TravTalk India Online Magazine
Every year summer uncovers intriguing travel patterns about Indian travellers. Booking.com reveals travel insights about the upcoming summer period and how Indians are making plans to travel to domestic as well as international destinations.
TT Bureau
This year, summer promises to be a season of exploration and rejuvenation for travellers who are seizing this opportunity to travel either at home or venturing overseas. According to Booking.com Travel Predictions 2024, 57 per cent of Indians are looking at a long domestic trip and 43 per cent are wanting to take a long international trip (5+ nights) this year.
Mountains remain irresistible for Indians looking at escaping the summer heat with 50 per cent of Indian travellers stating that they would like to take a nature trip this year, followed by a beach trip (48 per cent) and a city trip (37 per cent).
Domestic delights
Metro cities Bengaluru and Mumbai lead the chart as the most searched destinations this summer. Besides metropolitan cities, hill stations continue to be the top choice for travellers seeking scenic landscapes, adventure activities and a chance to unwind amidst nature. Ooty takes the lead in the most searched leisure destination, followed by Srinagar and Manali. Goa’s iconic beaches remain a favourite for beach lovers looking at soaking in some summer sun.
Top 10 most searched domestic leisure destinations (from April 15 to July 15). Ranking as compared to the same time last year.
- Ooty (-1)
- Srinagar (+2)
- Manali (-4)
- Darjeeling (-1)
- Goa (0)
- Kodaikanal (+4)
- Puri (-2)
- Rishikesh (-2)
- Munnar (-1)
- Mussoorie (+2)
International escapes
While domestic travel continues to shine, Indians are also exploring short and long-haul destinations within Asia and beyond. Competitive packages, easier booking processes and improved visa access have made foreign travel more accessible to Indian tourists. This summer, 40 per cent are travelling within the Asia Pacific region, 20 per cent to the Middle East and 40 per cent to London, New York and European countries.
Dubai with its luxurious offerings and futuristic appeal tops the list of most searched international destinations this year. Asia’s vibrant culture continues to hold immense charm with cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and Bali high on Indians’ summer travel wish list.
Top 10 most searched internation destinations (from April 15 to July 15). Ranking as compared to the same time last year.
- Dubai (0)
- Singapore (0)
- London (0)
- Paris (0)
- Bangkok (0)
- New York (+5)
- Tokyo (+5)
- Bali (-1)
- Makkah (-3)
- Amsterdam (0)
Demographics decoded
From bustling cities that
attract solo travellers, leisure destinations that attract family and group travellers to vibrant metropolises and charming hill stations that are a preference for couples, Booking.com shares insights into what different
travellers are looking for in their summer holidays.
- Solo Travellers: City Breaks
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Gurgaon and Chennai
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, London,
Paris, Berlin and Toronto
- Families: Nature Escapes
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Ooty, Srinagar, Manali, Darjeeling and Mumbai
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Singapore, Dubai, London, Paris and Tokyo
- Families: Nature Escapes
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Manali, Ooty, Goa, Darjeeling and Srinagar
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, Singapore, London, Makkah and Paris
- Couples: Bustling metros to serene retreats
Top 5 most searched domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ooty, Srinagar and New Delhi
Top 5 most searched international destinations: Dubai, London, Singapore, Paris and Bangkok
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “Summer has always been a peak travel season, but in recent years witnessing a significant shift in how Indians approach it. While Indians are exploring both domestic and overseas destinations, we are seeing travellers gravitating towards culturally significant or leisure-oriented destinations with a growing desire for immersive experiences. This optimism indicates one thing for sure: the Indian spirit of travel remains undeterred. Booking.com remains committed to making it easier for travellers to plan their summer holidays by providing flights, rental cars, attractions and of course unique places to stay.”
