Women are taking charge of their vacations and reaping the rewards.

According to reports, 72 to 80 percent of all travelers are women, 85 to 92 percent of travel decisions are made by women, and 32 million women traveled last year. Research indicates, women are making most of the travel decisions and they are becoming more "gutsy" when it comes to travel, especially solo travel.

The tradition has been for women to plan travel vacations with male partners or girlfriends, but women are becoming less dependent on fellow travelers. They are taking more solo vacations and they are reaping the rewards. On a solo vacation, a person can explore new places, learn new cultures, and try different cuisines--all on her own terms. With the time alone, she might find answers or might be able to solve a few more problems. With a little "quiet time" for introspection, a woman might discover ways to rekindle love or recharge a complacent, lackluster relationship. She might acquire a greater appreciation for who she is as she finds time for self-expression and discovery. Traveling alone is a perfect time for reflection or mindfulness--the act of focusing on the little things in one's natural surroundings--which allows the mind to relax.

With companionship, opportunities for becoming one with nature are limited as individuals traveling together take time to share perspectives, discuss events, and compromise on places to visit. Mindfulness meditation allows one to experience the natural world--the many colors, smells, sounds, tastes, shapes and textures; the pure, clean sound of absolutely nothing; the quiet undertones of an ocean roar; the chatter of people bargaining in a bustling marketplace. There is  nothing quite like the saltiness of an ocean breeze or the fresh scent of evergreens on a mountainside when one is alone and at peace with the universe. 

Social interaction is wonderful, and travel with family and loved ones is important, but the experience of traveling solo is incomparable. Traveling solo increases self-awareness and adds diversity to life. It can re-energize personal relationships, lift the spirit, and inspire one to live more in harmony with the natural environment and with themselves. Whether traveling with family, friends, or solo, women are changing the world of travel.They are taking charge of their time and vacations, and they are reaping the rewards.

See also: http://www.frommers.com/trip-ideas/single/pauline-frommers-spend-less-see-more-tips-for-solo-travelers