Leaving behind both lovers and family, I am going to see the world. Reasons why solo female travel is accelerating

Solo travel for women is gaining momentum. At the British travel company Jules Verne, 46% of bookings for next year's departures are solo travelers, and 69% of those are women. Explore Worldwide also reported a 22% year-on-year increase in solo bookings for departures this year, with September and October being popular months due to more stable prices. Barrhead Travel saw a 31% increase in solo bookings for river cruises and a 20% increase for tours and adventures. Advantage Travel Partnership also reported double-digit growth. Behind this trend is a shift away from waiting to align schedules and interests with family and friends, towards a desire to "experience the world on one's own terms." Small group tours offer a good balance of safety, freedom, and opportunities for meeting people, turning "quiet courage" into action for women. Destinations range widely from classics like Spain and Portugal to more adventurous places like Egypt, India, and Uzbekistan. On social media, comments such as "going without waiting for schedules to align" and "boosting self-esteem" are prominent, indicating that solo travel for women is not just a passing trend but is becoming a standard option.