While early planning rules, there’s a noticeable rise in spontaneous travellers making last-minute plans, with 36% of this cohort being young travellers. Travellers are notably spending an average of INR 2.6 lakhs per trip, reflecting a shift toward higher investment in unforgettable travel experiences, shows a Pickyourtrail report.
With 64% of travellers planning two months ahead, Indians are opting for stress-free, pre-planned holidays over last-minute scrambles, shows Pickyourtrail’s first International Getaways Travel Trends Report – Festive Edition. In contrast, only 14% of travellers are finalizing their plans within one month of their travel dates. These trips vary in duration, from shorter getaways of 3-4 nights to extended, immersive vacations lasting 14-15 nights, offering travellers a more enriching and relaxed experience, the report says.
It offers a deep dive into how India’s travellers are approaching their holidays between October and December 2024, revealing trends like early bookings, a strong preference for visa-free destinations, and a notable shift toward luxury experiences. With 41% of travellers opting for premium holiday packages, the report highlights how Indian travellers are ‘investing’ in their festive getaways like never before.
It also notes that while early planning rules, there’s a noticeable rise in spontaneous travellers making last-minute plans, with 36% of this cohort being young travellers. Travellers are notably spending an average of INR 2.6 lakhs per trip, reflecting a shift toward higher investment in unforgettable travel experiences.
Among the bookings, 41% are classified as luxury packages, priced above INR 2 lakhs, while 18% fall into the budget category, priced under INR 1.2 lakhs. The report further shows that the millennials are on the move as Early middle-aged travellers are claiming 46% of the bookings, with family-friendly hotspots like the Maldives, Bali, and Thailand, for trips ranging from 6-7 nights.
Young adults are strongly preferring Thailand, Bali, and Dubai, with an equal interest in both short-haul and long-haul destinations, attracted by vibrant nightlife and wallet-friendly options, for trips ranging from 5 nights to as long as 12-13 nights. The 50+ club is sticking to short-haul favorites like Dubai, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Bali for a 5-6 day relaxing getaway experience. Couples are packing their bags in record numbers, accounting for 62% of international trips booked this season.
A notable 41% of preferred destinations are visa-free, with popular locations including the Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, and Malaysia. Maldives still reigns supreme alongside other popular choices including Bali, Thailand, Europe, Dubai, and Singapore. Off-beat cities in Europe like Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, Rovaniemi, Prague, Vienna, Berlin see strong intent from travellers this year.
Also, the travel enthusiasts from major metropolitan cities have led to the surge in demand for international travels this festive season. Bangalore at 23% has contributed highest to this demand, followed by Chennai at 20%, Delhi at 18%, and Mumbai at 15%. The report shows that the Tier-II cities like Kochi and Hyderabad have joined the international travel party this festive season along with other metro cities like Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Commenting on the trends observed, Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder, Pickyourtrail said, “This year, we’ve seen a clear shift toward advanced planning and a growing demand for luxury experiences. Indian travellers are no longer just looking for getaways—they want well-curated, high-quality journeys that offer both comfort and convenience. With a notable number of travellers booking trips well in advance, it’s evident that personalization and immersive, luxury experiences are at the forefront of their priorities.”
