BY PRANAV DANGI,
CEO & FOUNDER,
HOSTELLER
NEW DELHI, 8 MARCH 2025:
Today, traveling is no longer a pastime in passivity for the female population in India. Women are fast quashing barriers as they venture beyond their comfort zones and reclaim public spaces, both locally and globally. What was hitherto prescribed as a risky or unusual activity for women has now emerged as a symbol of empowerment, adventure, and self- discovery.
Historically, the idea of women traveling alone was met with skepticism and disdain, especially in a country where patriarchal norms have long dictated the socio-economic roles of women. In recent years, however, a profound shift has transpired that is taking the travel industry by storm. Solo travelling, once seen as a daring and often dangerous act reserved for the hard-exteriored male specimens, has now become a norm for many Indian women as they passionately seek autonomy, adventure, and forge connections with other fellow humans.
According to the Ministry of Tourism’s 2022–2023 Annual Report, 47% of India’s domestic tourists were women, a significant increase from 34% in 2019. This considerable surge in female travellers implies a wider societal change. A 2024 survey by Booking.com also reveals that 64% of Indian women planned and preferred travelling alone, with many of them journeying far beyond typical tourist spots in their bid to explore new horizons. These numbers symbolise more than mere statistics. They reflect the shifting attitudes towards women’s independence and freedom in India.
One key to this transformation is the rise of female-centric travel communities. Female travellers are not just visiting new places but connecting with others who share similar passions and experiences. Initiatives such as “Women on the Road”, promote a sense of camaraderie, allowing women to swap travel tips, share stories, and carve lasting friendships.
Whether it’s discussing how to navigate public transport in the hills of Himachal Pradesh or sharing stories of local market adventures in Goa, women are finding common ground and expanding their networks. These connections often go beyond the physical realm as many women have found lifelong travel companions, creating cross-country travel squads that continue to inspire others.
Social media has played a major role in accelerating this trend. Platforms like Instagram have made it possible for women to showcase their travel experiences, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys. Videos of women bungee-jumping in Rishikesh or sipping chai with nomads in Ladakh have made traveling solo more relatable and aspirational. Influential travel creators like Shivya Nath, known as The Shooting Star, and grassroots initiatives like Womaniyatra have reached millions, showing women that solo travel is not just achievable but also enjoyable and rewarding.
This digital movement has sparked a larger cultural shift: women are no longer bound by traditional roles and expectations. Traveling has become a way for many women to break free from societal constraints, explore new identities, and experience the world on their own terms. A 2023 YouGov survey revealed that 71% of women between the ages of 18 and 35 view travel as essential to self-discovery. This generation sees the world as an open space, filled with opportunities for growth and adventure, no matter their age, background, or marital status.
What’s even more exciting is the generational change within the travel scene. While solo female travellers were once predominantly in their 20s, today’s women exploring the world span all ages. Women in their 50s, some embarking on their first backpacking trip, are part of this new wave of wanderlust. Whether they are divorcees, mothers, or even grandmothers, they are rewriting the narrative of what it means to travel. This shift also coincides with broader social changes, such as the growing participation of women in India’s urban workforce and the delay of marriages, providing women with greater independence and control over their choices.
However, the journey to freedom isn’t without its challenges. Despite the growing number of women on the road, concerns about safety still linger. While safety apps, women-only buses, and other initiatives have made strides in addressing these concerns, there’s still much work to be done. But perhaps the most significant shift has been the importance of community.
Women no longer travel in isolation—they form supportive, empowering networks that ease the fear of the unknown. When women see others like them trekking through remote landscapes or hopping between hostels, fear transforms into a sense of belonging and adventure.
From Kerala’s serene backwaters to the rugged trails of Spiti, Indian women are rewriting the rules of travel. They are not just experiencing new places but exploring themselves too in the process. It is safe to assume that traveling is no longer limited to a leisure activity in the country. It has become a statement of freedom, empowerment, and resilience, and for women, even more so.
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