From the dusty shelves of the past to the strong foundations of the future: solo female travelers

Purpose This study aims to analyze the experiences, motivations, risk perceptions, and social media interactions of solo female travelers, and to identify the key themes in the literature on solo female travel. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a qualitative approach involving a comprehensive document review is used as the primary research method. Findings The findings indicate that solo female travelers are motivated by self-actualization, adventure and personal development. It has also been observed that they share their experiences through social media and become empowered in this process. In addition, they are found to cope with challenges related to safety, accommodation and transportation. Finally, this segment presents significant opportunities for tourism marketing. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to the selected databases and reviewed documents, and the exclusion of studies published in languages other than English constitutes a limitation. Furthermore, the document analysis method is limited in its ability to directly capture the individual experiences of solo female travelers. Throughout the research process, academic ethical principles were observed, all sources were properly cited, and no personal data were used within the scope of the document analysis. Originality/value This study comprehensively synthesizes the experiences, motivations and challenges of solo female travelers, revealing their empowerment, identity development and impacts on tourism marketing. It holistically addresses social media interactions, safety and travel behaviors, filling gaps in the literature and providing practical insights for researchers, policymakers and industry professionals.