by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 8:15 PM ET, Mon September 8, 2025
Women, and solo female travelers in particular, have bold plans for 2026.
Hiking and trekking trips top their to-do list for the year ahead, followed by cultural journeys and exploration of historic sites, according to a newly released survey from AdventureWomen, a small-group, adventure travel company owned and operated by a woman.
No matter what type of trip women have their sights set on for 2026, money does not appear to be much of a barrier or concern. The Adventure Women survey reveals that women intend to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 on traveling next year.
Based on 500 participants — primarily women ages 35 to 75 — the survey delved specifically into where and how women want to travel in 2026.
The findings show that 40 percent of respondents are eyeing hiking and trekking trips, while 30 percent say cultural journeys and explorations of historic sites are on the agenda next year. About 13 percent of survey participants favored wildlife viewing and safaris.
And while women clearly enjoy active travel, they also value balance, indicating that 2 - 3 hours of strenuous physical activity per day is their preference.
Trips of 8–14 days, meanwhile, were identified as the ideal journey length. This, says AdventureWomen, reflects “the realities of women balancing careers, caregiving, and personal pursuits."
When it comes to destinations, more than 45 percent of respondents said they're open to exploring anywhere they’ve never been, with Europe and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) topping the list of desired regions.
This year, more travelers will trek towards thrilling, unique adventures, driving their desire to take one-of-a-kind vacations. (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)
Solo globetrotting
A particularly interesting survey finding: 45 percent of the participants indicated they are in relationships, but nevertheless, 54 percent said they primarily travel solo. Moreover, many said they choose destinations their spouses may not be interested in.
“Women today are redefining what adventure means,” Paige Davis, president of AdventureWomen, said, emphasizing the significance of the survey findings.
“What’s most inspiring to us is seeing how many women are choosing to travel solo, not because they don’t have partners, but because they want to live their own travel dreams on their own terms," added Davis.
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