Indians' interest in spiritual destinations has dramatically increased, with searches up by 97% in the last two years. Top destinations like Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Badrinath have seen increases in searches by 585%, 359%, and 343%, respectively.

 

Domestic and International Travel Insights

While domestic travel focuses on spiritual and tier-2 city visits, international travel from India favors cities like Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore. Emerging destinations such as Hong Kong and Baku are also gaining popularity, indicating a shift towards exploring new, lesser-known locations.

 

Travel Frequency and Preferences

The frequency of travel among Indians has grown, with a 25% increase in people taking more than three trips a year compared to 2019. This trend showcases a growing appetite for both familiar and new travel experiences.

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source: istock

How Indians Travel

Family travel bookings have surged by 64% in 2023, and solo travel also remains popular, reflecting diverse travel preferences among Indians. Interestingly, spontaneous travel bookings, especially domestic flights, are often made less than a week in advance.

 

From Budget Stays to Luxury Villas

Indians are increasingly opting for alternative accommodations like homestays and villas, seeking more personalized and culturally immersive experiences. The search for budget hostels and apartments remains strong, while a significant number of family travelers opt for luxury villas.

 

Last-Minute Plans and Advance Bookings

Delhi travelers frequently book domestic flights at the last minute, whereas Kolkata residents tend to plan and book flights well in advance, highlighting regional differences in travel planning habits.

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source: istock

In-Flight Meals of Choice

Preferences for in-flight meals vary, with the most ordered meal on domestic flights being a simple vegetarian sandwich, and on international flights, a vegetarian Hindu meal is the most popular.

2023 has marked a significant shift in how and where Indians travel. The increasing interest in spiritual and unexplored destinations, coupled with diverse accommodation choices and travel planning habits, illustrates the dynamic nature of India's travel landscape.