A SINGLE-sex travel company for women who want to avoid boozy, bed-hopping mixed tour groups has been grounded.

A judge ruled that former tour guide Erin Maitland cannot advertise women-only holidays because it could breach the human rights of men.

Judge Marilyn Harbison refused to grant Ms Maitland an exemption to the Equal Opportunity Act, ruling that she had not proved it was reasonable or necessary.

"The exemption may well be convenient and practical in the establishment of her business, but it cannot be justified on human rights principles," said the vice-president of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

In her evidence to VCAT Ms Maitland said she wanted to set up Travel Sisters after hearing stories from her friends who would not travel in mixed tour groups because of "drinking and bed-hopping".

The judge said Ms Maitland believed Travel Sisters would provide security for women, re-assure male partners who could not travel and be used by women who did not want to mix with men for cultural or religious reasons or because they were victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Her application was opposed by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, which said it would conflict with Victoria's Charter of Human Rights.

Judge Harbison said the commission argued that her application stereotyped men's behaviour. and she had not proved that a female-only travel service was needed to ensure a safe and secure environment for its clients.

Ms Maitland had pointed out that several travel companies offered single-sex tours without ever trying to obtain and exemption from the Act.

"I share her dismay that other travel operators only advertise single sex services without appearing to recognise that such advertising is in breach of the law," the judge said.

Originally published as Women-only trips breach rights