Women’s travel safety concerns grow as harassment reports surge 60%

Less than half of women feel confident managing their personal safety when travelling, according to new research that highlights a widening gender gap in travel experiences.

The study, based on a poll of 2,000 UK travellers, found that just 49% of women felt confident about staying safe abroad when travelling solo or with other women. At the same time, global traveller incident data recorded a 60% rise in reported cases of sexual harassment and assault in 2024.

The findings underpin the launch of the She Travels Safe campaign by the Safer Tourism Foundation during Women’s History Month.

The research reveals that women routinely adapt their behaviour to reduce risk. They are more likely than men to buy travel insurance, carry printed travel documents, and plan journeys to arrive during daylight hours. Many also avoid certain activities altogether to limit unwanted attention – a trend described as an “avoidance tax”.

Katherine Atkinson, CEO of the Safer Tourism Foundation, said: “The picture emerging from research from Safer Tourism and others is a complex one – when women aren’t travelling, it’s clearly not because they are less adventurous than men, but rather that they face a different risk environment. Nearly one in four women tell us they’ve experienced unwanted attention or harassment while travelling.”

Despite these concerns, female solo travel continues to grow. However, 88% of women say travel providers should do more to improve safety, with many calling for better information, 24-hour support, and clearer accommodation details.