From Solo Getaways to Family Holidays: How Indian Women Are Steering the Country’s Travel Revolution
A new report by Booking.com has revealed a striking trend in India’s travel landscape — women are increasingly becoming the driving force behind travel planning and decision-making in households across the country.
According to the platform’s annual study, How India Travels 2025, a staggering 73% of respondents said that women today play a more active role in planning trips than ever before. The research highlights a growing cultural shift — one where women are not just participants in travel but are taking the lead as the true “trip architects” of their families and friend groups.
Women Take the Wheel in Travel Decisions
Four in ten women surveyed said they are more involved in planning travel now than in previous years, while one in three (33%) often take full charge of organising and booking holidays for their families or social circles. Another 16% shared that they handle most of the trip arrangements themselves.
Aged between 26 and 55, these “trip architects” don’t just love to travel — they design every aspect of the journey, curating experiences that balance fun, comfort, and authenticity. Their growing influence is reshaping how hospitality brands, tour operators, and destinations approach travel marketing and experience design.
More Than a Trend: A Cultural Transformation
This rise in women-led travel marks a deeper social transformation. Be it for leisure, self-discovery, wellness, or milestone celebrations, women in India are embracing travel as an essential form of self-expression and empowerment.
Pranav Dangi, founder of The Hosteller, notes that women-led groups are flourishing across diverse demographics. “Women-led groups are growing fast. In Goa, bachelorette trips are booming. In Varanasi, older women are travelling together for spiritual journeys,” he says.
And it’s not just group trips — solo travel among women is also seeing a remarkable rise. In Delhi alone, nearly 70% of solo bookings at The Hosteller are made by women.
Solo Travel as a Journey of Empowerment
Interestingly, solo travel isn’t limited to single women. More married women and mothers are also setting out on independent journeys — something experts say is crucial for mental well-being.
“Solo travel allows individuals to explore their likes, dislikes, goals, and identity. It builds independence and confidence — qualities that strengthen relationships, too,” explains therapist Ruchi Ruuh.
She adds, “It challenges partners to respect each other’s need for autonomy while fostering a sense of trust and balance in the relationship.”
For mothers, solo travel can also set a powerful example for children about the importance of self-care. Taking short solo trips nearby, arranging support at home, and gradually expanding to longer journeys can help women integrate travel into their lives without guilt.
A Market Too Big to Ignore
As women continue to take the front seat in India’s travel movement, their preferences are shaping a new era for the industry. They prioritise safety, design, convenience, and authentic reviews, making them one of the most influential consumer segments in modern travel.
“We’re not yet building women-only experiences, but it’s a huge opportunity,” Dangi adds.
From solo wanderers to group explorers, India’s women travellers are not just changing how the country travels — they’re redefining why it travels.
