On International Women's Day, we want to focus on a group with a growing influence within the tourism and short-term rental sector: solo female travelers. This article will explain how to offer accommodation that they find attractive, make them feel welcome, comfortable, and safe.
Solo female travelers: A growing cohort
Nowadays, traveling alone is much more commonplace, especially among millennials and Gen Z, than in years past. Over the past decade, solo female travelers have become more prominent. The phenomenon started in the United States when many young women gained financial independence, which allowed them to travel domestically and internationally.
In fact, according to Hostelworld's State of Solo Travel Report 2024, women are more likely to travel alone than men, accounting for 60% of respondents. LGBTQIA+ travelers are also well represented, with 19% of solo travelers identifying as part of this community.
Nevertheless, many female travelers who decide to discover the world alone must take extra precautions to enjoy their experience and feel safe.
What is essential for women who travel alone?
Each case is different. Some solo travelers temporarily abandon their routines to discover the world, perhaps joining other groups of travelers along the way. Some can work remotely and decide to do so during their travels to maximize flexibility and the length of their vacations.
On the other hand, others travel alone to detach from their routine or spend more time alone, away from their day-to-day lives and other tourists.
In general, some key points often unite solo female travelers:
- Independence: women who decide to travel alone value freedom and flexibility.
- Adventure: they often look for tours, new experiences, and typical activities.
- Community: they try to look out for groups and opportunities to socialize.
- Safety: most solo female travelers research the place they're visiting to find out if there are any dangerous areas or cultural practices to be aware of.
- Smart working: According to the Hostelworld report, 38% of solo travelers interviewed work full time, and some work while traveling.
8 tips to better accommodate solo female travelers
So, how exactly can you ensure that your short-term rental is welcoming, practical, and safe for women who travel alone?
1. Understand your target group
Understanding the specific needs and desires of solo female travelers is crucial. Where are they from? Why have they picked this destination? What might they be interested in? And specifically, what needs might they have that male travelers don't?
Answering these questions will allow you to tailor your services to their needs, making them feel more comfortable and appreciated.
If you are a woman, try to draw inspiration from any personal travel experiences you have had. If you are a man, our advice is to avoid stereotypes. Ask the women around you what they like most (and least) about your area and develop your offer based on this information.
2. Prepare your vacation rental
Make sure your vacation rental is ready to welcome female travelers. Here are some tips:
- Equip your vacation rental with a fully stocked kitchen and a washing machine. Many solo travelers are conscious, so they'll try to book accommodation that allows them to save money while still enjoying necessary comforts.
- Since many solo female travelers work remotely, set up a practical workstation and install a fast internet connection.
- Consider installing a smart lock, a high-tech security feature that ensures secure and flexible access to your property. This will help reassure solo female travelers about their safety and give them peace of mind during their stay.
Finally, why not surprise your guests with a dedicated welcome gift? To make a good impression, choose something local: food, drinks, or handicrafts. Avoid stereotypes (women traveling alone don't need makeup or hair products!) and anything that could be remotely romantic. Receiving a box of chocolates or a rose could make them feel uncomfortable.
3. Update your listings on booking sites
Write in your listing that every traveller is welcome in your vacation rental. Also, mention if your area is exceptionally safe, well-lit, and well-connected. Be sure you also have a website to highlight this information there too.
Also, don't neglect photos. If you show people, ensure that all genders and races feel represented. A woman traveling alone may be less likely to book accommodation that only shows men in the photos and on your website.
4. Share activities and experiences in the area
Recommend local activities for your guests during their stay to ensure a unique and personalized travel experience. As our Annual Report mentions, today's travelers are increasingly looking for ways to connect with locals and truly experience the city or country they are visiting.
Highlight any activities, tours, or experiences that are women-only. If you need help selecting the most suitable ones, discuss them with the women around you and choose the ones they are most interested in.
5. Suggest networking opportunities
Do solo travelers ever feel lonely? Some do. To help them network, you can suggest places and spaces where they can meet other travelers. Whether it's a tourist area or a bar that often welcomes tourists from all over the world, share this information in your digital guest guide. This is especially important for international guests, who may face more difficulties due to language barriers.
6. List traditions, customs and other helpful information
For solo female travelers, learning about the places they visit is essential. Make their life easier by gathering all the information about your area in one place. Here are some questions you may want to answer:
- Are there any local traditions or customs they should be aware of?
- How does public transportation work? Until what time do buses, trams or the metro run? Is there a taxi service? If so, is there a recommended app or taxi company?
- What are the contact details of the local emergency services?
Share this information in your guest guide or a welcome message. Your guests will appreciate it!
7. Share local emergency contacts
When hosting solo travelers, your guest guide should include a section dedicated to safety.
Indicate if any areas are best to avoid or where to go out at nigh is unsafet. Let them know if they can go out alone or with friends. Provide all the valuable emergency numbers: police, fire department, hospital, etc. Also, share an emergency contact: a person, you, or one of your employees, who they can contact in case of need.
While it might not seem like a big deal to you, your information will reassure many travelers and help them organize their vacation.
8. Be available during their stay
Some types of tourists may be more at risk than others. That's why, when you host solo female travelers, it's essential that you, or someone working for you, are available in case of need.
If you have given them an emergency cell phone number, ensure the phone is charged and has the ringer on. If you have shared your email, check your inbox regularly.
Conclusion: Create a welcoming and safe vacation rental for everyone
It's hard to believe that women didn't dare travel alone because they didn't have the money to do so. Yet they have fought for this right and want to celebrate it during Women's Month.
By welcoming and creating a safe environment for solo female travelers, you can, too, offer your support. Traveling allows us to relax, unwind, discover, and grow, and it's vital that everyone can do so freely.