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Indian Jetsetters Go Big and Early on Festive Travel, Pickyourtrail Reports

October 8, 2024 | Press Release

Indian travellers are gearing up for the festive season with early planning and a strong inclination toward luxury, according to Pickyourtrail’s latest International Getaways Travel Trends Report – Festive Edition. The report highlights key trends among Indian vacationers from October to December 2024, showcasing their preference for visa-free destinations, upscale experiences, and meticulous holiday preparation.

A significant 64% of Indian travellers have already secured their festive getaways two months in advance, ensuring stress-free holidays. Popular visa-free destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, and Bali are high on the list, and 41% of these travellers are opting for luxury packages, each costing over INR 2 lakhs. In contrast, only 18% have chosen budget-friendly options, signaling a shift toward splurging on premium experiences.

Here are the key insights from the report:

Plan it like a pro: Early birds snag the best getaways

  • 64% of travellers are planning two months ahead, opting for pre-planned holidays over last-minute scrambles. Only 14% of travellers finalise plans within a month of their travel dates. These trips vary in duration, from shorter getaways of 3-4 nights to extended vacations of 14-15 nights, offering travellers a more enriching and relaxed experience.
    While early planning dominates, spontaneous travel is on the rise, with 36% of young travellers making last-minute bookings.

Splurging on experiences: Indian travellers invest BIG in festive getaways

  • Travellers are spending an average of INR 2.6 lakhs per trip, reflecting a growing trend toward unforgettable, high-investment travel experiences.

Luxury vs. Budget: High-end getaways win festive travel

  • Among 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.

Millennials on the move: 26-35s take over the world

  • Early middle-aged travellers dominate 46% of bookings, favouring family-friendly destinations like the Maldives, Bali, and Thailand for trips lasting 6-7 nights.
  • Young adults are leaning towards Thailand, Bali, and Dubai, drawn by vibrant nightlife and affordable options for trips ranging from 5 to 12-13 nights.
  • The 50+ crowd sticks to short-haul favourites like Dubai, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Bali, with trips averaging 5-6 days for a relaxing experience.

Couples rule the skies: Lovebirds fly high this festive season

  • Couples are booking trips in record numbers, accounting for 62% of international travel this season.

Visa-free = Stress-free: Indians embrace easy-entry getaways

  • 41% of travellers prefer visa-free destinations like the Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, and Malaysia, simplifying travel logistics.
  • White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the exotic marine life of the Maldives continue to capture hearts, along with other favourites like Bali, Thailand, Europe, Dubai, and Singapore.
  • Off-beat European cities like Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, Rovaniemi, Prague, Vienna, and Berlin are seeing strong traveler intent this year.

Metros steer the travel boom: Big city buzz meets wanderlust

  • Travellers from major metros are leading the international travel surge, with Bangalore contributing 23%, followed by Chennai (20%), Delhi (18%), and Mumbai (15%).
  • Tier-II cities like Kochi and Hyderabad are joining the international travel wave alongside other metro cities like Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Pickyourtrail, commented on the trends, saying, “This year, we’ve seen a clear shift toward advanced planning and a growing demand for luxury experiences. Indian travelers 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 personalisation and immersive, luxury experiences are at the forefront of their priorities.”

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