Now we know what women really want

The headline is not misleading at all. It has finally been decoded what a woman really wants, at least a woman traveller.

These days, be it solo or in groups, many women are travelling and exploring the world. They want to undertake every expedition and leave no stone unturned to satisfy the travelling bug in them.

But, while undertaking the adventures, women are also mindful of safety and sanitations issues. So, on Women’s Day, HolidayIQ conducted a survey on expectations and insights on “What Women Want” while travelling.

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The survey saw more than 20,000 participants from over 30 Indian cities and towns.

So here are 8 things that women want

Safe solo travel: 72% women demanded safety measures while going alone. Women travelling alone in India have increased with a share of 29% of holidays planned as compared to 18% the previous year.

Better Access to Remote Destinations: Travelling women seek rare experiences and 61% feel the necessity for better accessibility to remote destinations. While they are heading out on multiple weekend getaways throughout the year, exploring and discovering possibilities for adventure activity holidays around the city.

Clean Buses and Trains - India direly needs a toilet revolution if it needs to bring in revenue from tourism. Of the 2.4 billion people in the world who have no toilets, India accounts for nearly 600m. It was noted that women travellers are increasingly turning away from train journeys as compared to last year due to the hygiene aspects. 55% of women travellers want clean buses and trains.

More Women Tourist Guides: Tourist guides are no longer a male dominated area. As destinations such as Kerala, Goa, Pondicherry, Manali, Auli, Shimla, Corbett, Bandipur, Coorg are favourites among women travellers; it is imperative to have more women tourist guides. 49% demanded more women tourist guides.

Wi-fi Hubs: Nowadays, travellers expect to be able to use their mobile devices to access travel-related information, to smooth their journey and enhance their experience while on the move. Top three uses for wi-fi is travel research, maps / navigation and access to social media. Today, 47% woman travellers demand for Wi-Fi hubs as women turn to internet and apps more than people for holiday advice.

Women Taxi Drivers: 45% women look for women taxi drivers as they find it safe and convenient and don’t even mind sharing the ride with a female.

Safe Accommodation options: 61% women want better staying facilities in remote destinations. Hotels and resorts continue to be the popular choice as a holiday accommodation option accounting for over 60% of trips planned. However, in the last 18-24 months there is an interest in alternate accommodation options such as homestays, experiential resorts, camps, serviced, apartments, jungle lodges and the like. Woman travellers feel that there is a certain comfort level in knowing that you can always find an interesting destination, homestay and other accommodation option in under 60 seconds on the go.

Women Only Buses and Trains: With more Indian woman travelling and while they share their travel experiences of conquering all parts of India, safety and security are a prime concern while planning any kind of holiday. As woman trips continue to gain momentum in 2016 and the average trip length has also increased to be 5 - 7 days’ 28% woman travellers demand woman only transport.

(Image: Thinkstock)