The PayNearby Women Financial Index 2026, published by PayNearby, reveals that 85% of women surveyed serve as the primary savers in their families, underlining their vital role in financial planning.
Additionally, 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 like groceries, utility bills, and mobile recharges, while 71% now manage their bank accounts independently.
The report also indicates a growing willingness to explore financial products. Nearly 44% of women expressed interest in investing in gold-backed savings products through small-ticket SIPs, although formal savings penetration remains low, with only 32% saving through banks or other formal avenues.
Insurance ownership is at 26%, predominantly in health, life, and accident policies, with 73% showing a readiness to use formal credit for necessities such as healthcare, education, and small enterprises.
Similar trends in travel indicate that women are also shaping discretionary spending habits.
Data from the travel platform Pickyourtrail shows that women travelers are planning international trips earlier and allocating larger budgets, with 32% booking their trips six months in advance, and another 23% making plans approximately four months ahead. Average spending is between ₹70,000 and ₹1 lakh per person, with women spending 18–22% more daily than other traveler segments and displaying increased interest in personalized itineraries and experiential travel.
Insights from travel-fintech platform Scapia further highlight a spike in independent travel behavior. Solo travel among women has surged nearly nine-fold year-on-year on their platform, while Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent account for over 60% of outbound trips due to factors like proximity and visa ease.
Industry tracker Cleartrip reports similar behavioral changes. Its PeekABoo travel trends tracker indicates that all-women international group travel has risen nearly 36% year-on-year, along with a significant uptick in digital payment adoption, shown by a 40% increase in UPI usage and a 17% rise in credit card transactions for travel bookings.
Women travelers are also investing more in comfort and convenience, with pre-booked meals rising by 34%, seat selections increasing by 23.7%, and baggage add-ons growing by 33.2%, according to the tracker.
Amidst this broader trend in travel spending, hospitality sectors report that wellness-focused experiences are becoming a key priority for many women travelers.
Rachit Gupta, VP & Head – Marketing & Sales at Athiva Hotels & Resorts (Chalet Hotels Ltd), remarked that many women travelers are planning trips centered around restorative experiences.
“What resonates most is that women come with a clear purpose: they seek experiences that rejuvenate them physically, mentally, and emotionally, planning their travels accordingly,” he said.
Regional demand patterns are also surfacing.
Arjun Baljee, Founder of ICONIQA and President at Royal Orchid Hotels, noted that locations like Haridwar, Dehradun, and Mussoorie have experienced increased use of wellness services.
“In the NCR and Uttarakhand areas, destinations such as Haridwar, Dehradun, and Mussoorie have seen a notable rise in women utilizing wellness services, with usage climbing from about 5–8% previously to nearly 15% today,” he said.
However, he pointed out that price sensitivity continues to influence choices, as many travelers prefer individual wellness services like spa therapies over comprehensive 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 prioritize routine-based wellness during work trips.
“Contemporary women travelers aim to sustain their lifestyle while traveling, whether that involves squeezing in a workout before meetings, accessing nutritious breakfast choices effortlessly, or working from their rooms with dependable, high-speed internet,” she said.
Safety considerations are also influencing travel decisions.
“Women travelers are placing greater importance on well-lit spaces, secure access, attentive staff, and environments that enable confident travel and work. A strong feeling of security is no longer a perk; it has become a critical factor.”
From a luxury hospitality standpoint, wellness travel signifies a larger shift toward restorative retreats.
Candice D’Cruz, Vice President for Luxury Brands in Asia Pacific at Hilton, stated that travelers are seeking experiences that enhance both physical and emotional well-being.
“Travel is evolving into a thoughtful act of restoration and renewal,” she said.
Resort operators are also witnessing increased participation from women-led groups.
Harsv Manu Kaushik, General Manager at Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, noted that the property has seen a rise in bookings from women travelers looking for integrated wellness programs that combine spa therapies, meditation, and structured fitness routines.
Meanwhile, holistic wellness providers report an expansion in the definition of self-care.
Mini Chandran, Head – Strategic Alliances & Product Development at CGH Earth Wellness, mentioned that many women travelers are now seeking experiences that transcend traditional spa offerings.
“In 2026, women are defining the wellness travel experience. Their journeys are not merely about relaxation; they carry deep intent,” she said, noting growing interest in Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, meditation, and nature-centric wellness programs.
Suniana Manerkar, Resident Manager at Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, emphasized how wellness travel is transforming.
“Wellness is evolving from being an optional aspect to a fundamental reason for travel. Women, in particular, are approaching travel with a purpose-led mindset, designing journeys based on how they wish to feel rather than just on their destinations. Rest, mental clarity, stress recovery, and emotional balance are becoming crucial decision-making factors.”
She highlighted the transition from transactional leisure to comprehensive well-being.
Natalia Jimmy Mistry, Marketing Director at Della Resorts and Adventure, further shared insights from their property,
“Wellness travel among women has progressed beyond relaxation and is now centered around intentional well-being and lifestyle balance. Today’s women are opting for travel experiences that enable them to focus on physical health, mental clarity, and long-term wellness within environments that are safe, structured, and thoughtfully designed.”
