When it comes to choosing ideal travel destinations, 35% of the world’s most experienced travelers prioritize landscape-rich locations followed closely by 31% who seek destinations that offer adventurous activities, according to the Global Rescue Summer 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. But women have distinct preferences compared to men.
Female respondents (37%) list stunning landscapes – like mountains, jungles, savannahs, deserts, surf, reefs, canyons, volcanoes, and glaciers – as the most crucial factor when choosing an international destination to visit. In contrast, an equal percentage of male travelers (37%) prioritize access to adventure activities – such as scuba diving, skiing, mountaineering, trekking, and fishing – as their top consideration.
"Understanding the preferences of travelers is essential for the travel industry, and our survey sheds light on the differing priorities based on gender," said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
"While women tend to favor the beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences, men are more inclined to seek out adventure. This insight can help travel providers tailor their offerings to meet the diverse needs of their clientele," Richards said.
For women, cultural experiences also play a significant role in destination selection, with 15% indicating that language, customs, and local dress are important considerations, reflecting a desire for authentic interactions and deeper connections to the places they visit. Interestingly, only 3% of women cited cuisine, events, natural phenomena, architecture, infrastructure, and shopping as essential factors in their travel decisions.
Men, on the other hand, have a different approach. While 37% prioritize adventure activities, a nearly identical percentage (33%) seek destinations known for their landscapes, like female travelers. Only 10% of male respondents consider cultural diversity as a primary factor in their travel decisions. This suggests that adventure and natural beauty dominate the travel aspirations of men, with less emphasis placed on cultural elements.
When it comes to dream destinations, the survey reveals distinct preferences among genders. Women expressed a strong desire to visit Antarctica, New Zealand, Iceland (noted for its Northern Lights), the Galapagos Islands, Egypt, and Australia. In contrast, men favor destinations such as Australia (specifically for the Great Barrier Reef), New Zealand, Antarctica, Patagonia, Mongolia, and various locations across Africa.
"The survey results highlight the importance of landscapes and adventure in travel choices but it also underscores the evolving dynamics of traveler preferences," Richards added. "As more women engage in adventure sports and explore remote destinations, we may see a shift in these preferences in the future."
