Elle Voyage: Where Solo Female Travelers Unite

Hey there, I’m Dawn Simone, and I’ve got a serious case of wanderlust. But you know what’s been putting a damper on my travel plans? The fact that I don’t have anyone to explore the world with. It’s a bummer, really. But I decided to turn my frustration into something amazing.

That’s why I created Elle Voyage, a tour company for women like me who want to see the world, but don’t want to go it alone. We bring together solo female travelers from all walks of life and take them on unforgettable adventures, from the bustling markets of Morocco to the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.

Sure, solo traveling is becoming more popular these days, and that’s great. But for some of us, there’s something special about experiencing the world alongside like-minded women who truly understand what it’s all about.

Believe me, I know what it’s like to put your travel dreams on hold because you don’t have a travel buddy. I remember my very first solo trip when I was just 15 years old. I spent time at a kibbutz, and let me tell you, that experience changed my life. From that moment on, I was hooked on the amazing feeling that comes from exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures.

When I turned 21, something amazing happened. I became a tour operator, and that opened up a world of adventure for me. I explored countries in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean. It was an incredible experience.

After a while, I returned to the UK and continued to travel on weekends. Being a single mother and working full-time, it wasn’t always easy, but I had a hunger for exploration that couldn’t be ignored. I wanted to see more, to go on adventures with other women who shared my passion for travel and the beauty of our planet.

That’s when I realized that I wasn’t alone in this longing. There were countless other women just like me, craving the opportunity to travel with like-minded individuals. We were all in the same boat, feeling frustrated about not having travel companions.

And so, Elle Voyage was born. It was created for women like you and me, who have a deep wanderlust within them. We want to uncover every hidden corner of the world, and we want to do it in the company of incredible women who bring fun, laughter, and joy to every journey.

When I was asked why our tour company focuses exclusively on women-only trips, I responded with this: ‘Sometimes, when we have mixed holidays, the group dynamics change, and the conversations take a different turn. Some women find it difficult to relax and fully be themselves. Additionally, I believe that we tend to stick to our same social circles, and with female group travel, you get to meet and form friendships with people you wouldn’t have otherwise crossed paths with, which I find to be priceless.’

Our trips cover a wide range of destinations, from Iceland to Botswana to Peru. Each trip is meticulously planned by women who live in those countries, and our goal is to cater specifically to the female traveler. ‘On some of our trips, we have the opportunity to spend time with local women and gain insight into their lives, cooking, and work. This is a unique experience that isn’t available in a mixed group,’ explains Simone.

In May 2019, the first tour is set to begin. On this tour, up to 14 women will embark on a journey around the world, experiencing the sights that await them and also enjoying free time to explore independently. You have the option to share a room with another Voyager or have a room to yourself.

These longer tours are scheduled for eight to 14 days during specific times of the year. For instance, the 2019 trip to Morocco is available in June/July or September, spanning 14 days. The cost of each tour is presented in pounds and the packages vary in terms of pricing and what they include. The trips start at R18,864.86.