Why “Soft Adventure” Is the Next Big Thing in Women’s Travel

Adventure, it seems, no longer demands risk; it asks only for curiosity and a comfortable pair of shoes.

As we head into 2026, “soft adventure” is quickly becoming the hottest trend in women’s travel, according to Glance Visitor Media. 

So what exactly is soft adventure? Think easy-to-access thrills, guided hikes, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, everything that gets your heart racing without breaking a sweat. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, making waves in how women plan their vacations. Here are the reasons why this trend is here to stay.

Soft adventure is accessible and inclusive

Soft adventure isn’t just for seasoned adventurers; it’s for anyone! Women want to push their boundaries without stepping too far out of their comfort zones. Soft adventure experiences like guided hikes, culinary tours, or wildlife safaris don’t require heavy training but still provide excitement and growth. 

Empowerment through experiential travel

Travel isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about transformation. According to Covington Travel, solo female travel is an ever-growing trend driven by women seeking empowerment, independence, and personal growth through experiences that offer freedom and flexibility. Women are seeking more than a vacation; they want authentic, life-changing experiences.

Women prefer safe, community-oriented travel

Safety is a priority for female travelers, especially when venturing into the wild. Soft adventure trips tend to offer small-group tours, on-demand support, and trusted local connections. This community-oriented approach helps build trust and ensures a safer travel experience.

Market growth in female-centric adventure travel

The numbers say it all. According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global adventure tourism market is projected to grow from an estimated $896.06 billion in 2025 to $1,682.28 billion by 2032. The rise in demand for personalized, women-centric trips is sparking innovation in the travel sector. 

Influence of disposable income trends

Women are making money moves! By 2028, they are expected to control global discretionary spending, and they are already leading the charge in premium travel experiences. This shift in wealth accumulation and decision-making power is playing a huge role in the rise of soft adventure travel. 

Dramatic rise in solo female travel

Nearly 40% of female travelers are planning solo trips in 2025, according to Condor Ferries.  With safety, flexibility, and shared experiences being the cornerstone of soft adventure, solo women are flocking to these trips. 

Also on MSN: 11 Best U.S. Destinations for Women Traveling Solo-And Why They’re Worth the Trip

Multi-generational and group dynamics

The trend isn’t just for solo travelers. More and more, women are organizing group trips that foster connection without sacrificing independence. With flexible models, women can share experiences while still sustaining their independence on a trip.

Custom trips and flexibility dominate preferences

When it comes to travel, flexibility is king. A staggering 87% of women who travel solo say flexibility is a key reason for their trip, according to a report by Condor Ferries. This preference for customizable, flexible options has led to an increase in women-centric adventure packages. 

Women inspire innovative product creation

The demand for women-centric travel experiences is sparking innovation in the travel industry. G Adventures, an operator of small-group escorted tours, has even rolled out “Solo-ish” experiences for blended groups.

Social media and storytelling lead the movement

Social media is driving the soft adventure revolution. According to Hotelagio, 83% of travelers use social media for trip inspiration, and platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for this purpose. The rise of solo female travelers sharing their stories online has sparked a surge in interest in soft-adventure experiences. 

Conclusion

Soft adventure is dominating women’s travel in 2025 for a reason. With increasing disposable incomes and through social media, women are driving demand for adventure experiences that offer both thrills and comfort.

Disclosure line:This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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