Solo travel among women, especially women over 50, is booming. Research shows that 
this sector is seeking out soul-nourishing, curated small group journeys that prioritise 
global experiences, connection and transformation, while avoiding tourist traps. 

Independent tour operator ECT Travel – a company led by women – is ahead of the 
trend. We have worked with woman-focused groups from our beginnings more than 
three decades ago, taking members of the Quilters Guild and National Association of 
Flower Arrangers to events all over the world. When once groups booked to travel 
together, today more and more women are booking to travel independently. And they 
are becoming increasingly adventurous. In the past year, we have taken women 
travelling alone on a variety of gentle adventures and special interest holidays, including 
a Bear Watching & Stargazing Adventure in Finland's Artic Taiga; a once-in-a-life journey 
across Northeast India and on overland into Bhutan; an extraordinary quilt festival in 
Paducah, USA and the glorious spring gardens of Keukenhof.

What some of our solo travelling, female clients have said:  

It was wonderful, peaceful and quiet. The sun shone, the Finnish people were lovely, the 
food was excellent and our fellow travellers were good company. Sitting in the forest on 
a foraging expedition, seeing a luna eclipse, sitting in the sun and just being so glad to be 
there.  

I really don't think I could pick out a single highlight across the days in Bhutan – each day 
was fascinating and added another dimension to the trip, but our time spent with the 
government minister, Perma Tenzin, was exceptional – a real insight into the culture and 
way of living in Bhutan. Tashi our guide for this part of the trip was excellent as was our 
driver Mr P, who acted as my sherpa going to Tiger's Nest! Another thing I appreciated 
was that you all did every flight check-in – a simple touch that really made a difference 
The holiday to AQS QuiltWeek Paducah was wonderful. I was very nervous and anxious 
at the beginning of the tour but I have made some lovely new friends and enjoyed 
myself. 

Going to Keukenhof was a dream I'd always had and visiting the private gardens and 
speaking with the owners was something I would not have the opportunity to do 
otherwise. Our tour guide was very professional and reliable and I loved the canal boat 
trip where I could sit comfortably and enjoy peace and the cool breeze on my face while 
being so close to the water surface.  

With this market in mind, we have added even more Gentle Adventures and Special 
Interest Holidays to our 2026 tour programme. Created for small groups and 
accompanied by expert tour managers and local guides, these holidays are designed to 
make travelling the world a joyful, relaxed, accessible experience so that our clients can 
focus on what really matters: time spent with new-found friends, exploring new places 
and soaking up unforgettable new experiences.   

Here is a sample: 
Gentle Adventures 

Explore Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Wildlife & Pacific Coast Relaxation 
Saturday 28th November – Wednesday 9th December 2026 
This 11 days/10 nights holiday of a lifetime takes you from the humming capital of San 
José to the striking black sands of Playa Hermosa, via the wonders of the Arenal 
Volcano National Park and the pristine rainforest Tapir Valley Reserve. Knowledgeable 
local guides bring each place and experience to life, whether it's birdwatching, tasting 
local flavours or learning about sustainable farming. Based in rainforest escapes, 
elegant eco-lodges and tranquil coastal retreats, our itinerary offers the perfect blend of 
activity and relaxation, allowing you to slow down and connect with Costa 
Rica's extraordinary nature and culture. 

Wild Red Pandas Expedition and the Wonders of Northeast India 2026 
Wednesday 11th - Monday 30th March 2026; Sunday 1st November – Friday 20th 
November 2026 
Our once-in-a-lifetime Wild Red Panda holiday includes 5 nights at Habre's Nest, a 
research hub and sustainable wildlife tourism centre dedicated to the conservation of 
the Red Panda set high in the Eastern Himalayan forests of the Singalila National Park. 
The first ever rewilding program of zoo-bred Red Panda took place here and today there 
are estimated to be 32 Red Panda within the limits of the park and 8 to 10 Red Pandas 
living around Habre's Nest. As well as Red Panda, your other neighbours at Habre's Nest 
include Clouded Leopard, Black bears, Barking deer and more than 300 species of 
birds. For the first few days the priority will be given to Red Panda sightings, but there is 
also a Bird Hide where you can stay hidden and watch Himalayan wildlife. The hide has 
hosted 45-50 different species over the years including Parrotbills, Fulvettas, Laughing 
Thrushes and Yellow-Throated Martine. There are also a range of Jungle Trails.  

Bhutan Land of the Thunder Dragon & the Wonders of Northeast India 2026 
Wednesday 11th - Monday 30th March 2026; Sunday 1st - Friday 20th November 2026 
This holiday takes you on an immersive journey of discovery through Northeast India (as 
for the Red Panda Adventure), then overland into Bhutan. Highlights in Bhutan range 
from the chance to explore Thimpu, the fifth highest capital city in the world, and a visit 
to the ancient Pangri Zampa Monastery, home to the country's School of Astrology, to 
face-to-face encounters with skilled artisans, archery experts and many opportunities 
to immerse yourself within the gentle spirit of Buddhism. 

Bear Watching & Star Gazing in Finland's Wilderness 
Experience the untouched beauty of Finland's Arctic Taiga on an unforgettable six-day 
adventure designed to reconnect you with nature's wonders. From the remote forests 
of Kuhmo to the breathtaking landscapes of Tulijärvi, this journey is a perfect blend of 
wildlife encounters, celestial wonders and immersive cultural experiences. Stay in a 
traditional Finnish log cabin; encounter European wild brown bear, wolverine, European 
elk and Finnish caribou, beaver and wolves; unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna and 
marvel at the brilliance of the stars and the Northern Lights. (Dates tbc) 

Special Interest Holidays 
Creative Break in Jämtland: Botanical Dyeing & Felt Weaving Workshops in Wild 
Sweden 
Thursday 3rd - Monday 7th September 2026 
A holiday woven with creativity, history and the raw beauty of northern Sweden. This 
five-day creative journey offers opportunity to explore Jämtland's textile traditions 
through two hands-on workshops and inspiring visits to cultural landmarks and natural 
wonders. 

Greek Orthodox Easter in Crete: Discover History, Nature & Traditions 
Saturday 11th - Saturday 18th April 2026 
A unique holiday that blends ancient history with vibrant local traditions and Crete's 
stunning natural landscapes. Uncover the soul of the island during Greek Orthodox 
Easter, one of its most meaningful and atmospheric festivals; visit ancient 
ruins, timeless villages and wander along wildflower-strewn trails and dramatic 
coastlines as the natural beauty of Crete comes alive and spring is in full bloom. 

For more information and images, please contact Charlotte Abrahams 

About ECT Travel We are a team of travel professionals and passionate, curious 
travellers and are proud to have been creating thought-provoking travel experiences for 
more than 30 years. Seeking out the secret gems and the less travelled roads hidden 
within each holiday destination, our journeys are expertly curated to help you see the 
world in a different way. We take pride in looking after the people who travel with us, and 
we guarantee a personal service, delivered by real people, every step of the way.