Risks and Constraints Faced by Solo Female Travelers: A Conceptual Overview

The study aims to provide a conceptual framework for considering the risks and constraints encountered by solo female travelers. This study reviewed and synthesized relevant literature to identify and categorize the various types of risks and constraints that influence solo travel behavior among females. The studies were selected by convenience purposive sampling method. Firstly, the studies were scanned with the keywords related to risks and constraints in solo female travels. Secondly, 43 studies, conducted between 2000 and 2024 and included related keywords in their titles and abstracts, were included in the review. The review was accomplished by thematic content analysis on two main themes. In this line, the authors defined ten sub-themes regardingrisks and constraints in solo female travels. The seven sub-themes for risks were explained as sexual-related, cultural and social, gender-related, physical and financial, political unrest and terrorism, performance, and psychological. The three sub-themes for constraints were examined as personal, interpersonal, and structural. The findings revealed that solo female travelers most commonly encounter sexual-related, physical and financial, performance, cultural and social risks. Additionally, these travelers primarily experience personal and interpersonal constraints. By focusing specifically on gender-based differences in solo travel patterns, this study makes a valuable contribution to the literature on risks and constraints, paving the way for future research in the field of solo travel.