Everyone desires a break, an escape from the repetitiveness of daily life, women too. The increasing number of women travelling to places far and near, in groups or alone, is a rising trend in Kerala over the past few years. The mushrooming of women-only travel groups is proof enough.
Financial independence of women is where the root of this trend lies, feels Indu Krishna, who runs ‘Escape now’ a women’s travel group based in Ernakulam.
“More women are employed and the patriarchal set up in which men controlled women’s purse strings is slackening,” she said.
Key role for social media
Better connectivity through social media is another factor. “Now we can pick like-minded people as travel buddies much easily,” Indu says.
“Even when women surpass their hurdles of money and companionship for travel, safety is always a nagging factor. That is where groups like ours come in,” she says.
But a lot of women these days travel alone as well, says Devina Dilip, a doctor and frequent traveller.
“They go with travel groups once or twice. Once they get a hang of it and understand how it works, they tend to plan their own trips and travel either alone or with just another like-minded and trusted friend,” she says.
The comfort, ease, and affordability of air travel have made it the favourite mode of transport.
“It is about saving time. These women get limited days away from their duties, which they would rather use exploring than waste in a bus or train,” Indu says