Experiences Over Homeownership: One In Four Women Choose Solo-Travel Over Property As Montenegro, Albania and South Korea Rise In 2026
Dragonpass data reveals 19% of women plan to make holidays their number one financial priority as solo female travelling accelerates.
For a growing number of British women travel is being treated as a non-negotiable item in the budget, with 25% of women saying travel is a higher financial priority than saving for a home. New data from Dragonpass, the $1billion global loyalty platform serving more than 40 million members worldwide, reveals that 35% of women report investing between £1000 to £3500 a year on holidays, indicating this is structured spending rather than impulse booking.
The trend of women prioritising travel sits against a wider global rise in solo female travel. Industry estimates suggest women account for approximately 75–80% of solo travellers worldwide, with safety, autonomy and personal growth among the strongest motivators. More women (30%) are creating restorative personal itineraries to invest in wellbeing or hobbies, with a growing confidence in travelling alone.
Dragonpass’ Great British Take-Off data provides one of the earliest statistical views of how Brits are planning to travel in 2026, mapping shifts across spend, trip frequency, motivation, destination choice and the expanding role of airports and layovers within the overall travel experience.
Emerging destinations gaining traction among UK women for 2026 include:
Montenegro
Combining coastlines with national parks for slower, nature led exploration.
Albania
Attracting culturally curious travellers beyond traditional Mediterranean hotspots.
Cape Verde
Offering island hoping and activity led itineraries.
South Korea
Enticing with coastal food markets in Busan and futuristic cosmopolitan skylines in Seoul.
Taiwan and Sri Lanka
Rising for their balance of safety, culture depth and accessible solo exploration.
Dragonpass data reflects intentional travel leads trends in 2026 with 30% of women purposefully booking holidays alone to reset. This is backed by real spending power as 35% of women spend between £1000 to £3500 a year on holidays. Wider national tourism data also suggests solo travel is becoming an increasingly mainstream behaviour rather than a niche choice.
Operating across more than 1,400 airport lounges and spa facilities worldwide, Dragonpass observes rather than postponing discretionary spending, many are directing it towards experiences that support independence, identity and wellbeing.