Gendered Travel Preferences: Flights vs. Ground Transport Choices

Understanding Travel Preferences Among Students

Recent insights reveal distinct travel behaviors between female and male students. The findings, based on data from 50,000 verified student travelers through Goibibo’s Student GoPass program since January 2025, highlight notable differences in travel modes, payment methods, and planning styles.

Price-Sensitive and Digital Savvy

Today’s student demographic is characterized by its price sensitivity and digital-first approach to travel planning. However, within this group, a profound divide exists between genders, shaping preferences especially in the choice of transport and payment options. Raj Rishi Singh, CMO of Goibibo, notes, “The female student traveler demonstrates a savvy approach, carefully weighing convenience and safety in her travel choices. Despite the differences, both genders share a collective focus on value.” The data emphasizes this behavior, steering toward smart, affordable options through programs like GoPass tailored for students.

Travel Modes: Flights vs. Ground Transport

The preference for mode of transport starkly contrasts between genders. Here’s a breakdown of the findings:

The data illustrates that female students are more inclined towards flights, which can be attributed to considerations such as safety and time efficiency. In contrast, their male counterparts show a stronger preference for ground transport, adopting buses and trains as their primary travel means.

Device and Payment Preferences

Further examination into technology usage reveals a noticeable trend. More than one-third of female students opt for iPhones, compared to one-fourth of male students. Payment preferences also vary: UPI is the method of choice for 71% of female students versus 64% of males. Interestingly, female students show a 50% reduced likelihood of adopting “Pay Later” methods, demonstrating a more immediate approach to financial transactions.

The Central Theme: Affordability

Despite these behavioral contrasts, one commonality persists among all student travelers: an emphasis on affordability. A staggering 74% of students prefer accommodations below ₹3,000 per night, confirming a frugal mentality. Additionally, the students’ planning habits reveal that nearly 63% book their travels well in advance—over one week prior—contrasting with general trends in the broader Indian travel landscape, where most bookings occur last minute.

Goibibo’s GoPass Program: Tailored for Students

In response to these findings, Goibibo’s GoPass program has been designed specifically to cater to the unique travel needs of students. Verification occurs through college email IDs, providing students access to exclusive discounts across various travel categories. Notable offers include:

• 25% discount on hotel bookings (domestic and international)
• Free meals on domestic flights
• 10% discount on domestic and international flights
• 10% off on bus travel
• ₹50 off on train bookings
• GoConfirmed services for just ₹1

These discounts exemplify the intention to enhance travel affordability and accessibility for students throughout their journeys.

Conclusion

Understanding gender differences in travel choices among students offers fascinating insights into the evolving dynamics of the travel industry. As travel preferences continue to shift, they present important implications for taxi and transfer services as well. With platforms like LocalsRide.com, user-friendly booking of personalized transfers becomes more advantageous than ever—allowing users to survey their transport options before their travels commence. The platform sets a new standard by offering transparency and comprehensive details such as vehicle make, model, and ratings, aligning with the desires for affordability and convenience that students today place on their travel experiences.

While it’s clear that feedback and reviews shed light on travel experiences, nothing compares to firsthand adventures. With LocalsRide.com, readers can book a car with a driver from trusted providers at competitive rates, ensuring they’re well-equipped to make informed, budget-friendly travel choices. Enjoy the convenience and diversity of vehicle options as you prepare for your next journey. Book your ride now at LocalsRide.com!