On Her Way FORWARD

FROM AAKANKSHA MONGA TO SHIVYA NATH, READ HOW THESE PRO WOMEN TRAVELLERS GO BEYOND THE NORMS TO DISCOVER THE WORLD

"I HAVEN'T BEEN EVERYWHERE, BUT it is on my list." When I stumbled upon this line by author Susan Sontag, I felt seen. And I am sure I am not the only one. There was a time when women travellers, who were simply out there to explore the world, were few and far between.

Not because they didn't want to see the world. Instead, they had their bucket lists ready, but the wish to check things off them always came with conditions. Sumitra Senapaty, who founded a leading women-only travel group, WOW Club, all the way back in 2005, says, "When I started this community, such a concept didn't exist. Not only were women hesitant to travel solo or with a group of strangers, but even their families needed convincing."

However, times have changed, and so have women. NomadHer, a global female solo travel community app operating in 190 countries, has reportedly recorded a twelvefold increase in Indian female travellers.

In these 19 years, Senapaty has observed a remarkable shift in attitude and what motivates them. "Earlier, women needed an alternative social network, something they could rely on for their social needs away from their professional and family circles. But now, since women have gained financial independence, they have become more confident and are not scared of calling the shots."

Despite this, Senapaty is unsure if the tourism landscape has evolved enough to make women feel safe. "It is still a top priority," she confirms. Even NomadHer's Head of Content, Soyeon Bae, says, "As a female traveller, the most common question heard during travels is, 'Isn't it dangerous for a woman to travel alone?'"