Indian Travelers Opt For Early, Luxury Bookings At Visa-free Destinations

Indian travellers are embracing early bookings and splurging on luxury travel experiences for their festive getaways, according to Pickyourtrail’s International Getaways Travel Trends Report – Festive Edition. The report reveals that 64 per cent of travellers have secured their holiday plans two months in advance, with a notable shift toward visa-free destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, and Bali. Additionally, 41 per cent of travellers have chosen luxury packages, spending an average of Rs 2.6 lakh per trip.

The report highlights a significant change in how Indian travellers are approaching their holidays between October and December. Early planning is emerging as a key trend, with travellers opting for stress-free, well-organised vacations. In contrast, only 14 per cent of travellers are finalising their plans within one month of their travel dates. The duration of these trips varies, with travellers enjoying shorter getaways of 3 to 4 nights as well as longer vacations lasting up to 14 to 15 nights.

The report also reveals that Indian travellers are prioritising luxury, with 41 per cent opting for high-end packages costing over Rs 2 lakh. In contrast, only 18 per cent of travellers are choosing budget-friendly packages priced under Rs 1.2 lakh. On average, travellers are spending Rs 2.6 lakh per trip, reflecting a shift toward more premium, experience-focused holidays. This trend is particularly strong among millennials aged 26 to 35, who make up 46 per cent of the bookings. They are gravitating towards destinations like the Maldives, Bali, and Thailand for family-friendly vacations of 6 to 7 nights.

Couples are also leading the charge this festive season, accounting for 62 per cent of international bookings, with popular destinations including visa-free locations such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Thailand. Overall, 41 per cent of travellers are choosing visa-free destinations, favouring the ease and convenience of travel to these locations. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and exotic marine life continue to make the Maldives a top choice among Indian travellers.

Young adults, aged 18-25, are also contributing to the rise in travel, with preferences leaning towards vibrant, budget-friendly destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Dubai. These travellers are opting for a mix of short-haul and long-haul trips, ranging from 5 nights to as long as 12 to 13 nights. Meanwhile, older travellers, particularly those aged 50 and above, are favouring shorter trips to nearby destinations like Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia for relaxing getaways.

The report notes that travellers from metro cities are driving the international travel boom, with Bangalore contributing 23 per cent of the demand, followed by Chennai (20 per cent), Delhi (18 per cent), and Mumbai (15 per cent). Tier-II cities like Kochi and Hyderabad are also joining the festive travel trend, alongside other major cities like Kolkata.

Commenting on the trends, Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder, Pickyourtrail, said, “This year, we’ve seen a clear shift toward advanced planning and a growing demand for luxury experiences. Indian travellers are no longer just looking for getaways—they want well-curated, high-quality journeys that offer both comfort and convenience.”

The report also highlights a growing interest in off-beat European destinations such as Oslo, Helsinki, Prague, and Vienna, showing strong intent from travellers looking for unique experiences this festive season. With early planning, increased spending, and a preference for visa-free luxury destinations, Indian travellers are redefining the way they approach their holiday experiences.