Travel is a transformative experience, a journey that goes beyond merely crossing distances on a map. It’s a venture into the unknown, an exploration of cultures, landscapes, and oneself. As Marcel Proust aptly said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” For women, travel holds a special importance. It’s not just about sightseeing or ticking destinations off a list. It’s about embracing the freedom to explore, unwind, and discover themselves.
Women’s Travel Desires Go Beyond The Ordinary
In recent years, women have emerged as a powerful force driving the travel industry’s growth, with a remarkable surge of 45% in various segments, as highlighted by Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head at Thomas Cook (India) Limited.
From Gen Z to millennials, from solo adventurers to corporate travellers, women are seeking unique, experiential journeys. They crave diversity, from outdoor adventures to cultural immersions, from wellness retreats to culinary escapades. As Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head at SOTC Travel, notes, women today are bold and constantly in pursuit of fresh experiences that allow them to unwind and reconnect with themselves.
But what exactly do women want from their vacations? The answer lies in the diversity of their desires. They yearn for experiences that challenge and inspire them. They seek places that intrigue and captivate, from the snow-capped mountains of New Zealand to the ancient monasteries of Bhutan.
For some, it’s about embarking on adrenaline-pumping adventures like white-water rafting, paragliding, or trekking through rugged landscapes. For others, it’s about indulging in moments of serenity, whether it’s soaking in natural hot springs or practising yoga.
Women travellers also crave cultural enrichment, whether it’s learning to cook at the Le Cordon Bleu in France or tracing the historic biryani trails of South India. They want to immerse themselves in local customs, enjoying the flavours and traditions of each place they visit. Safety remains a top priority for women travellers, and tour operators are keenly aware of this need.
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A Closer Look At Women’s Vacation Expectations
For personal insight, we asked our Managing Editor, Rachna Srivastava, to describe what she looks for during vacations. She doesn’t just oversee all food and travel content on Curly Tales; she is also a seasoned explorer. Who better to ask, right? Rachna shared, “Thankfully, the local and global experiences are rightly packaged by companies and tour groups towards being more women-centric. From a luxury sojourn in the Seychelles or Bali to a spiritual trip to Rishikesh or Ayodhya, women want to explore it all and it is extremely sought after, as well. Sleepcations are a big hit amongst women travellers, as they offer much-needed R&R.”
Explaining what women really want from a vacation, Rachna says, “Depends. But a good itinerary that is not fast-paced and offers a mix of leisure and rest is quite sought after among travellers. Personally, I wouldn’t mind a slow-paced beach vacay to tuck into a lovely read while watching the day go by or a guided tour of a historical city laden with facts and a slice of history. My vacations are heavily influenced by my stress levels. Quick city staycations or even short trips domestically keep me going. Chances are, I will opt for more relaxed sleepcations over activity-packed holidays. But that depends on how worked up I am. I have also managed to squeeze in an all-girls trip to the hills in between work-related travel. So, yes, it really depends.”
It would be fair to say, women on vacation want it all. Whether scaling mountains or relaxing by the shore, they demand nothing less than the full spectrum of delights that life has to offer. Ultimately, for women, travel is about more than just ticking off destinations on a bucket list—it’s about embarking on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.
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