EF Go Ahead Tours has unveiled its first women-only trips after new data points to an overwhelming interest in female-exclusive group travel experiences. Olivia Palamountain reports

According to a recent survey conducted by EF Go Ahead Tours, 86% of women express an interest in travelling with female-only groups.

This has prompted the company to launch of seven specialised tours designed to foster authentic connection and inspire empowerment through travel.

The new Tours for Women will be available for 2026 and 2027 bookings and will explore destinations including Italy, UK and Ireland, Spain and Portugal, Greece, Thailand, Peru and Egypt.

Each itinerary has been crafted based on key findings from the company's research, which highlighted women's travel preferences and motivations.

The survey revealed that 65% of respondents believe travel is the most effective way to form meaningful connections and friendships, while 92% expressed interest in discovering stories of remarkable women in history during their travels.

The research also found that 75% of women consider connecting with local culture—whether through museums, cuisine, or geographical landmarks—an important element of their travel experience.

Women's desire for independence within a supportive group setting was another significant finding, with 65% enjoying alone time without feeling pressure to participate in all activities. Nearly 50% reported feeling uncomfortable doing adventurous activities by themselves, but 61% felt more confident exploring when in a group setting.

Self-discovery emerged as another key motivation, with 60% of women reporting they feel like the best version of themselves when travelling, and 59% expressing a need to get away from their families to rediscover themselves.

The women-only tours will be led exclusively by female tour directors and offer unique experiences celebrating women's history and culture. In Scotland, travellers will enjoy a storytelling experience where a female storyteller shares stories about women's experiences past and present. In Greece, participants will visit Domaine Pateriankakis, a female-owned winery on Crete.

Further highlights include exploring Thailand's Songdhammakalyani Monastery, one of few housing only female Buddhist monks; connecting with Andean women demonstrating ancient weaving techniques at Peru's Awamaki nonprofit; learning to make authentic Bolognese ragu at Italy's Podere San Guiliano, an agriturismo founded by chef Frederica and her grandmother; hearing accounts of feminist activist Doria Shafik from Egyptologists in Egypt; and exploring Spain's Bodegas Coloma, a family-owned winery run by three siblings.

The tours aim to support women-owned businesses in destination countries while providing travellers with opportunities to learn about women's history and connect with fellow female travellers.