It’s the holiday season—a time for indulgence, relaxation, and of course, making the oh-so-difficult decision of whether to stay home or step out for a staycation vacation. After much deliberation (and a few back and forth coin flips), I decided a short getaway was the answer.
But then came the next challenge: figuring out where to go. While scrolling through YouTube for inspiration, I stumbled across two travel vlog options. One by a guy and another by a girl. At first glance, both seemed promising. But the moment I clicked on their thumbnails, I already knew whose video I was going to trust more.
Why? Gendered differences in decision-making styles, especially when it comes to travel vlogs.
Here’s the thing: female travel vloggers often go above and beyond. They’re the queens of detail. From pointing out underrated shortcuts to recommending affordable options, they’ll take you through every nook and cranny of their trip. They’ll even highlight the quirks—the good, the bad, and the “meh.” It might seem like unnecessary information sometimes, but trust me, when you’re navigating unfamiliar territory, these details make sense.
On the other hand, male vloggers? They seem to take a more laid-back approach. It’s all about the vibes, the aesthetics, and “living in the moment.” Don’t get me wrong, their videos can be entertaining, but they often lack that deep-dive research that’s oh-so-useful when you’re actually planning a trip.
So when I’m looking for practical, actionable advice, my decision is clear. I’ll go with the vlogger who tells me about the lesser-known attractions, the hidden gems, and the best budget hacks. And let’s be honest, that’s more likely to come from a female travel creator.
But this got me thinking: is this simply a preference or an example of how gender influences the way we approach decision-making? Research in behavioral science shows that women tend to be more detail-oriented and risk-averse in their choices, while men often focus on the bigger picture and rely on heuristics. This might explain why female vloggers tend to provide more comprehensive, practical information, while male vloggers lean into the fun and carefree experience.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Some male vloggers might surprise you with meticulous research, and some female vloggers might embrace spontaneity. But when it comes to choosing a guide for my next trip, I can’t help but lean into the stereotype—for better or for worse.
What about you? Do you think gender impacts how we make decisions or share experiences? And more importantly, whose vlog would you watch before planning your next getaway?