How Women Empower EachOther Through SoloTravel

As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8th, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the strength, resilience and generosity of women around the world. One place where this spirit shines particularly brightly is in the world of solo travel.

At Solos, women join trips for many different reasons - adventure, independence, a fresh start, or simply the joy of exploring somewhere new. But what many discover is something even more powerful: a community of women who support, encourage and inspire each other. The International Women’s Day 2026 theme is “Give to Gain.” When women give encouragement, empathy and openness on a trip, they often gain something unexpected in return; confidence, friendships, life experiences and a renewed sense of self. Here’s how that transformation unfolds on Solos trips around the world.

Giving Courage to Gain Confidence

For many women, booking a solo trip is a huge step. Travelling alone can feel daunting at first, especially if it’s something they’ve never done before. Solos Tour Leader Barbara remembers one guest who nearly cancelled her very first trip.

She arrived feeling extremely nervous and admitted that if her son hadn’t driven her to the airport, she might not have gone at all. But once she joined the group and experienced the welcoming environment, her confidence began to grow. By the end of the trip, she was laughing, socialising and embracing every moment, and she has since gone on to book several more Solos getaways.

Barbara says this kind of transformation happens more often than people might expect: “You see the difference from the day they arrive to the day they leave - from worried and nervous travellers to smiling, joking, fun-loving individuals.” Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to take that first step.

Monica, Tour Leader

Giving Support to Gain Strength

Solo travel can also be incredibly meaningful for women navigating major life changes. Tour Leader Michelle often meets guests travelling for the first time after losing a partner. Being surrounded by other women who understand their experiences creates a safe and supportive space where they can truly open up. “They arrive carrying a heavy load,” Michelle explains. “But when they realise others feel the same, they relax. They talk, sometimes they cry, but they also laugh. They leave lighter.”

Similarly, Tour Leader Sara has seen many women rediscover joy after difficult chapters, whether following bereavement, divorce or years spent caring for others. Some moments stay with her forever. On one trip, recently divorced guests found themselves dancing on the beach late at night. One woman laughed and said, “I haven’t done this for years. I’m having the best night of my life.” Travel can offer something incredibly valuable - the chance to reconnect with who you are.

Sara, Tour Leader

Giving Encouragement to Gain New Experiences

Another powerful part of travelling with a supportive group is the encouragement to try something new. Tour Leader Fiona remembers a memorable moment on a trip to Costa Rica, when the group had the opportunity to go ziplining through the rainforest. One guest, aged 70, decided to give it a try but was convinced after the first line that she hated it; Yet with encouragement from the group, she kept going and by the final zipline, which included a backwards freefall, she was the only person willing to attempt it.

“She said afterwards it was the best thing she had ever done,” Fiona recalls. “You could see her confidence grow in that moment.” Across Solos trips, guests often find themselves paddleboarding for the first time, swimming in the sea under moonlight, or trying activities they never imagined attempting. These experiences aren’t just exciting - they can change how people see themselves.

 

Fiona, Tour Leader

Giving Kindness to Gain Lifelong Friendships

One of the most surprising things about solo travel is how quickly strangers become friends. Barbara says she is always amazed by how many guests stay in touch long after their trip has ended - arranging meet-ups, days out and even booking future trips together. Tour Leader Monica has seen friendships form almost instantly, sometimes even before the trip begins.

On one trip, two women met and became inseparable throughout the week. They jokingly called themselves “twins”, and their friendship continued long after they returned home - including booking another Solos trip together. Moments of connection often come from the simplest things: shared laughter, group dinners, exploring new places together or even singing badly in a bar - something Michelle fondly remembers from one particularly joyful evening. These shared experiences often create bonds that last far beyond the trip itself.

Tour Leader Heather & solo travelers

Giving Care to Create a Supportive Travel Community

Behind every successful trip is a Tour Leader helping to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for everyone. For Monica, the role is about more than organising activities - it’s about listening, showing empathy and making sure every guest feels included.That might mean arranging a surprise birthday celebration, helping someone with mobility challenges on an excursion, or lending clothes to a guest whose luggage didn’t arrive in time.

In one particularly memorable situation, Monica stayed with a guest in hospital after she broke her shoulder during a trip, supporting her throughout the night and helping her over the following days. The guest later returned a year later simply to say thank you. Moments like these highlight the heart of the Solos experience: a travel community built on kindness and understanding.

 

Giving Yourself Freedom to Rediscover Who You Are

Perhaps the greatest gift solo travel offers is freedom. Away from daily routines and expectations, many women rediscover sides of themselves they had forgotten. As Fiona explains, “Most women arrive slightly unsure. But once they step away from their normal routines, they rediscover the version of themselves who laughs more and joins in.” 

Michelle experienced this transformation herself on her own first solo trip, “I wasn’t sure who I was anymore,” she says. “But being somewhere new, where no one knew my past, helped me find myself again.” That freedom; to explore, to try new things and to simply be yourself, can be incredibly empowering.