The PayNearby Women Financial Index 2026, published by PayNearby, reveals that 85% of women surveyed are the primary savers in their households, showcasing their crucial involvement in family financial planning.
Simultaneously, the adoption of digital finance is on the rise. Approximately 38% of women in rural and semi-urban regions utilize UPI at least weekly for everyday expenses such as groceries, utility bills, and mobile recharges, while 71% now manage their bank accounts independently.
The report indicates a growing willingness to explore financial products. Nearly 44% of women expressed interest in investing in gold-based savings products through small-ticket SIPs, although formal savings penetration remains low, with just 32% saving through banks or other formal channels.
Insurance ownership stands at 26%, primarily including health, life, and accident policies, while 73% indicated a willingness to use formal credit for needs like healthcare, education, and small businesses.
Concurrent trends in travel show that women are influencing discretionary spending patterns.
Data from the travel platform Pickyourtrail reveals that women travelers are planning international trips earlier and setting larger budgets, with 32% booking trips six months ahead and another 23% confirming plans about four months in advance. Their average spending ranges between ₹70,000 and ₹1 lakh per person, with women spending 18–22% more daily compared to other traveler segments, and showing increasing interest in personalized itineraries and experiential travel.
Insights from the travel-fintech platform Scapia highlight a notable increase in independent travel behavior. Solo travel among women has surged nearly nine-fold year-on-year on its platform, while Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent together account for over 60% of outbound trips, driven by factors like proximity and easing visa requirements.
Industry tracker Cleartrip also reports similar behavioral shifts. Its PeekABoo travel trends tracker shows that all-women international group travel has risen nearly 36% year-on-year, along with enhanced digital payment adoption, including a 40% increase in UPI usage and a 17% rise in credit card transactions for travel bookings.
Women travelers are spending more on comfort and convenience, with pre-booked meals increasing by 34%, seat selections rising by 23.7%, and baggage add-ons growing by 33.2%, according to the tracker.
This broader shift in travel spending indicates that wellness-focused experiences are becoming a priority for many women travelers.
Rachit Gupta, VP & Head – Marketing & Sales at Athiva Hotels & Resorts (Chalet Hotels Ltd), stated that many women travelers are orchestrating trips centered around restorative experiences.
“What stands out is that women arrive with a clear intent: they seek experiences that rejuvenate them physically, mentally, and emotionally, planning their travels specifically to achieve that outcome,” he noted.
Emerging regional demand patterns are also noteworthy.
Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA and President at Royal Orchid Hotels, mentioned that locations like Haridwar, Dehradun, and Mussoorie have seen increased usage of wellness services.
“In the NCR and Uttarakhand regions, places like Haridwar, Dehradun, and Mussoorie have witnessed a marked growth in women utilizing wellness services, with usage rising from around 5–8% previously to nearly 15% now,” he commented.
However, he pointed out that price sensitivity continues to influence decisions, with many travelers preferring individual wellness services such as spa therapies over full-scale luxury retreats.
Meanwhile, shorter trips and business travel are also shaping wellness preferences.
Bhavna Mishra Nanda, Director of Marketing for the Holiday Inn Express portfolio at IHG Hotels & Resorts, indicated that many travelers are prioritizing routine-based wellness during work trips.
“Contemporary women travelers aim to maintain their lifestyle while on the go, whether that involves fitting in a workout before meetings, accessing nutritious breakfast options effortlessly, or working seamlessly from their rooms with reliable, high-speed connectivity,” she noted.
Safety considerations are also influencing travel choices.
“Women travelers increasingly prioritize well-lit areas, secure access, attentive staff, and an environment that allows them to travel and work confidently. A strong sense of security is no longer just an additional benefit; it is now a critical factor.”
From a luxury hospitality perspective, wellness travel reflects a broader trend towards restorative breaks.
Candice D’Cruz, Vice President for Luxury Brands in Asia Pacific at Hilton, remarked that travelers are seeking experiences that promote both physical and emotional wellbeing.
“Travel is evolving into a deliberate act of restoration and renewal,” she said.
Resort operators are also noticing an increase in participation from women-led groups.
Harsv Manu Kaushik, General Manager at Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, reported a rise in bookings from women travelers seeking comprehensive wellness programs that integrate spa therapies, meditation, and structured fitness routines.
Meanwhile, holistic wellness providers assert that the meaning of self-care is expanding.
Mini Chandran, Head – Strategic Alliances & Product Development at CGH Earth Wellness, stated that many women travelers are now pursuing experiences that go beyond traditional spa offerings.
“In 2026, women will be at the forefront of the wellness travel narrative. Their journeys are no longer solely about relaxation; they are deeply intentional,” she explained, noting an increasing interest in Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, meditation, and nature-based wellness programs.
Suniana Manerkar, Resident Manager at Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, underscored the evolution of wellness travel.
“Wellness has transitioned from being an optional add-on to a primary motivator for travel. Women, in particular, are planning journeys that align with how they wish to feel rather than merely where they want to visit. Rest, mental clarity, stress recuperation, and emotional balance are becoming fundamental decision drivers,” she noted the shift from transactional leisure to holistic wellbeing.
Natalia Jimmy Mistry, Marketing Director at Della Resorts and Adventure, further shared insights from their property,
“Wellness travel among women has transcended relaxation to focus on intentional wellbeing and lifestyle balance. Today’s women seek travel experiences that emphasize physical health, mental clarity, and long-term wellness in environments that feel safe, structured, and thoughtfully designed.”
