Travel has always held a special place in the hearts of Indians. Indians’ wanderlust extends far beyond their borders, making them passionate globetrotters. And with the long weekend and festive season coming up, the globetrotting interest is growing manifold. While the season of Navratri or Diwali often has Indians going back to their hometowns, more than ever, they are ready to travel within India or internationally over the festive period.
Cost & Budgets For The Festive Season
Indians love to celebrate, and travel offers a chance to do so in new and exciting ways. Many of us now choose to celebrate our special occasions in exotic locales, creating unforgettable memories.
According to the travel search engine, Kayak, 72% of Indians are willing to spend similarly to or more than they did last year on travel over the holiday season. In fact, 4 out of 5 Indians intend to raise their trip budgets this season by cutting back on discretionary spending on things like gadgets and OTT.
With a 52% increase in premium economy searches over the previous year and a 33% spike in searches for 4 and 5-star hotels over the holiday travel season, Indians appear to be pampering themselves. Moreover, between October and November, searches for domestic flights increased by 29% over the previous year, while those for foreign flights increased by 14%.
Where Are Indians Travelling?
As Indians continue to explore the world, their passion for travel remains unwavering. Trips within Asia (excluding domestic flights within India) are trending for individuals with searches up 133% from the previous year. There have been noticeable increases in searches for flights to South America and the South Pacific (i.e., Australia and New Zealand), with 95% and 16% increases, respectively.
The top trending domestic destinations for flights over the festive period include:
- Goa
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Srinagar
The most searched international destination for flights for festive travel
- Dubai
- Bangkok
- Bali
- Singapore
Also Read: 56% Indians Prefer Small Trips For Long Weekend; Travel Website Suggests Top Places With Airfare
Curated Experiences, FTW!
Travel provides an escape from the routine of daily life. Travellers now are seeking ways to be exposed to different cultures, ideas, and ways of life.
Unsurprisingly, 72% of Indians consider food and culinary experiences, along with shopping and experiencing local markets, to be among the most pleasurable vacation activities. Additionally, 45% of respondents believed that food deserved the ‘five-star indulgence’ when choosing a hotel.
In addition to enjoying the local cuisine, Indian tourists value experiencing the local culture:
- Gen X (72%) and Baby Boomers (75%) prefer to go to places with rich cultures, traditions, and legacy compared to Gen Z (64%)
- Gen Z (58%) and Millennials (56%) prefer destinations with adventure and activities as compared to Baby
Boomers (36%)
The affinity for travel among Indians is deeply rooted in their culture, spirituality, and desire for exploration. So, where are you heading this festive season?
Cover image credits: Canva