Solo Travel for Women: Why You Don’t Need a Package Holiday to Have an All-Inclusive Experience

Everyone knows what an all-inclusive holiday is. Someone mentions an certain airline and a Jess Glynne chorus starts playing in the background, whether anybody invited it or not. The image is insant: a wristband, a pool, a staff member who appears at exactly the moment your glass empties, and the very particular satisfaction of realising you have no idea where your wallet is, and don't even need it.

Peregrina is not here to laugh at that. Anyone who has worked in travel long enough tends to develop the same guilty affection for an all-inclusive, even if they never sell them, because there is a point at which planning becomes a full-time cognitive load and the idea of turning the whole thing off becomes legitimately appealing. Our founder loves an all-inclusive. Sometimes the brief is simple: tropical (we love the Dominican Republic), a lush and verdant resort, and a week that involves more pina coladas than brain. Sometimes the brief is a ski week and the prospect of arriving, sitting down, and having your wine poured without haemorrhaging funds feels like a relief.

We keep a list of favourite resorts. We'll share it if you ask. If a client wants a wristband week, we can supply the wristband week.

The problem, we think, starts when women treat all-inclusive as the only safe way to travel alone. That belief pushes solo travel into two extremes that never quite match the lives of the women reading this: the “I sold my possessions, wash my pants in the sink and now I live in a hostel” version, and the “I booked a beach resort and I will not be seen outside of the gates” version. Both can be perfectly valid choices, but neither has to be the default, especially when a woman wants something milestone-adjacent, or simply wants her time off to feel like actual time off.

Peregrina sits in the oft-underutilised third lane: bespoke private travel for women travelling solo, designed with the same ease people associate with all-inclusive, and the kind of detail that packages rarely provide. The trip runs smoothly because someone (Peregrina!) has already done the thinking, then we stay available 24/7 until the completion of the trip.

The reputation all-inclusives earned, and why it stuck

All-inclusives have earned their reputation honestly. They remove friction in a way that is incredibly hard to beat. They reduce exposure to the parts of travel that can feel annoying at best and vulnerable at worst: arriving late, navigating transfers in an unfamiliar place, figuring out where to eat on night one, exchanging currency.

A resort also offers a fully contained social environment. For a woman travelling solo, that really does matter. A contained environment creates a sense of predictability. Staff are familiar, the rhythm repeats and the perimeter stays constant. That predictability is truly calming, especially on a first solo trip, or after a period of life that has held enough uncertainty already.

This containment, however, creates a negative trade. The more tightly the holiday is contained, the less the destination gets to exist on its own terms. Morocco becomes the resort. Mexico becomes the resort. Greece becomes the resort with a slightly better view. A woman who wants a beach week can accept that trade and still have a brilliant time. A woman who wants a destination, or a story, or a sense of the culture, history and art of a place, usually wants something else.

Safety, in our opinion, does not require containment. Safety requires decisions made in advance, suppliers chosen carefully, and logistics that run cleanly. Those are planning problems, and planning problems have solutions.

The gap in solo travel advice, and why it misses the point

Solo female travel content has a habit of swinging between total fantasy and literal survival manual. One version assumes a woman wants a spiritual reinvention and a tote bag that says something about bravery. The other version assumes she wants to be warned about everything that could possibly happen to her, preferably in a tone that suggests she has never crossed a road on her own before.

Neither of these frameworks represents the majority of women who visit Peregrina.

Many of our clients lead busy lives. They value their privacy and desire a trip that is both rejuvenating and tranquil, featuring excellent hotels, incredible food, and enough structure to avoid turning the week into a DIY project. All of them have refined taste. Some seek a cultural itinerary, some desire relaxation, and others want a mix of both, with a leisurely lunch as the central theme. Some are interested in Antarctica, which involves unique logistical challenges and is a highly effective way to disconnect from pressing emails (we love an epic Out of Office).

What unites most of these women is not their demographic but their preference for competence and aversion to friction. They often share a suspicion that bespoke travel planning is reserved for a different class of client, a notion that is understandable yet somewhat outdated.

Private travel planning has always been available for solo travelers; it has just remained a bit under the radar.

What Peregrina does for a solo client

We plan the trip, book it, and ensure its coherence. This may seem straightforward until you attempt to organize a multi-stop itinerary while working full-time and find yourself in meetings about dinner reservations.

We begin with a discussion covering dates, destination ideas, pace, budget, and what the traveler wants for her days. We then suggest a route, select hotels with the appropriate service culture, reserve rooms that match the traveler's preferences, and manage the logistics that often cause stress for solo travelers when left to chance. We arrange transfers, organize guides when needed, secure tables at well-regarded restaurants, and create a schedule that provides structure to the week without making it feel like a regimented march.

We also remain involved once travel commences. Flights can change. Weather can shift. A traveler might decide to swap a day trip for a spa afternoon with a book. A restaurant might close unexpectedly. A strike could occur. We handle these changes and keep the itinerary cohesive.

The objective is clear: a solo traveler should focus her energy on experiencing the place, not on managing it.

“All-inclusive” in the way that truly counts

When people mention “all-inclusive,” they typically refer to unlimited food and beverages at a resort. However, when our clients speak of all-inclusive, they generally mean something different: they desire assurance that everything is organized, considered, and managed.

