Winter is here, and travellers are already mapping out their dreamy escapes. From snowy hill stations to offbeat mountain hideaways, everyone seems to have their own “winter postcard” ready. Zostel’s latest report highlights the top travel trends of 2025 and what to expect in 2026, from rising hill station bookings to experiential stays and workations. Scroll down to see where wanderlust is headed this season.
Domestic Winter Travel On The Rise
Compared to international places, interest in domestic travel is seeing a strong surge this winter. According to the Zostel report, there’s a 27% jump in bookings compared to last year, with travellers flocking to North India’s popular hill stations like Manali, Nainital, Dharamshala, and Srinagar. Offbeat destinations such as Sangla, Shangarh, Kareri, and Kalpa are also gaining popularity among those seeking quieter, scenic escapes.
Early planners and long weekends are driving this rise in bookings. From mid-December, Zostel properties are seeing 10–15% higher occupancy than last year, with Christmas and New Year weekends in peak demand. Prices have gone up too, with dorms starting at around ₹1,500 and private rooms ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹7,000. Travellers are happy to spend more for comfort and memorable experiences.
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Two Traveller Groups Driving the Trend
This season, two traveller groups are leading the trend. Gen Z backpackers prefer dorms, shared spaces, and community-focused stays. Mid-age professionals are booking private rooms for longer “workations,” combining remote work with mountain getaways. Dorm bookings are up 27%, and private rooms remain popular despite the 10–15% price rise. Properties offering local experiences and events are seeing 25–30% more on-site extensions, showing that travellers value engagement and curated stays.
Zostel is expanding into Tier 3 and Tier 4 destinations, bringing offbeat stays like Zostel Plus Poombarai in Kodaikanal into the spotlight. The company is developing a personalised travel recommendation engine and growing its franchise network, where properties have increased 3–5x in value in just 18 months.
In 2026, travel is expected to become more experiential and community-focused. Gen Z will continue to seek immersive journeys. Young Indians are planning multi-destination “ladder trips,” thanks to better roads and digital access in smaller towns. Experiential stays, curated local activities, and longer workations will continue to shape the way people explore.
This winter, where are you planning to go, and with whom? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Dmitry Rukhlenko