In India, summers bring a wave of nostalgia. It takes us back to our childhood when we eagerly waited for the holidays to begin. Planning family vacations during the summer season has been a tradition, offering the opportunity to explore the world and create unforgettable memories. Whether strolling on the beaches, hiking in the mountains or relaxing among the mesmerizing views of snow-capped hills, vacations during this season are nothing less than an escape from the heat.
Summer travel trend in India
This year, Indians are traveling more than ever. In 2024, we expect 57% of travelers to plan a domestic trip and 43% to prefer long international vacations. Compared to 2019 levels, domestic air passenger traffic is already up 21% over 2019 levels, while international travel is up 4%. These statistics imply that people have a strong desire to travel and explore the world despite intense heat waves and high temperatures. And it is not just domestic places but also international destinations that are piquing your interest equally.
Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, says: “People are looking for options to escape the heat and relax while enjoying picturesque views, natural beauty and diverse experiences. Summer is peak season and travel packages have increased by digital digits. Economy and premium economy are the most frequently used flight categories, with travelers preferring to book three-star properties for stays due to their amenities and affordable prices. However, with airfares rising, they are turning to alternative modes of travel like Vande Bharat and buses. Various trends like coolcations, spiritual tourism, recreational holidays and adventure tourism are gaining popularity this season. “
Domestic travel increases
During the summer season, people prefer to choose destinations with pleasant climates to beat the heat and picturesque landscapes for a relaxing vacation, offering all services at affordable prices. “In India, Goa, with its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, remains a traveler's favorite, being the most sought-after and booked destination. Lakshadweep and Nandi Hills come second and third, respectively, in the travelers' list. Additionally, they also prefer Udaipur and Rishikesh, which offer a wide range of cultural and traditional experiences,” adds Pittie.
International travel is constant
When it comes to international travel, visa-free destinations attract tourists' attention. Thailand and Sri Lanka remain the favorites. Additionally, Abu Dhabi, Phuket, Singapore, Bali, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are the most sought after 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. Additionally, with the recent trend of multiple-entry Schengen visas, European destinations are high on the list of summer travel destinations. Amsterdam, Singapore, London, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Frankfurt and Munich are the top destinations visited by Indian travelers this summer season.
Coolcations to beat the heat
Nowadays, summer trips and coolcations are synonymous. Just when temperatures rise, tourists prefer to vacation in increasingly colder destinations. Therefore, Leh Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Kerala, Coorg and North Eastern regions are the most booked tour packages this year. But this year there is a completely new trend. Pittie says: “We are now witnessing the rise of deceived destinations. The concept revolves around travelers choosing to visit hidden gems, less crowded and less expensive places similar to their international counterparts. For example, Gulmarg and Khajjiar are preferred as alternatives to the Swiss Alps, the Andaman beaches over Phuket and the extensive tea plantations 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 rise in search volumes due to the inauguration of Ram Mandir. “In May, there was a significant 102% year-on-year increase in searches for religious destinations like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Badrinath and Amarnath. A growing desire for religious exploration and the search for inner peace is reshaping the travel industry and accounts for a sizable portion of summer travel bookings. Amritsar holds the most in terms of flight searches, with a 22-25% increase by May 2024 compared to last year. This is followed by Varanasi, Puri and Tirupati, where a high volume of flight searches is seen,” shares Pittie. Known for their historical significance and deeply rooted cultural traditions, they offer unique travel experiences, culinary delights, luxurious wellness amenities and spiritual immersions.
This year, not only family vacations but also solo trips are seeing an increase. In fact, a certain percentage of tourists also travel by car for weekend getaways. However, travel fans and enthusiasts opt for immersive and adrenaline-filled experiences such as glamping, small plane excursions, paragliding, parasailing, etc. Additionally, the market for health-conscious travelers is increasing. Hence, there has been an increase 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 in search of rejuvenation.
Pittie believes that “India's tourism scene is booming and this year will mark a milestone in its trajectory. With the growing need to travel and expose oneself to immersive experiences, the summer travel industry is set to flourish with a notable increase in searches and bookings by tourists. However, as there is high demand, it is advisable to stay up to date with the best prices and offers to plan your holiday well in advance and avoid last minute bookings which will result in surcharges on airfares and hotels.”
Whether it's a trip to the cool mountains, trips of self-discovery to pilgrimage destinations or nightlife on tropical beaches, traveling today is not just about exploring a destination but embracing the enriching experiences that come with it. This season, summer travel is all about escaping the heat. But it's also about satisfying the desire for a rejuvenating vacation, providing opportunities for global exploration and self-discovery.
