From Spain’s ancient pilgrimage routes to Italy’s dramatic coastlines and the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, women are increasingly lacing up their hiking boots and setting off on active travel trips.
From first-time walkers to seasoned hikers, women are increasingly prioritising wellness, connection, and community in how they travel. These journeys are helping to reshape what travel looks like, making it more inclusive, mindful, and empowering for women everywhere.
Whether it’s on a mountain pass or a quiet village trail, the message is loud and clear: the future of travel is female, and she’s going places.
According to a 2024 travel trends report by Condé Nast Traveller, women are increasingly seeking holidays that blend physical challenge with personal growth. These travellers aren’t content to simply see a destination; they want to engage with it. Whether it’s sharing a meal with a local family or walking through centuries of history, today’s travel priorities are centred on connection, both with others and with yourself.
Kate Baker, General Manager at UTracks, which specialises in active travel in Europe, reports a steady rise in demand for women on walking tours.
“Our tours are designed to be safe, supportive, and deeply enriching.”
Purpose-Driven Paths
For many women, small group walking holidays offer a perfect balance of independence and companionship. Participants can challenge themselves physically while forming strong bonds with like-minded travellers. It’s a chance to leave behind the pressures of daily life and reconnect, with nature, with other women, and with themselves.
Popular UTracks tours include:
Dolomites Guided Hike (Italy)
A circuit through the dramatic spires of the Dolomites in northern Italy. Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide, your gear is carried for you, allowing you to enjoy the sights and vistas. Nights are spent in comfortable ‘rifugios’ or ‘Hüttes’ in beautiful locations, where German or Italian cuisine could be on the menu, owing to the strong German heritage of the region.
Le Puy De Camino (France)
A reflective journey along the legendary Camino de Santiago. This itinerary blends scenic walking with cultural exchange and self-reflection. This journey, also known as the Via Podiensis and the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port.
Douro Rambler (Portugal)
Created in 1756 by the government of the Marquis of Pombal, the Douro Wine Region Valley is the oldest demarcated and regulated wine region in the world. The Alto Douro Wine Region is famous not only for its port but also for its more recent high quality table wines. This self-guided, hotel based walking and sightseeing tour starts from the village of Vilarinho de Sao Romeo in the middle of the region, then continues down to the small port-town of Pinhão on the Douro River and finally travelling via train to the great city of Porto.
