In recent years, the women’s travel niche has become an increasingly popular segment of the travel industry as droves of women flock to tours designed specifically for the ladies. But what kind of person does this, and why is it appealing?

Singles often enjoy traveling in these groups. In the United States, there are actually more single women than married for the first time in history. But single women who want to travel aren’t letting this stand in their way; they pursue their travel plans, husband or no. Many women simply feel safer and more at ease traveling with a group, and have more fun too. Besides, you’d look rather strange bursting into a robust chuckle all alone at a table for one!

Single women. If you’ve ever been the only single woman on a vacation tour with couples, then you know how it feels to be the odd ‘man’ out. Perhaps you don’t want to mingle with Bob from Sheboygan on a cruise for singles. You’re not looking for your other half; you just want to enjoy your vacation.

Married women. A lot of times, couples just don’t have the same ideas about what constitutes a fun vacation. Maybe you dream of Italy, while he is wistfully thinking of a date with…his fishing rod. Not to worry, you can head off to Italy to enjoy Michelangelo’s David, while he fixes his admiring gaze on a halibut.

Divorced women. If you don’t have a husband to join you on your travels, this is no reason to stay home! In fact, the opposite is true. Many times, women find that during their married years they’ve largely gone along with what their husband wanted. Now that they’re single, they finally feel free to do thing they’ve been looking forward to. Here I come, Greek Islands!

Widows. No matter how happy or sad your marriage may have been, you need to move on and make a life of your own. Getting out into the world and enjoying the sights with a group of women is a wonderful way to accomplish this. Sure, you could travel with your niece, but isn’t it strange how relatives often want you to pay for their trip too?

Girlfriend getaways are also popular. You can gather up some good friends to take the ladies’ night concept to the extreme. By vacationing with a group of women friends, you can truly relax, let your hair down, and be yourself. This is a great opportunity for talking about stuff that really matters, or just sharing laughter and fun.

Distant friends. Do you still keep in touch with your old college roommates or meet up every now and then? Or perhaps your sister lives a few states away, but you enjoy some time together from time to time. These types of getaways are ideal for maintaining these important relationships.

Moms and daughters. If you want to see your mom in a different light, there’s nothing like taking a mother daughter trip together. You’ll find that you see an entirely different side of her when she’s not meeting everyone else’s needs at a family gathering. My mom came with me to Costa Rica, and I enjoyed seeing just how adventurous she could be.

The girls. Maybe you see each all the time; you live in the same town, after all. That doesn’t mean you can’t sneak away for a couple of days. Leave the kids and husbands at home while you pamper yourselves with a spa weekend. You’ll come back feeling refreshed, and not only from the hot rock massage!

In reality, a women’s trip has an entirely different feel than a mixed group. You can talk freely with your girlfriends in a totally uncompetitive atmosphere.

Our astute kayaking guide told us that he never has any issues with women’s groups, but couples are a different story. A lot of times they’re arguing the whole time, when they’re supposed to be enjoying the kayaking. What a waste! Maybe you should think about a women’s tour instead!