Women are increasingly drawn to the freedom and autonomy of travelling solo. Photo: Supplied.
Somewhere in the Caribbean, Annalise wakes up late — or early, depending on how she feels — and decides what brand of adventure she’s up for today.
Having navigated her way through 22 countries largely on her own, she is one well-travelled Canberran and part of a growing cohort of women embracing independent travel.
Research for The 2026 Wander Woman Report by Reflections Holidays found the ACT held the highest proportion of women with solo travel experience, according to Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker.
They also led nationally as those most motivated by the freedom and independence solo travel can provide.
“What stands out is that solo travel is no longer a niche experience or something women do because they don’t have a travel companion,” Mr Baker said.
“Increasingly, women are actively choosing to travel solo as a way to prioritise themselves, embrace independence and experience the freedom of travelling on their own terms.”
Mr Baker said the research could help the tourism industry better meet the needs of solo female travellers.
It’s a market opportunity recognised by Dr Catheryn Khoo, professor and researcher of hospitality and tourism at Torrens University.
“Women want to see themselves represented not only in marketing campaigns but also in the places they visit,” she said.
“Businesses that visibly align themselves with those motivations — whether by celebrating women’s histories through heritage trails and statues, supporting female entrepreneurs, or creating experiences that acknowledge women’s diverse lived realities — are likely to build stronger emotional connections with women travellers.”
Dr Khoo said one of the biggest misconceptions about women travelling alone was that they were not doing so by choice.
“Earlier generations often viewed travelling alone as something women did out of necessity or after a major life event, whereas women increasingly see it as an opportunity for personal growth, independence and self-discovery,” she said.
“Younger women tend to be motivated by adventure, freedom and the desire to challenge themselves, while older women are often motivated by personal fulfilment, life transitions and having the financial independence and confidence to travel on their own.”
Dr Khoo said one motivation that had remained consistent for women was autonomy.
“They want the freedom to make their own decisions, follow their own interests and experience destinations on their own terms.”
Dr Khoo’s research also shows that solo female travel is often emotionally demanding and requires constant negotiation of risk.
“Women are continually assessing their surroundings, modifying their behaviour, thinking about what they wear, where they go, what time they travel, and how they respond to unwanted attention.”
While heightened vigilance and risk mitigation can be challenges, Dr Khoo said travelling alone could reap many benefits for women, including a reprieve from traditional gender expectations.
“We describe [this experience] as ’empowered-ness’, which is an ongoing process of negotiating confidence, independence and self-worth through travel.”
The “empowered-ness” effect rings true for Annalise.
Responding to my questions from the Dominican Republic, she shared her tips for staying safe on a solo adventure.
Some are common sense, such as telling someone where you’re going.
“Your parents will still worry, but at least they can worry with accuracy,” Annalise said.
Others are evidence of a seasoned solo traveller.
“Depending on which country you’re in, consider getting a decoy phone,” Annalise said.
“I usually travel with cards and cash hidden on my person, but in some countries I’ve kept a decoy phone and a small amount of cash in my crossbody bag, just in case.”
Annalise started travelling by herself around the time most of her friends were putting down roots.
“I wanted to see the world and a lot of my friends were focused on buying houses,” she said.
“My rent and bills weren’t going anywhere, so I chose to travel instead.”
She anticipated challenges — and found a few — but she also discovered many freedoms.
Topping Annalise’s list of benefits is the freedom of choice.
“If I want to get up at 3 am to do a sunrise hike, I can. If I want to sleep in until midday, no-one is going to be glaring at me from the other side of the room. I get to prioritise what I want to do, on my own time and in my own way.
“In terms of personal growth, it has really helped me trust my own instincts and speak up for myself.
“I only recently had a bit of an unsafe experience. I reminded myself that I’m now a seasoned traveller, so if my ‘spidey senses’ are tingling, there’s probably a good reason. So I advocated for myself and got the hell out of there.”
Annalise’s advice for women seeking solo adventure? Just do it!
“Make the lists of all the things you have to consider to feel prepared, but stop letting the list get in the way … and get travel insurance.”
