Safe SPACES

WHEN WOMEN MAKE TRAVEL PLANS, THEIR CHOICE OF STAY DEPENDS NOT JUST ON FRILLS AND FANCIES, BUT ON THE KIND OF ENVIRONMENT IT PROVIDES. SAFETY, SECURITY AND PRIVACY ARE KEY CONCERNS

SOME WOMEN LOVE TO TRAVEL ALONE, and it's understandable. Apart from the autonomy to change plans without having to put everything to a vote, when you travel alone, the wait times are shorter. But the deliciously self-indulgent trip also means picking a hotel with more than a massive flat-screen TV and great views. Zeroing in on a place to stay is one of solo travel's most delightful and daunting aspects. So what makes a good hotel or resort great for a solo woman traveller?

"As a solo traveller, I am picky about where I stay. I always look for a hotel or resort that is centrally located and allows me options of activities and commute. You can disconnect more easily when you know the connection is close at hand. Walking is very dear to me, and I like to be in areas where I can do most things on foot. A friendly and reliable staff, day trips, food, and many interesting activities all matter," says Phorum Pandya, independent journalist and copywriter. "I remember I was at a ClubMed property in Bali, and they had ongoing activities you could sign up for from 5 am to midnight. I went sailing, took part in an aqua aerobics session and even danced the night away at their mixer."

HOTELS RISE TO THE OCCASION

According to Kayak, a metasearch engine, searches for "solo women travel" surged in 2019 and increased by 36 per cent in 2023. As solo trips are being booked with increasing frequency, hotels and retreats recognise the opportunity to cater to this segment.

"Considering the interest wellness has generated post-pandemic, we are noticing an increasing number of solo women travellers looking for ways to rejuvenate. There has been a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of solo female travellers visiting our property," says Nishant Taneja, Head of Marketing at Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort.