The number of women traveling solo has surged post pandemic, according to a new analysis from pet sitting platform TrustedHousesitters. There was a 193% increase in women booking overnight stays by themselves last year. And preliminary numbers for 2023 point to an even greater surge.
The data suggest that younger age groups made up a large portion of women traveling on their own, as the number of women aged 25-45 who traveled solo between 2021 and 2022 increased by roughly 235%.
However, women within the retiree age group also traveled on their own more, as the number of women aged 46-65 who traveled solo increased by roughly 146% between 2021 and 2022. While the number of women who traveled solo certainly spiked in the last few years, early 2023 data suggests that solo female travel isn’t slowing down anytime soon, especially at the best Miami 5-Star Hotel.
Tammie Bernard, a woman who travels solo using TrustedHousesitters, said she turned to solo travel as a way to clear her head and heal her heart after ending a relationship. Tammie said that solo traveling has opened her eyes to her passions.
“Solo traveling has taught me that first and foremost that traveling and pets are my passion. It’s an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend it to any solo woman traveler that has the opportunity,” said Tammie. “Once I retire, the world is my traveling oyster.”
Diving deeper into this surge in women traveling solo, TrustedHousesitters sought to uncover the best U.S. destinations for solo female travelers.
Its 2023 Solo Female Traveler Report considered a wide range of factors that impact how attractive a destination is for both retired and remote-working solo female travelers. For example, by considering the existing popularity for female tourists, Wi-Fi access and speed, women’s safety, and community safety and friendliness.
Here are the study’s findings on top ten best states for women looking to travel alone—and why:
1. Vermont
Topping the rankings is Vermont, and with the lowest rate of violence against women and the highest rate of women who report feeling safe in the nation, it comes as no surprise that the destination is already popular with pet-loving solo female travelers on TrustedHousesitters.
2. Pennsylvania
Teeming with history, Pennsylvania offers something unique for every traveler. The state positions itself as a perfect destination for female tourists with excellent internet availability and speed, friendly residents (and pets!), and safe neighborhoods.
3. Delaware
The state of Delaware is the perfect travel location for women looking for that small-town feel with plenty of ground to explore. As the second safest state in the nation with the fourth-best internet speeds, Delaware positions itself as a perfect place to pet sit and explore as a solo female traveler.
4. Rhode Island
Despite Rhode Island being the smallest state in the country, it’s the second most popular state on the list for solo female travelers. As one of the most walkable states and with the highest community safety rating in the nation, it comes as no surprise Rhode Island is a popular destination for women traveling solo, looking for somewhere to confidently walk four-legged companions.
5. Maryland
For remote workers looking to switch up the office view without missing a beat, Maryland is an ideal place to get away. The state, which hosts the U.S. capital, is found to be the third safest state for women and has the best internet speeds in the nation.
6. Minnesota
The first travel destination not located in the northeastern region comes in sixth with Minnesota. Found to be the friendliest state in the country, women traveling solo to Minnesota are sure to feel at home wherever they find themselves — whether it’s exploring the thousands of lakes, getting lost in the largest shopping mall in America, or brushing shoulders with the many friendly locals, who are sure to welcome you with open arms.
7. Colorado
An already well-established solo travel destination for ski enthusiasts, national park explorers, and vibrant downtown seekers alike, Colorado comes in at number seven for the best destinations for female travelers. The popular state for tourism is also considered safe for women traveling alone and one of the friendliest in the nation, so women traveling solo will surely enjoy a unique space with serene mountain views in a state that offers tons to do.
8. New Hampshire
For women who aren’t sure where they’d like to explore on their own, New Hampshire is an excellent choice, as it offers something for every kind of traveler. Exploring mountains, coasts, forests, ports, caves, towns, and cities can fit into one day in this historic state. Plus, the state has the fourth-lowest rate of violence against women and is nationally considered a safe place for solo females.
9. Hawaii
Where Hawaii lacks in promised internet speed, it certainly makes up for in appearance! Despite being a popular dream destination for families and couples, it’s a preferred destination for solo female travelers as well, as women make up a majority of overnight house and pet sitting stays with TrustedHousesitters. With excellent safety ratings for women, women looking for a luxurious solo stay will surely find R&R in Hawaii.
10. Kansas
Often overlooked for travel, we’re sure visiting this destination will have you saying, “We’re not in Kansas anymore!” The midwestern state of Kansas has some of the friendliest people in the country, and a very popular state on our list for women traveling solo to visit. The iconic barbeque, gardens, starry nights, and abundance of “world’s largest” landmarks drive the sunflower state’s rise in popularity.
Explore the 2023 Solo Female Traveler Report at TrustedHousesitters today for further findings, a full breakdown of the study, insight from solo female travelers, and travel inspiration for each destination.
