d a positive impact on their lives, with 68% who say their travels have helped them learn about the world. One in three (33%) Asian female travellers say travel has changed the way they think and the way they live their lives.

46% of Chinese women feel liberated when they travel, while 42% of Japanese women say travel makes them feel bold, giving them a sense of adventure.

46% of Indian and 36% of Indonesian women say travel gave them more self-confidence.

40% of Singaporean women say travel makes them appreciate home more.

Nature, food and culture top on their list

‘Nature’ (65%), ‘good food and restaurants’ (61%) and ‘arts, history and cultural attractions’ (56%) are amongst the top three things that guide the Asian female traveller in her travel planning.

Forty-eight percent of Asian female travellers are also influenced by beautiful beaches and islands. Just 30% of them say that they are influenced by good ol’ shopping.

Prices and opinions – They’re led by deals and what reviews say

Asian female travellers are swayed by great deals or low prices on both flights and accommodation (78%), and will look to find these before making a booking. Sixty-nine percent of Asian women also say they are influenced by user reviews on sites like TripAdvisor.

Half of Malaysian women are influenced by promotional travel packages, while 42% of Japanese women are influenced by frequent flyer miles and loyalty programmes.

Wandering solo – They like doing whatever they want but are cautious

Of the Asian female respondents who travelled solo on their last trip, 73% say it gave them a sense of freedom, 43% say going alone made for a less stressful travel experience, and 34% say they liked the challenge of stepping out of their comfort zone. Women in Japan are the most independent with one in five (20%) who reported travelling alone on their last trip.

Safety is top of mind for Asian solo female travellers with 69% who say they avoid going out late at night, avoid quiet streets (56%) and avoid wearing expensive items (37%). Forty-three percent of Chinese women have a habit of messaging someone on their mobile phone to tell them where they are as a precaution.

Short-haul travel preferred in 2016 – Japan, Thailand and Australia top the list

The top 3 destinations Asian female travellers are planning to go to in 2016 are all within the Asia Pacific region – Japan, Thailand and Australia. For those looking to travel long-haul, the United States was their preferred destination.

The following are the most reviewed destinations² in Japan, Thailand and Australia by female travellers on TripAdvisor:

Most Reviewed Destinations by Female Travellers on TripAdvisor

1. Japan

• Tokyo
  • Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$390 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Take a stroll at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and visit the temples at Asakusa.
     
• Kyoto
  • Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$293 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and see Kyoto from the top. The stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also worth a visit which also has local shops selling sweets and ceramics.
     
• Osaka
  • Cross Hotel Osaka bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$324 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Visit Dotonbori for great food and shopping, and Universal Studios Japan for some family fun.

2. Thailand

• Bangkok
  • Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$116 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Visit the city’s famous Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and if you are in town from 13-15 April, get ready to get wet and soak up the fun at Songkran Festival at Khao San Road!

• Chiang Mai
  • Dusit Princess Chiang Mai bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$174 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Walk through the temple grounds of Wat Chedi Luang and then have fun at the wacky Art in Paradise, Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum
     
• Patong (Phuket)
  • The Senses Resort bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$134 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Party-goers will love Bangla Road with its endless entertainment options while Freedom Beach offers an idyllic retreat with its crystal clear waters and sandy beach.

3. Australia

• Sydney
  • Quay West Suites Sydney bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$414 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Spend the evening by the famous Sydney Harbour to enjoy the bright lights or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a phenomenal view. 
     
• Melbourne
  • The Langham Melbourne bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$324 per night^3.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Spend time at family-favourite Melbourne museum, and learn more about the country’s history at the majesticShrine of Remembrance.
    
     
• Brisbane
  • Royal On The Park bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$174 per night³.
  • Recommended attractions⁴: Visit Australia’s favourite animals at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and take a cruise down the Brisbane River for a scenic view of the city.
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