New data from Trip.com Group reveals women are increasingly shaping global travel, prioritizing safety, family-friendly experiences, and solo adventures.
On International Women's Day, Trip.com Group released data showing women are a major force in the current travel landscape. They are not only traveling more, but they are also influencing key decisions regarding destinations, travel styles, and priorities. The report highlights a growing trend of women seeking familiar, safe, and culturally diverse experiences, whether traveling solo, with friends, or with family.
Trip.com Group's data indicates a significant increase in flight bookings made by women, with a 13% year-over-year rise. In Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, bookings by women travelers have more than doubled, demonstrating a growing eagerness to explore internationally.
Women are also becoming more spontaneous travelers. The average booking window has shortened, with European women showing a trend towards planning trips closer to their departure dates. This suggests a move away from extensive pre-planning and towards more impulsive travel decisions.
While women are venturing to more distant locations, they are doing so while prioritizing safety and a sense of familiarity. Short-haul flights remain popular, but long-haul flights are also gaining traction, particularly in Asia. European travelers are showing increased interest in destinations like Bangkok and Shanghai, indicating a desire to explore beyond their comfort zones.
Regional preferences vary. Southeast Asian women favor travel within the region due to its proximity and diverse experiences. South Korean women frequently visit cities like Shanghai and Qingdao in China, which are easily accessible. European women are showing interest in culturally rich destinations like Istanbul and Bangkok, as well as more exotic locations such as Cairo, Buenos Aires, and Lima.
Safety is a crucial factor for women when choosing a destination. Feeling safe while navigating a city, using public transport, or arriving late at night is paramount, especially for women from the UK. Destinations that prioritize women's safety and ease of transportation are empowering them to travel with more confidence.
Solo travel among women is on the rise, driven by a desire for self-discovery and the flexibility to explore at their own pace. This trend is prevalent across age groups, but particularly strong among women aged 25 to 34 in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. Notably, solo travel is also gaining popularity among older women (50+) in Italy and France.
Younger women often prioritize budget-friendly options, opting for 3-star hotels or lower. However, women aged 35 to 49 in countries like China, South Korea, and Singapore are more inclined to spend more on their solo trips, from flights to accommodations.
Interestingly, while men globally take more solo trips than women, this trend is reversed in some regions like Southeast Asia and Japan, where women account for approximately 60% of solo travelers. This reflects a broader shift as women embrace independence and seek new experiences.
Women often lead travel decisions within households, especially when traveling with children, parents, or grandparents. Planning family trips can be stressful, with factors like convenient flight schedules, kid-friendly activities, and meal options being top priorities for women in the UK.
This has fueled a demand for family-friendly travel options that reduce stress, even if it means spending more. This influences choices regarding flights, accommodation, and attractions. Guaranteed family seating on flights, all-inclusive family packages, and larger family suites are some of the features women are willing to pay more for when traveling with children.
Trip.com Group is committed to empowering women through family-friendly policies, hybrid work options, paid parental leave, and childcare subsidies. By the end of 2025, 98.2% of mothers returned to work within six months of their maternity leave. Since 2023, the company has invested over $137 million USD in childcare subsidies, benefiting over 1,800 employees.
Trip.com Group also provides family-friendly travel recommendations and themed travel products for older generations, ensuring pleasant experiences for all travelers.
