SLEEP LIKE A CELEBRITY

The rise in female-focused travel means that women have more of an influence over the industry than ever. Read on to see how Switzerland sets the bar high.

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This design-driven bolthole is hidden amid a forest of kentia palms and ancient banyan trees. Two pavilion homes sleep eight guests (you can have one, or both). On request, there’s a private chef, and Lord Howe’s new brewery is also on site. islandhouse.com.au

In today’s travel world, two things stand out. Having been cooped up at home for the best part of two years, we’re all craving the great outdoors. Hiking through wide, open spaces. Enjoying cool, crisp air. Smelling the trees, the grass, the flowers. Feeling the earth beneath our feet. Being amid nature makes you feel, well, good.

We’ve known it for centuries, and science proves it through innumerable studies.

The other thing that makes you feel good is knowing you are safe when you travel.

Safety has taken on a special meaning in the age of the global pandemic. But for solo female travellers, the concept is much more poignant than ensuring hand sanitiser is available. There are destinations around the world you simply can’t go if you are a woman on your own. Switzerland is not one of them.

This postcard-worthy slice of Europe offers the trifecta when it comes to packing your bags and heading off on an adventure. It’s at the top of just about every global list ranking countries on safety. Yes, taking into consideration health policies practiced by public and private organisations, but also factoring in just how at ease and accepted you feel in your destination. Particularly important for female travellers.

It also delivers nature in spades.

There are gem-like glaciers and gorges that appear to cleave off the edge of the Earth. Alpine meadows stretching to soaring snow-capped mountains, so dramatic they’re featured in James

Bond movies (or on Toblerone bars).

There are mirror-like lakes, where banks are dotted with castles. And waterfalls that drop into fairytale grottoes.

Visiting Switzerland is like a blissful, nature-fuelled salve for the soul.

FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS

The pandemic has had a substantial impact on active travel, including a prioritisation on sustainability. Switzerland Tourism even has a word for it: Swisstainable.

Studies show that even before the pandemic, around 60 per cent of globetrotters took at least one hike while away. The trend is on the rise, with 2022 predicted to be the ‘Year of the Walker’.

And while the majority of those lacing up their hiking boots are female, they are the minority when it comes to hiking guides.

Enter women-only alpine tours, a collaboration between Switzerland Tourism and Mammut Alpine School. The group’s Mountaineering for Women program tailors summit tours and training courses specifically to women. Think skiing and snowboarding at Andermatt; a female guide leading travellers across the Monte Rosa massif; or learning how to furka (climb on rock and ice), all the while knowing you’re in a safe and supportive environment.

A STRONG BOND

While outdoor adventures are a big part of Switzerland Tourism’s 100% Women campaign, the experiences cover other industry groups. There are currently more than 200 activities and events offered by local hospitality operators created by women, for women, extending to wellness and mindfulness, art and culture, food and wine – most focusing on pioneering women across each industry.

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Switzerland offers numerous opportunities for mindfulness amid Mother Nature, here in the Lucerne region © Marina Grossrieder/Swissoutdoorguide; healthful dining in Zurich © Erna Drion; paddling across one of the country’s many lakes © Nadine Pfiser/Thurgau Tourismus; hiking around Beatenberg © Florence Gross/Switzerland Tourism