In India, summers bring a wave of nostalgia. It takes us back to our childhood days when we eagerly waited for vacations to begin. Planning family holidays during the summer season has been a tradition, offering an opportunity to explore the world and create unforgettable memories. Whether wandering on the beaches, hiking through the mountains, or relaxing amid alluring views of snowcapped hills, holidays during this season are no less than escapades from the heat.
Summer travel trend in India
This year, Indians are travelling more than ever before. In 2024, we expect 57% of travellers to plan a domestic trip and 43% will prefer long international vacations. As compared to the 2019 levels, domestic air passenger traffic has already surged by 21% above 2019 levels, whereas international travel spiked by 4%. These statistics imply that people have a strong desire to travel and explore the world despite the intense heat waves and soaring temperatures. And it’s not just domestic places but international destinations are piquing their interest equally.
Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, says, “People are looking for options to escape the heat and relax while enjoying picturesque views, natural beauty, and diverse experiences. Summer is the peak season, and travel packages have increased in digital digits. Economy and premium economy are the most availed flight categories, and travellers prefer booking three-star properties for stays owing to their amenities and economical price points. However, with the spike in airfares, they are resorting to alternative modes of travel like Vande Bharat and buses. Several trends like coolcations, spiritual tourism, recreational vacations, and adventure tourism are gaining popularity this season. “
Domestic travel on the rise
During the summer season, people prefer choosing destinations with pleasant climates to beat the heat and picturesque landscapes for a relaxing vacation, offering all the services at affordable pricing. “In India, Goa, with its sunkissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, continues to remain the favourite of travellers, being the top searched and booked destination. Lakshadweep and Nandi Hills stand second and third, respectively, on the travellers’ list. Additionally, Udaipur and Rishikesh, offering a wide array of cultural and traditional experiences, are also preferred by them,” adds Pittie.
International trips are constant
When it comes to international travel, visa-free destinations are drawing the attention of tourists. Thailand and Sri Lanka remain the favourites. Additionally, Abu Dhabi, Phuket, Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur are the most searched and booked destinations. However, Baku (Azerbaijan), Almaty (Kazakhstan), and Nagoya (Japan) are making it to the list of options and are receiving traction in terms of search queries. Moreover, with the recent trend of multi-entry Schengen visas, European destinations occupy a prominent position in the summer travel destinations list. Amsterdam, Singapore, London, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Frankfurt, and Munich are the top destinations that Indian travellers are visiting this summer season.
Coolcations to beat the heat
Nowadays, summer travel and coolcations are synonymous. Just when temperatures soar, tourists prefer vacationing in cooler and colder destinations. Hence, Leh Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Kerala, Coorg, and the Northeast regions are the most booked tour packages this year. But this year, there’s an altogether new trend. Pittie opines, “We are now witnessing the boom of destination dupes. The concept revolves around travellers opting to visit hidden gems, less crowded and less expensive locations similar to that of their international counterparts. For instance, Gulmarg and Khajjiar are preferred as alternatives to the Swiss Alps, Andaman’s beaches over Phuket, and sprawling tea estates in Munnar bear a strong resemblance to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.”
Spiritual tourism for inner peace
With spiritual tourism gaining popularity, Ayodhya has also seen a surge in search volumes owing to the Ram Mandir inauguration. “In May, there has been a significant 102% Y-o-Y increase in searches for religious destinations like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Badrinath, and Amarnath. An increasing desire for religious exploration and the search for inner peace is reshaping the travel industry and holds a considerable share of bookings for summer travel. Amritsar has the lion’s share in terms of flight searches, with a 22-25% increase for May 2024 as compared to last year. Varanasi, Puri, and Tirupati follow next, observing a high volume of flight searches,” shares Pittie. Known for their historical significance and deep-rooted cultural traditions, they offer unique travel experiences, culinary delights, luxurious wellness amenities, and spiritual immersions.
This year, not just family vacations but solo trips are also showing a rise. In fact, a certain percentage of tourists are also going for drivecations for weekend getaways. However, travel buffs and enthusiasts are opting for immersive, adrenaline-filled experiences like glamping, ski plane tours, paragliding, parasailing, etc. Moreover, the market of health-conscious travellers is increasing. Hence, there has been a rise in demand for wellness retreats and rejuvenating vacations. From yoga sessions in Rishikesh to meditative and recreational retreats in the Swiss Alps, tourists are willing to travel anywhere to seek rejuvenation.
Pittie believes, “The Indian travel landscape is booming and this year is going to mark a milestone in its journey. With the rising urge to travel and have exposure to immersive experiences, the summer season travel industry is poised to flourish with a notable surge in searches and bookings by tourists. However, since there is a high demand, it’s advisable to stay updated with the best prices and deals to plan your vacations well in advance and avoid last-minute bookings that will lead to surcharges in airfares and hotels.”
It could be a trip to the cool mountains, self-discovery journeys to pilgrimage destinations, or the nightlife at tropical beaches, travel today is not just about exploring a destination but about embracing the enriching experiences that come along with it. This season, summer travel is about escaping the heat. But it’s also about fulfilling the desire for a rejuvenating holiday, providing opportunities for global exploration and self-discovery.