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MEININGER Study in Germany, France, and Italy: What women need to feel comfortable while traveling
- One in two women in Germany has already traveled alone, while 17% would never consider traveling solo
- Safety concerns are the biggest barrier to solo travel for 46% of German respondents
- Being out alone at night is the biggest source of insecurity when traveling solo across all three countries
- A central and secure location is the most important criterion for German women (44%) when choosing a hotel
How safe can women feel today — in everyday life and while traveling? While solo trips have long been a growing trend worldwide*, the issue of safety continues to accompany many women everywhere, including when they travel. MEININGER Hotels took a closer look by conducting a representative survey of 3,000 women across Germany, France, and Italy. These three countries are among the most visited destinations in Europe and are also key core markets for MEININGER Hotels. The results paint a nuanced picture. One in two women has already traveled solo. At the same time, 17% fundamentally reject solo trips, while 14% can hardly imagine traveling alone. But what holds them back? The study reveals the concerns and safety issues that play a role, as well as the factors and services that truly help build trust.
What motivates women to travel alone and what holds them back
For many women in Germany, solo travel represents freedom and independence (48%), as well as relaxation and recovery (44%). One in three solo travelers (34%) particularly looks forward to new experiences. At the same time, solo travel is also seen as a personal journey. Many associate it with self-determination, personal growth, and stepping outside their comfort zone.
However, the idea of traveling alone is not associated with positive feelings for everyone. In fact, 21% of respondents associate solo trips with fear. This is also reflected in the reasons that discourage women from traveling alone: 46% cite safety concerns as the main factor. Other reasons include the desire for companionship (32%), concerns about being left on their own in an emergency (30%), fear of feeling lonely while traveling (27%), and higher travel costs (20%).
Solo travel in comparison across countries
Among the countries surveyed, Germany appears to be the most open overall toward solo travel: 33% of respondents have already traveled alone multiple times, compared to 28% in both Italy and France. At the same time, 63% of women in Germany say they feel somewhat safe, safe, or very safe when traveling solo. In Italy, this figure stands at 59%, while in France it drops to 50%. In addition, 15% of women in France say they do not feel safe at all when traveling alone. Accordingly, France also shows the greatest reluctance toward solo travel, with 30% of respondents stating they would definitely not travel alone.
The greatest source of insecurity across all three countries is the possibility of unsafe or unfamiliar situations in public spaces. One of the most commonly cited concerns is being out alone at night, mentioned by 63% of respondents in Germany and by 62% in both France and Italy. Spending time alone in bars or clubs also causes discomfort (Germany 45%, Italy 34%, France 46%), as does exploring unfamiliar areas (Germany 37%, Italy 42%, France 34%), which many respondents perceive as challenging.
These situations are also reflected in women’s concrete travel concerns. Robbery or theft ranks as the top concern in all three countries (Germany 22%, Italy 23%, France 31%), followed by harassment or intimidation (Germany 19%, Italy 22%, France 15%).
When asked what creates a sense of safety while traveling, 43% in both Germany and Italy point to the smartphone — used for navigation, emergency contacts, and quick assistance. In contrast, French women place greater emphasis on human presence, with 24/7 on-site staff in accommodations ranking first (35%), slightly ahead of the smartphone (33%).
When choosing a hotel, German women primarily prioritize a central, safe location as well as transparent information about the surrounding area (44%). French women, accordingly, place particular importance on a local point of contact (45%). Italian women rate both aspects as equally important, valuing both a central location and a local point of contact (37% each).
Malin Widmarc-Nilsson, Vice President Commerce of MEININGER Hotels, comments: “Solo travel stands for independence, but a good feeling only arises with the right conditions in place. That is why we deliberately create offers that provide safety, comfort and orientation, such as female dorms, keycard access, secure storage options, and a 24/7 reception as a reliable point of contact.”
Where women want to travel alone
City trips are the top choice among women in Germany, with 36%, followed by beach and leisure holidays (31%). Long-haul travel is not a necessity. Overall, 73% prefer short trips of up to four nights, ideally within Europe. More than half of women even prefer to travel within Germany. Most women prefer to stay in a private room (69%). The main factors that would prompt people to take a solo trip in the next twelve months are a compelling price offer (34%) and offers that specifically promote peace and privacy (17%).
“The study clearly shows that women traveling alone have very specific expectations. This is exactly where we come in: with centrally located, well-connected and affordably priced accommodation in European cities and an environment where guests feel well taken care of at all times,” adds Malin Widmarc-Nilsson.
About the study:
On behalf of MEININGER Hotels, a representative survey was conducted on 16 and 17 April 2026 among a total of 3,000 women in Germany, France and Italy (1,000 respondents per country). The online survey was carried out via the Appinio panel and is representative of the female population in each respective country. The study focused on attitudes, needs and barriers related to solo travel, as well as specific factors and services that help women feel safe and comfortable while traveling, ranging from short city trips to longer holidays.
* Source: Future Partners (December 2024): Nearly 40% of travelers worldwide are planning a solo trip for 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year. (NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/business/travel/women-are-planning-vacation-alone-2025-rcna185543)