We achieve this through operational control and clear documentation. We provide a single itinerary that encompasses the entire trip, and we bundle bookings so the traveler isn't overwhelmed by confirmations scattered across multiple inbox threads. We coordinate with suppliers to ensure they know the traveler's arrival time, who is picking them up, and their destinations, without requiring the traveler to manage these details.

A woman can journey through various cities, take trains, switch between hotels, add a villa, invite a friend for three nights, change the return flight, and still maintain a cohesive plan. The trip remains straightforward and the logistics remain seamless, because we're there every step of the way.

Gratuities are typically outside most inclusive packages, and personal upgrades remain individual choices, but the core tasks of planning, booking, and coordinating are all handled within the same framework: one itinerary, one point of contact, one invoice, and a travel experience that doesn’t require administrative endurance.

Safety and comfort for women travelling solo

At Peregrina, safety planning is about making informed choices and verifying details, not instilling fear.

We select hotels with excellent management and a reliable service culture, and we reserve room categories that ensure rest and privacy. We consider location carefully, including the walk from the hotel to dinner and the overall atmosphere of the streets at night. We request room placements suitable for solo travelers, often opting for higher floors and quieter areas, as both sleep and comfort are important.

We organize private transfers with clear pickup arrangements, share flight information, and coordinate with hotels to ensure smooth arrivals. In destinations where arrivals can be chaotic, we provide meet and greet support to facilitate a seamless transition from the plane.

Guides and drivers are crucial, not because solo travelers require constant supervision, but because reliable local partners minimize hassle and boost confidence. Peregrina collaborates with a select group of guides and drivers who are professional, communicate effectively, and respect privacy. We brief them in advance, confirm meeting points, and set expectations regarding pace and tone to ensure a comfortable experience. Some clients prefer a guide who takes charge of logistics, while others want a guide who offers context and then allows for exploration. We match the guide to the client's preference.

Dining requires attention as well. A restaurant may be excellent yet mishandle a solo reservation. We book venues that treat solo diners as typical guests, requesting tables that suit a woman dining alone, considering sightlines (people watching being one of the most important things!), comfort, and the ability to read your book without feeling conspicuous. We also choose dining times that match the client's needs and the restaurant's ambiance, as the difference between a pleasant solo dinner and a frustrating one can be as simple as timing.

The Value Question, Addressed Clearly

Private planning isn't for those seeking the cheapest option. It's for individuals who prioritize their time, comfort, and the quality of their experience.

Package deals distribute costs over a standardized format, limiting choices and shielding travelers from decision-making. In contrast, private planning allocates expenses toward options the traveler genuinely values: the quality of the hotel, room category, seamless transfers, professional guides, and hassle-free reservations.

This approach also alters outcomes because Peregrina serves as an advocate. We negotiate when possible, request upgrades when bookings allow, and strive for better room assignments when hotels have flexibility. We resolve issues directly with suppliers, sparing travelers from late-night disputes with front desk staff. This support is especially crucial for solo travelers who lack a companion to share the burden of resolving issues.

Insurance is also an underlying factor. We collaborate with insured suppliers and operate as a professional business with adequate coverage. Travellers maintain their own travel insurance. These layers are important because travel can be meticulously planned, yet still require contingencies.

The Peregrina Society: a fully inclusive small-group alternative

Some women seek a solo trip, while others desire companionship and a well-structured program, yet wish to steer clear of the large-tour vibe and wellness retreat scene. The “women’s empowerment” travel niche can sometimes feel like an overly long caption on a group photo, and many of our clients would rather eat their own shoes than engage with that.

The Peregrina Society caters to women looking for a small group retreat with intellectual and cultural depth, exceptional cuisine, and a refined pace. We designed it as a revival of the traditional academic salon, set in stunning locations. We host one retreat each quarter, maintaining a small group size because the ambiance relies on it.

The Society is practically all-inclusive. Accommodation and the core program are included in the price. We handle logistics, host key meals, and organize experiences to ensure the group transitions smoothly through the week. We also leave time open, as retreats can become tiring when every moment is scheduled.

The next Society retreat is in October in Sicily. The program features Mount Etna, cultural and historical tours with knowledgeable guides, and exceptional food, including interactions with chefs. We incorporate time for swimming and relaxation, as well as further exploration of the city for those interested. Wine and cooking are highlighted because it's Italy, and it would be unfathomable not to. We also introduce expertise when it complements the week, such as discussions with academics, historians, science and conservation professionals.

The Society is ideal for women who want to travel with company while maintaining high standards. It also appeals to women seeking a travel experience that doesn’t involve arriving alone in a foreign hotel lobby. Some members opt for a private extension of the trip before or after the retreat, and we plan these as meticulously as any private itinerary.

Choosing between a resort week, a private itinerary, and the Society

A wristband week has its place. If the goal is to enjoy the pool, sun, and take a break from decision-making, we are happy to recommend resorts that excel in this area.

A private itinerary caters to a different need. It is ideal for a woman seeking convenience and safety, along with a destination that extends beyond resort boundaries. It is perfect for someone looking for a milestone trip, a cultural week, a city-and-coast journey, or a specialized experience that requires expert logistical planning.

The Society is ideal for women who desire a small group, a well-structured program, and genuine companionship without the need for pretense.

None of these options force a woman to choose between safety and sophistication. The planning is already in place. The suppliers are available. The trip can proceed smoothly, with comfort included, without reducing the destination to a mere template.

If planning a solo trip feels daunting, it's often a sign to seek assistance. We can discuss your needs, suggest an approach, and develop the itinerary from there.