Destination Decisions: Gender Preferences in Travel

Article Highlights:

• The 2024 Global Rescue Survey shows men prefer adventure, while women prioritize beautiful landscapes.
• Women prioritize stunning landscapes and cultural experiences, while men focus more on adventure activities.
• Popular dream destinations for women include Antarctica and Iceland, whereas men prefer places like Australia and Mongolia.
• Personal interests and environmental awareness are influencing travel trends and preferences.

Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, offering a chance to escape the mundane and immerse oneself in new experiences. But what drives our choices when it comes to picking a travel destination? The Global Rescue Summer 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey of more than 1,100 current and former members sheds light on the factors influencing these decisions, revealing fascinating gender differences in destination priorities.

According to the survey, 35% of male and female travelers are drawn to landscape-rich locations like mountains, jungles, savannahs, deserts, surf spots, reefs, canyons, volcanoes and glaciers. Nearly a third (31%) of respondents prioritize adventure activities such as fishing, scuba diving, skiing, mountaineering, trekking, surfing or motorcycling. But the survey turned up a few intriguing nuances of what travelers seek based on gender differences, and which destinations are at the top of their lists.

Landscape vs. Adventure

The Power of Landscape

As the survey indicates, women are particularly inclined toward destinations with stunning landscapes. More than a third (37%) of female respondents expressed that captivating natural beauty is the most important factor in their travel choices. This preference speaks to a deeper appreciation for the environment—a desire to connect with nature, experience its grandeur, and perhaps find peace in its serenity.

Adventure Awaits

In contrast, men prioritize adventure activities over landscapes. While 33% of men also appreciate beautiful scenery, a higher percentage (37%) ranked access to adventure activities as their top consideration. This difference may reflect broader societal norms, where men are often encouraged to seek thrills and engage in physical challenges, while women may be more inclined to seek solace in nature’s beauty.

Cultural Experiences and Preferences

Adventure vs Culture

Both genders share a love for adventure, albeit with different emphases. For women, adventure activities rank equally with cultural experiences at 15%, highlighting a desire to engage with local customs and practices alongside physical pursuits. In contrast, men’s enthusiasm for adventure shines even brighter, with a mere 10% expressing interest in culture as a primary motivator.

This divergence in priorities raises interesting questions about the nature of adventure itself. For many men, the thrill of scuba diving, skiing or trekking may represent a chance to push boundaries and embrace risk. Women, however, appear to be seeking a more balanced approach, where adventure is intertwined with cultural exploration and understanding.

The Importance of Culture

Cultural experiences are an essential aspect of travel for many, as they provide insight into the lives and traditions of others. For women, cultural immersion is a significant consideration, ranking second behind stunning landscapes. The desire to learn about language, customs and dress reflects a broader curiosity about the world and a longing for connection beyond mere tourism.

Men, conversely, show less interest in cultural aspects when planning their trips. This difference may not imply that men are indifferent to culture; rather, their travel choices often lean more towards adventurous activities than cultural exploration.

The Dream Destinations

So, where do these differing priorities lead men and women when it comes to dream destinations?

For women, the top choices include Antarctica, New Zealand, Iceland for the Northern Lights, the Galapagos Islands, Egypt and Australia. Each of these destinations is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, offering unique natural wonders and stunning vistas.

Antarctica, with its icy expanses and extraordinary wildlife, speaks to the adventurous spirit, while New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems—from mountains to beaches—provide countless opportunities for exploration. Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, particularly the Northern Lights, offer an enchanting experience that aligns perfectly with women’s affinity for nature.

For men, the survey reveals a different set of dream locations, highlighting Australia for the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, Antarctica, Patagonia, Mongolia and Africa. Men are drawn to destinations that promise thrilling outdoor adventures.

The Influence of Personal Interests

The survey results illuminate how personal interests shape travel decisions, but they also hint at broader trends in society. As more women embrace adventure sports and outdoor activities, the gap between male and female travel preferences may begin to close. We see more women taking on traditionally male-dominated sports, such as mountaineering and surfing, which may shift the focus of future travel preferences.

Moreover, as environmental awareness grows, travelers are prioritizing sustainable practices and eco-friendly travel options. This shift may lead to a greater appreciation for destinations that prioritize conservation and showcase the beauty of nature, regardless of gender.

The Global Rescue Connection

Wherever you go and whatever your preferences, whether traveling solo, as a couple, with a group or your family, a Global Rescue membership should be on everyone’s packing list for several reasons.

• A travel protection membership evacuates members from the point of illness or injury to the nearest appropriate hospital, clinic or medical provider.
• Perhaps the hospital doesn’t provide the care you need. A travel protection membership can transport members to a vetted medical center or their home hospital of choice.
• “The closest medical facility isn’t always the right one. Global Rescue gets you to the most appropriate hospital for your illness or injury,” said Dan Stretch, operations manager at Global Rescue.
• Sometimes you have a question about a symptom. Available 24/7/365, a travel protection membership team can direct you to the best local medical resources so you’re not guessing how to address your health concerns.
• Maybe you have a travel question regarding a lost or stolen passport, or where to find the nearest pharmacy? Travel questions are answered by in-house experts on your first call.
• It doesn’t matter if you’re snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, wildlife watching in Antarctica or admiring the Northern Lights in Iceland, a membership protects you almost anywhere you go with no activity limitations.

With a travel protection services membership, a vacation is time to relax, escape and enjoy. Travelers have access to a virtual team of experts: a doctor, a paramedic, a translator, a logistics expert, an intelligence analyst and a security advisor.