few day and week tours in my first two years of traveling solo such as Kiwi Experience and MacBackpackers (they were so much fun) I didn’t really know solo tours (specifically for twenty year old women) were available. This is why, by the time I decided to join an adventure tour in Mongolia, my first fully organized and planned travel experience, I struggled with not being in control of every decision.
Today there are solo tour operators for every flavor of travel experience you can imagine and many catering to women only. I feel like many of the tours that operate today were born from experiences similar to mine, to not feel isolated in the desire to wander the world without anyone else to travel with.
So without further ado, below are some select women only tour companies that I feel foster global community and spirited camaraderie.
I’ve broken them in to 20s-30s, 30s-40s, and 50s+ but age is just a number and however your spirit identifies is where you will find your tribe.
I've also included median tour price for each, excluding airfare.
For this and all articles I post, woman is defined as any individual who self-identifies as a woman including non-binary individuals.
Solo Travel Tour Groups for Women
Female Travelers in Their 20s-30s
Intrepid Travel - Women's Expeditions
History & Overview: Intrepid Travel started in 1989 with the goal of offering immersive and sustainable travel experiences. Their Women's Expeditions launched in 2018, focusing on connecting female travelers with local women to offer unique cultural insights.
Unique Aspects: Tours are led by local female guides and often include activities like cooking classes, homestays, and community visits.
Median Price: $1,500 - $3,000 (excluding airfare).
Target Audience: Young women seeking authentic and adventurous cultural experiences.
Notable Tour: Morocco Women’s Expedition, which includes a Sahara Desert camel ride and a stay with a Berber family.
History & Overview: Founded in 2014, Explorer Chick focuses on providing adventure-filled trips for women. The company prides itself on fostering a supportive community and encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones.
Unique Aspects: Adventure-centric trips with a strong focus on outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and water sports.
Median Price: Around $1,800 - $4,000 (excluding airfare).
Target Audience: Adventure-loving women. "The age limit is simply over 21, so there is only knowing your body and choosing the appropriate experience."
Notable Tour: Iceland Adventure, featuring glacier hiking, hot springs, and exploring stunning waterfalls.
Female Travelers in Their 30s-40s
History & Overview: Established in 1991, Wild Women Expeditions has grown into a leading adventure travel company for women. They offer a diverse range of trips that combine outdoor adventure with cultural immersion.
Unique Aspects: Emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable travel, with trips designed to empower women through challenging activities and community engagement.
Median Price: Typically between $2,000 - $4,500 (excluding airfare).
Target Audience: Wild Women Expeditions believes in bringing together women—of all ages, and sexual orientations—for affirming and exhilarating adventures.
Notable Tour: Galápagos Islands Active Adventure Tour, which includes kayaking through marine reserves, snorkeling, and camping.
History & Overview: Founded in 1999, Adventures in Good Company specializes in adventure travel for women, offering a variety of activities from hiking to cultural explorations.
Unique Aspects: Focus on small group sizes and personalized experiences, often in less-traveled destinations.
Median Price: Around $1,500 - $3,500 (excluding airfare).
Target Audience: Women in their 30s and 40s who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure.
Notable Tour: Hiking Utah’s Majestic Parks, which includes hiking in some of the most iconic parks in the US.
Female Travelers 50+
History & Overview: Since its founding in 2006, the Women’s Travel Club has been creating travel experiences designed specifically for women. They offer a wide range of tours from luxury to adventure.
Unique Aspects: Focus on creating a supportive community and providing enriching travel experiences tailored to women’s interests and needs.
Median Price: Typically $3,000 - $6,000+ (excluding airfare).
Target Audience: Women aged 50+ looking for luxurious and culturally immersive travel experiences.
Notable Tours: Women’s Travel Club offers a range of signature Safari adventures with luxury accommodations and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Women Traveling Together (WTT)
History & Overview: Founded in 1997, WTT specializes in small-group travel for women. Their trips are designed to offer rich cultural and historical experiences.
Unique Aspects: Emphasis on creating a welcoming environment where women can travel safely and comfortably.
Median Price: Around $2,500 - $5,000 (excluding airfare).
Target Audience: Women seeking cultural and historical travel experiences. But they’ll admit, WTT is not for everyone. See if you’re their type of traveler here.
Notable Tour: Highlights of Italy, featuring visits to historical sites, scenic coastal walks, and local cuisine around Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Venice.
This is just a snapshot of the many Solo Travel Tour Groups for Women that are available today. Don't wait to travel because you don't have anyone to travel with, because you do!
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve had any experience traveling with any of the listed companies and what you thought!
Feel free to leave a comment below, shoot me an email, or DM me on Instagram @proseandpassports
Happy Travels!
Kim | Prose & Passports
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