Traveling as a woman can be incredibly empowering, and many female-owned travel companies have risen to meet the unique needs of women travelers, focusing on inclusivity, safety, and creating enriching experiences for all. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a woman of color, a plus-sized adventurer, an LGBTQ traveler, or someone who requires accessible travel options, there’s a community and a tour company ready to support your journey. Here’s a guide to some fantastic female-owned travel groups, tour companies, and agencies that cater to a wide range of women with diverse needs.
1. Travel Groups for Women of Color
Women of color often face unique challenges and needs when traveling, from finding culturally safe spaces to encountering meaningful experiences that acknowledge their heritage. These female-founded travel companies are dedicated to creating empowering, community-centered travel experiences that celebrate diversity.
- Travel Noire
Founded by a Black woman, Travel Noire creates exclusive experiences for travelers of African descent. Their travel guides, tours, and community events help Black travelers feel more connected to new cultures while celebrating their heritage.
Learn more: Travel Noire - JetBlack Travel
This company organizes group trips designed specifically for Black travelers, particularly women. Their curated trips encourage cultural immersion, with itineraries spanning from Africa to South America, featuring destinations rich in cultural and historical significance.
Learn more: JetBlack Travel - Black Girls Travel Too
Founded by a Black woman, this travel company creates travel experiences that empower women of color through adventure and connection. They offer small-group tours to iconic destinations, including Bali, Morocco, and Ghana, with a focus on creating safe, joyful spaces for Black women travelers.
Learn more: Black Girls Travel Too - Black Travel Movement (Facebook Group)
While not founded by a woman, I’m including this group because of the incredible women who contribute to it! The Black Travel Movement Facebook group brings together Black travelers who share experiences, tips, and opportunities to connect on group trips worldwide. Members can discuss travel destinations, cultural insights, and find travel buddies in a supportive community of like-minded travelers.
Join the community: Black Travel Movement - Dr. Kiona’s Traveling Resources
Dr. Kiona, founder of the educational platform How Not to Travel Like a Basic B*tch, uses her influence to promote cultural awareness, ethical travel, and diverse narratives within the travel space. She offers guides, resources, and cultural insights for women of color (or ANYONE) seeking meaningful, ethical travel experiences.
Follow Dr. Kiona: Instagram – Dr. Kiona
2. Travel Companies for Plus-Sized Travelers
Plus-sized travelers often face challenges with traditional travel companies, such as lack of access to inclusive seating and activities. These female-led travel groups make it a priority to provide comfortable and body-positive travel experiences.
- Curvy Ventures
Curvy Ventures, created by plus-sized travel advocates, provides group travel experiences tailored specifically for plus-sized women. They organize trips that prioritize comfort and include activities suitable for travelers of all body types, with destinations ranging from beach getaways to cultural immersions.
Learn more: Curvy Ventures - Fat Girls Traveling
What started as an Instagram community by Annette Richmond has expanded into group trips and a platform that promotes plus-sized inclusivity in travel. Their group trips are curated for body-positive experiences, with activities and accommodations that consider the needs of plus-sized women.
Learn more: Fat Girls Traveling - All Bodies on Bikes
This organization is perfect for plus-sized and active travelers looking for a bike-friendly vacation. Founded by two female biking advocates, they organize bike trips and community rides focused on inclusivity, body positivity, and fitness at any size.
Learn more: All Bodies on Bikes
3. Accessible Travel for Women with Disabilities
Women with disabilities often find travel challenging, especially with accessibility considerations that standard tour companies may overlook. Female-owned accessible travel companies provide supportive, inclusive, and adventurous travel experiences.
- Wheel the World
Founded by a team including disability advocates, Wheel the World makes travel accessible for people with disabilities. They curate trips worldwide with activities and accommodations suited to people with a range of accessibility needs, such as adaptive equipment for physical activities.
