Thailand is once again a top destination for solo women travellers.
Over the past decade, women have increasingly become the primary decision-makers in travel, shifting a long-standing dynamic where men once held that role.
TRAVEL TRENDS
Research has found that more women are influencing which destinations to visit, what to do, and how to get there.
This shift has led travel and tourism providers to make it their business to pay closer attention to women’s travel trends – and there are some exciting ones gaining traction.
DESTINATION CHOICE
According to a study conducted by Forbes, women make as much as 80% of all travel decisions globally.
Their rising influence in the realm of travel has inspired the emergence of an entirely new generation of travel agencies dedicated solely to service women clients.
From catering to the unique travel needs of women to exploring how they make decisions, understanding what women want has become big business.
Commenting on this, Chaiwat Tamthai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai for the Middle East and Africa, explains, “When we reopened our borders after lockdown, we found that the way women view the world and their motivations for travelling had changed.”
“In the past two years alone, we’ve also seen a few seismic technological shifts, which have impacted how women access information and share their travel experiences. These are signs of a tourism industry that is undergoing evolutionary change. When it comes to travel, women now have more options, more access, and more tools at their disposal to shape the future of travel.” Tamthai said.
RISING NUMBER OF SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS
One notable trend is the increase in solo travel among women.
Searches for ‘solo female travel’ have surged by over 60% in the past three years.
The 2024 Solo Female Travel Survey reveals that women choose to travel alone for freedom, flexibility, and personal growth.
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THAILAND: IDEAL FOR SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Thailand has become a top destination for solo trips.
It ranks among the top five countries for solo women travelers for the second year in a row.
BENEFITS OF SOLO TRAVEL
Solo travel thus offers women the opportunity to explore on their terms, fostering introspection and self-discovery.
It also boosts confidence and provides a chance to develop life skills and autonomy.
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THAILAND OFFERS SAFETY
Tamthai highlights the importance of accessible and safe public transport for solo travelers.
In Thailand, options such as the Bangkok BTS Skytrain, buses, tuk-tuks, and taxis.
These offer safe, reliable and enjoyable ways to navigate the cities and the country.
SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS SEEK JOYFUL EXPERIENCES
Another emerging trend is ‘joy therapy,’ where travellers seek experiences that provide a break from daily stress and responsibilities.
Inspired by Marie Kondo’s concept of pursuing what ‘sparks joy,’ more women are indulging in travel experiences that are meaningful and rejuvenating.
ENRICHING EXPERIENCES FOR WOMEN TRAVELLERS
In fact, Thailand offers numerous opportunities for joy therapy, including immersive cultural experiences.
Tamthai recommends booking tours that allow visitors to dine with local families and engage in cultural exchanges.
Workshops on traditional crafts like mandala painting, garland making, weaving, and pottery also provide enriching experiences.
And if solo women travellers do not enjoy such activities, there is indeed a range of other exhilarating experiences to partake in.
These include scuba diving, snorkelling, island hopping, rock climbing, kayaking and many more.
