By offering experiences that foster meaningful connections and authentic adventures, EF Go Ahead Tours has tapped into a growing trend, launching an exhilarating series of women-only tours on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2025. This bold initiative, named “EF Go Ahead Tours for Women,” addresses a powerful desire revealed by recent research: women prefer exploring the globe with like-minded female companions.
An extensive study by EF Go Ahead Tours in collaboration with Qualtrics uncovered a striking statistic: 86% of women expressed interest in joining women-only travel groups. This insight has set the stage for a new era of travel, merging independence with the camaraderie and security women seek.
Empowering Experiences Crafted for Women By Women
Heidi Durflinger, president of EF Go Ahead Tours, emphasized this innovative concept: “We discovered a genuine longing among women to travel together, celebrating both their collective strength and individual authenticity. Our new tours specifically answer the call for unique experiences celebrating women’s history, contributions, and cultural significance.”
The inaugural lineup features seven meticulously curated tours across popular global destinations, including Italy, the UK and Ireland, Spain and Portugal, Greece, Thailand, Peru, and Egypt. These destinations were handpicked through surveys involving thousands of women travellers, and each highlights strong female leadership, historical achievements, and vibrant local culture.
Unforgettable Itineraries Highlighting Women’s Achievements
Each itinerary provides distinctive experiences emphasizing women’s contributions to society and culture. Highlights include:
- Peru for Women: Participants will meet Andean women at Awamaki, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional weaving and empowering women through education and economic independence.
- Italy for Women: Guests learn traditional cooking at Podere San Guiliano, an agriturismo in Tuscany run by chef Frederica, who maintains cherished culinary traditions passed down by her grandmother.
- Egypt for Women: Expert female Egyptologists offer inspiring insights into the lives of prominent Egyptian feminist figures, such as the pioneering activist Doria Shafik.
- UK & Ireland for Women: Travelers experience storytelling sessions at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, immersing themselves in compelling tales of legendary Scottish women.
Building Lasting Connections through Travel
Beyond sightseeing, the tours focus on cultivating deep personal connections. Research indicates that 84% of women value their friendships significantly, citing travel as one of the most effective ways to strengthen those bonds. A noteworthy 65% specifically identified shared travel experiences as pivotal to forming lasting friendships and cherished memories.
Travelling in women-only groups enables a unique freedom of expression. Nearly 60% of survey respondents preferred women-only groups, citing greater comfort in authenticity and shared experiences. This environment encourages participants to embrace their authentic selves without social constraints, fostering greater self-awareness and confidence.
Rediscovering Self through Group Travel
Though solo travel remains popular among women—with 78% having travelled alone at least once—there is a growing preference for travelling solo within supportive group contexts. The new EF Go Ahead Tours for Women blend independence with security, a particularly appealing balance to 86% of women surveyed. Group settings provide essential support, significantly enhancing confidence in trying new and adventurous activities.
For many women, family obligations present a travel barrier, with 31% identifying these responsibilities as constraints. Yet, nearly 60% now express a strong desire to invest in travel to reconnect with themselves outside family roles, further highlighting the transformative potential of these travel experiences.
Connecting with Historical Icons
EF Go Ahead Tours’ commitment to cultural enrichment resonates strongly, with 92% of women interested in exploring women’s history through travel. Historical and contemporary figures featured in these tours provide inspiration, context, and a deeper understanding of global women’s achievements. Local cultural immersion further appeals to 75% of travellers, emphasizing authentic experiences such as museum visits, culinary exploration, and engagement with local communities.
A New Chapter in Women’s Travel
EF Go Ahead Tours’ decision to introduce specialized tours underscores a significant shift in travel dynamics. These thoughtfully designed journeys allow women to experience travel uniquely, combining the power of community with individual exploration. Tours will be guided exclusively by experienced female directors, offering participants enriching narratives and insights into local women’s lives and achievements.
The tours begin in January 2026, marking an exciting milestone for both EF Go Ahead Tours and the future of travel for women worldwide.
Visit EF Go Ahead Tours for Women for more information and to reserve a place on these transformative journeys.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