Learn more: Wheel the World - Sage Traveling
This female-owned agency specializes in accessible travel in Europe. They provide personalized itineraries for travelers with mobility impairments, featuring wheelchair-friendly tours, accessible accommodations, and experienced guides knowledgeable about accessibility options.
Learn more: Sage Traveling - Accessible Japan
For those traveling to Japan, this company offers accessible travel information, tours, and planning assistance for people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Founded by a local woman with deep knowledge of Japan’s accessibility infrastructure, Accessible Japan provides tailored itineraries to help you enjoy the country fully.
Learn more: Accessible Japan
4. Travel Groups for Solo Female Travelers
Solo female travelers often look for experiences that provide safety, camaraderie, and opportunities to meet like-minded women. These female-founded travel groups create itineraries that offer security and fun for independent women.
- Women Who Travel (by Condé Nast Traveler)
Women Who Travel offers an inspiring community and curated trips for solo female travelers. With itineraries crafted specifically for women, they focus on unique travel experiences that allow solo travelers to meet others while enjoying safe, empowering adventures.
Learn more: Women Who Travel - Intrepid Travel’s Women’s Expeditions
These tours, led by female guides, are tailored for solo female travelers looking to explore culture and adventure with other women. Their destinations, from Iran to Morocco, offer deeper cultural insights, with experiences like cooking with local women and homestays.
Learn more: Intrepid Travel Women’s Expeditions - Wanderful
Wanderful is an international community of women who love to travel. Their trips and annual Women in Travel Summit provide women travelers with networking opportunities, unique travel insights, and chances to make lifelong connections with other female travelers.
Learn more: Wanderful - Girls Love Travel (GLT)
Girls Love Travel is a popular online community and travel group for women worldwide, with a diverse membership base that celebrates women of all backgrounds. Their online community and group trips offer a platform for connecting, sharing travel advice, and finding travel buddies, making solo travel and new destinations more accessible.
Join the community: Girls Love Travel
5. Travel Options for LGBTQ Women
LGBTQ travelers often prioritize safety and inclusivity when choosing travel experiences. Female-founded travel companies are creating supportive, LGBTQ-friendly trips that prioritize the needs of lesbian and queer women.
- Olivia Travel
Olivia Travel is a leading female-owned travel company for queer women. Known for their cruises, resort vacations, and adventure trips, Olivia Travel creates safe spaces for lesbian and LGBTQ travelers to enjoy a vacation surrounded by community and acceptance.
Learn more: Olivia Travel - Lesbian Getaways
Lesbian Getaways offers fun, safe, and social group trips for lesbian travelers. These trips span from luxury beach vacations to adventure trips, all designed to help queer women connect with like-minded individuals in safe, inclusive settings.
Learn more: Lesbian Getaways - Out Adventures
Founded by an LGBTQ couple, Out Adventures offers group trips with inclusivity at their core. Their trips welcome travelers of all orientations and gender identities, and they offer destinations that emphasize safety and community for LGBTQ individuals.
Learn more: Out Adventures
Additional Tips for Finding Female-Owned Travel Experiences
- Look for Travel Blogs and Influencers: Follow female travel bloggers and influencers who specialize in women-centered travel; they often share resources for diverse travelers and spotlight inclusive companies.
- Check Social Media Hashtags: Use hashtags like #WomenOwnedTravel, #LGBTQTravel, #AccessibleTravel, and #BlackTravel to discover travel companies that align with your needs and values.
- Ask for Recommendations: Women-centered travel forums and social media groups are full of firsthand recommendations for companies that prioritize inclusivity, safety, and empowering experiences.
Final Thoughts
Female-owned travel groups and agencies are pioneering more inclusive, safe, and empowering ways for women to explore the world. From plus-sized and accessible adventures to LGBTQ-friendly getaways, there are ample options to connect with other women, celebrate shared experiences, and discover new cultures. By choosing these companies, you’re not only supporting female entrepreneurs but also creating opportunities for deeper, more meaningful travel experiences tailored to your unique needs.
Happy travels!
Curves and a Carry On 
Leave a comment