3 IN 4 AUSSIE WOMEN PAY MORE TO STAY SAFE ON SOLO TRIPS

• 45% of Australian women have travelled alone domestically
• 31% have ventured alone internationally
• 71% have or expect to pay a ‘safety premium’ for added peace of mind

Australia is witnessing a surge in the number of women embracing solo travel, with 3 in 4 of these travellers willing to pay extra for their personal security. By 2027, 59 per cent of Aussie women will have travelled overseas alone and 76 per cent domestically, according to new research. A significant 83 per cent will choose to invest more in safer accommodation, tours and experiences to help protect themselves.

The findings come from a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1006 Australian women, commissioned by award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go, to explore whether the growing number of solo women travellers are taking extra safety measures.

Insure&Go found that almost a third (31%) of Australian women have travelled internationally on their own. By 2026 that proportion will have increased to 43 per cent, and by 2027 59 per cent. Comparatively, 45 per cent of women have already embarked on domestic solo trips, projected to rise 62 per cent by 2026 and 76 per cent by 2027.

“We’re seeing a shift in how Aussie women approach travel,” says David Mayo, Insure&Go Commercial & Marketing Director. “With so many heading out solo, women are shaping a new era of tourism focused on independence, personal safety and convenience.”

Younger women lead the way on solo travel

Aussie women under 30 are most likely to pack a bag and go it alone. Insure&Go found that 70 per cent of under-30s adult females will have travelled abroad by themselves by 2027 – compared with 62 per cent of 30-49-year-olds and 52 per cent of over-50s.



A staggering 84 per cent of under-30s female adults will have gone solo domestically by 2027, compared with 79 per cent of 30-49-year-olds and 71 per cent of over-50s.

The cost of feeling safe

When asked why they choose to travel alone, 38 per cent of respondents said they enjoy the freedom that solo travel brings, 28 per cent said it was out of necessity, and 24 per cent prefer to meet with friends and family en route rather than travel together the whole trip.

However, while 37 per cent remain undeterred by fear, 46 per cent meticulously research destinations to avoid places where they may face harassment or other risks, and 17 per cent refuse to travel altogether due to safety concerns.

A significant 71 per cent of all respondents said they do, or would, spend more when travelling alone to feel secure. Over half (52%) admit to choosing pricier hotels in safer locations or private guided tours as a safety precaution, and 19 per cent of those yet to travel solo expect to pay a “safety premium” when they do.

Under-50s women are most likely to make these investments in their personal safety. Almost a third (31%) of under-30s pay more for safer locations, accommodation and tours, compared with 23 per cent of 30-49-year-olds and 16 per cent of over-50s. However, half (50%) of under-30s, 48 per cent of 30-49-year-olds and 42 per cent of over-50s will all avoid higher-risk destinations.

The travel industry responds

Many tourism operators cater for this growing demand with an increasing number of women-only tours, while some Australian companies have dedicated themselves entirely to female travel.[1][2][3][4][5] Overall, the national appetite for travel remains strong. Short-term resident returns in the 12 months to November 2024 jumped by 11.2 per cent[6] while domestic holidays are forecast to grow by 3.7 per cent in 2026 and 4.3 per cent in 2027, reaching rates 18 per cent above pre-pandemic levels by 2029.[7]

“Travelling alone in unfamiliar places can be exciting yet daunting. There is often a sense of safety in numbers and knowing someone else is there for support if something goes wrong. But not everyone wants, or has, a travel companion. By taking precautions solo travellers can confidently embark on their adventures with added peace of mind,” says David.

“No one should let fear rob them of a great experience. Travel insurance can cushion unexpected problems like lost belongings or flight disruptions, so travellers can focus on enjoying the journey.”

Survey results below:

[1]Search | Insight Vacations AU

[2] Women Only Travel Adventures | Sisterhood Womens Travel

[3] About Us | Patch Adventures;

[4] Australian Womens Travel | women only travel

[5] Women Only Travel Groups | Home Page | Luxury Women’s Tours

[6] Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia, November 2024 | Australian Bureau of Statistics

[7] Tourism forecasts | Tourism Research Australia

ENDS

For more information, please contact:



Sarah Ewenson | 0409 079 559 | [email protected]

About InsureandGo

InsureandGo (InsureandGo.com.au) is one of Australia’s award-winning online travel insurance specialists. Since it was established in Australia in 2012, InsureandGo has covered more than 2 million Australian travellers. Owned by Europ Assistance, which operates in more than 200 countries, InsureandGo has an expansive, 24/7 global assistance network. InsureandGo Australia has won numerous awards and recommendations for its services including the 2024 Canstar Award for Outstanding Value in ‘Outstanding Value – International Travel Insurance’ for the second consecutive year and ‘Outstanding Value – Seniors Travel Insurance’ for the third consecutive year, the 2024 WeMoney Award for ‘Best for Seniors Travel Insurance’ for the second consecutive year, the 2023 Finder Award for Travel Insurance – Domestic, and the 2023 WeMoney Award for ‘Best for Value – Cruise Travel Insurance’. More information about InsureandGo’s awards can be found here: https://www.insureandgo.com.au/travel-insurance-awards/.

This insurance is underwritten by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd, ACN 140 219 594, AFSL 552106, trading as InsureandGo and other brands, holds a binding authority from the insurer, MSI to issue contracts of insurance and to deal with or settle claims on MSI’s behalf and as MSI’s agent. Any advice is general advice only and does not take account of your particular circumstances. Before purchasing, decide whether this product is right for you. Consider the PDS and TMD at www.insureandgo.com.au/policy-wordings.