Bangalore leads the way in festive travel demand, contributing 23%. Following closely are Chennai at 20%, Delhi at 18%, and Mumbai at 15%. This insight comes from Pickyourtrail’s inaugural International Getaways Travel Trends Report – Festive Edition. The report highlights trip plans and how Indian travellers are gearing up for their holidays between October and December 2024.
Indian Travellers Plan Their Trips Months In Advance
Early bookings are a notable trend this festive season. About 64% of travellers are planning their trips at least two months in advance. This proactive approach ensures stress-free holidays rather than last-minute scrambles. Only 14% of travellers are making plans within a month of departure. Trips are diverse, ranging from short getaways of 3-4 nights to extended vacations lasting 14-15 nights. This shift towards early planning reflects a desire for enriching experiences.
However, the spontaneous traveller is not extinct. Approximately 36% of last-minute planners are young, showcasing a mix of organisation and impulsivity in travel plans.
Indian travellers are also willing to splurge on their festive getaways. The average expenditure per trip stands at ₹2.6 lakhs. This figure signifies a shift towards investing in memorable experiences rather than opting for budget options. In fact, 41% of holiday bookings fall into the luxury category, priced above ₹2 lakhs. In comparison, only 18% are budget-friendly, under ₹1.2 lakhs.
Also Read: What Is Dry Tripping, The Latest Travel Trend Driving Sober October Adventures?
Vibrant Nightlife And Affordable Options
Millennials are driving this trend. Travellers aged 26-35 account for 46% of bookings, favouring family-friendly destinations like the Maldives, Bali, and Thailand for 6-7 night trips. Young adults are increasingly attracted to vibrant nightlife and affordable options in both short-haul and long-haul destinations. Their trips can last anywhere from 5 nights to a maximum of 12-13 nights.
Meanwhile, the 50+ age group sticks to short-haul favourites such as Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, preferring relaxing getaways of 5-6 days. Couples are dominating international travel this festive season. They make up 62% of all international trips booked, indicating a strong trend in romantic getaways.
Ease of travel is also a significant factor. A remarkable 41% of preferred destinations are visa-free, with the Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, and Malaysia topping the list. The Maldives, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, remains a favourite. Other popular destinations include Bali, Thailand, Dubai, and Singapore.
Interestingly, off-beat European cities like Oslo, Helsinki, and Prague are seeing increased interest, reflecting a broader desire for unique experiences.
Metropolitan areas are driving the travel boom. The buzz from big cities significantly impacts international travel demand this festive season. Bangalore leads with 23%, followed by Chennai (20%), Delhi (18%), and Mumbai (15%). Even tier-II cities like Kochi and Hyderabad are joining the festive travel trend, along with Kolkata and other metros.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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