Women feel less safe than men when travelling alone

Men and women approach solo travel with markedly different mindsets, according to the Spring 2025 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Women report taking significantly more safety precautions, reflecting heightened concern and vigilance when traveling alone. In contrast, men express greater comfort and confidence navigating solo journeys, often with fewer safeguards in place.

Key Gender Differences:

Women Are More Likely to Avoid Destinations Alone: 49 per cent of women said they have intentionally avoided certain countries due to safety concerns while traveling solo, compared to 39 per cent of men. On the flip side, 57 per cent of men said they have not avoided any destinations, versus just 39 per cent of women—revealing a stronger tendency among men to travel solo without changing plans due to safety fears.

Men Feel Safer Traveling Alone: When it comes to solo travel, 74 per cent of men said they usually feel safe on their own, while only 51 per cent of women expressed the same level of confidence. This wide gap indicates that men are significantly more comfortable with independent travel.

Women prioritize personal security: An overwhelming 79 per cent of women reported using cross-body bags or fanny packs to safeguard their belongings while traveling – compared to just 31 per cent of men. The nearly 50-point difference highlights that women are far more likely to take deliberate steps to prevent theft and enhance personal safety.

“Solo travel is on the rise, but the experience is not equal for everyone,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the US Department of Commerce. “Our findings highlight that while women are committed to exploring the world, they are far more likely to make deliberate safety decisions and avoid destinations they perceive as risky.”

The 2025 data adds to a growing body of research showing that women are among the fastest-growing segments of global solo travelers, but they are also the most deliberate in how they assess risk, pack and choose destinations.

“These numbers reflect more than just personal preference—they reflect how gender shapes travel experiences,” Richards added. “Organizations, tour operators and even destination marketers need to understand and address the safety expectations of women if they want to earn their trust and their business.”