Indian Jetsetters Go Big and Early on Festive Travel, Pickyourtrail Reports News 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.” Share this:FacebookX