Women Travel Tribe (WTT) is planning its biggest year yet, unveiling fifty women-only trips for 2026, with a spotlight on destinations from Ireland and Scotland to Kenya and Croatia.
A Growing Market With Deep Pockets
The demand for women-only travel isn’t just a niche trend anymore—it’s a thriving, global movement. WTT’s own numbers tell the story: over 12,000 members now form its community, and bookings have surged to the point where the organisation is tripling its offerings for next year.
This growth isn’t random. Industry data shows women aged 55 and over now account for more than 40% of all female travellers worldwide. That same group is spending over $245 billion annually on travel. WTT is betting that this demographic wants more than just a holiday—they want shared experiences, deeper bonds, and, as the company puts it, “purpose-driven travel.”
The expansion will bring a blend of brand-new destinations like Croatia and Kenya, alongside returning favourites such as Vietnam, the Galapagos Islands, Romania, and Peru.
Why WTT’s Approach Feels Different
It’s easy to call something “women-focused,” but WTT’s setup makes it tangible. Every trip is small, intimate, and capped at eight to twelve travellers. That’s not a cost-saving measure—it’s designed to ensure nobody feels lost in the shuffle.
They also lean heavily into cultural immersion. That means meeting local artisans in Ireland, learning recipes from chefs in Croatia, or spending time with entrepreneurs in Kenya’s rural towns. The trips aren’t built around ticking off tourist attractions, but around building a sense of belonging in a foreign place.
And while many tour operators opt for chain hotels for convenience, WTT goes the boutique route. By staying in locally owned accommodations, travellers not only support the communities they’re visiting but also get a more authentic feel for the destination.
Destinations That Speak to the Traveller’s Heart
The 2026 calendar reads like a map of emotional and cultural variety. Some destinations feel like comfort food for the soul; others are pure adventure.
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Ireland – Think rolling green fields, storytelling in small pubs, and a deep sense of heritage.
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Scotland – From the wild Highlands to Edinburgh’s cobbled closes, it’s history and landscape in one package.
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Kenya – Safaris in the Maasai Mara and quiet moments watching wildlife at dawn.
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Croatia – Coastal towns that look like film sets and a Mediterranean culture that’s warm and welcoming.
Returning favourites like Vietnam and the Galapagos offer a bridge between WTT’s past and future—places that have proven they deliver both personal growth and unforgettable sights.
The Business Case for Women-Only Travel
The economics behind this boom are clear. A mature demographic with disposable income, a growing interest in solo travel, and a hunger for meaningful experiences create a perfect mix.
| Demographic Group | Share of Female Travellers | Estimated Annual Spend |
|---|---|---|
| Women 55+ | 40%+ | $245 billion |
| Women 35–54 | ~35% | $180 billion |
| Women under 35 | ~25% | $95 billion |
For WTT, this isn’t just about filling tours. It’s about cultivating loyalty. Once a traveller experiences the connection and care on one of these trips, they’re far more likely to return—and to bring friends.
A Sense of Safety and Belonging
One thing that keeps coming up in WTT’s traveller feedback is safety—not just physical, but emotional. Many women over 50 say they want to explore, but they’re wary of the logistics, security, and loneliness of going it alone. WTT’s group structure removes those barriers.
Frances, a recent traveller to Peru with WTT, described it like this: “It’s the first trip I’ve been on where I didn’t have to pretend to be brave. I could just be myself and know the group had my back.”
Safety is baked into everything from the handpicked accommodations to the vetted local guides. But the real magic seems to come from the travellers themselves—strangers who often leave as close friends.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The scale of WTT’s 2026 program is ambitious, but the company’s leadership insists it’s achievable without losing the personal touch. New partnerships with local operators in Ireland, Scotland, and Kenya are already in place, and early bookings are reportedly strong.
For the travellers, the payoff isn’t just another stamp in their passport. It’s the stories told over dinners in tiny villages, the laughter on long bus rides, and the sense of being truly seen and understood.
And maybe that’s why WTT’s tours are selling out faster than they can be scheduled—because for many women, the trip itself is just the backdrop. The real destination is connection.
