Rising Travel Trends for 2024: Luxury, solo adventures, and domestic escapes take center stage this holiday season

Unwrap the best of year-end travel trends, from luxury escapes to solo adventures. (Image: Canva)

As the year-end holiday season approaches, a wave of new travel trends is sweeping across India, with both domestic and international destinations seeing a surge in demand. According to a recent report by MakeMyTrip, the festive season is shaping up to be a time of exciting shifts in travel habits, marked by a growing preference for premium experiences and a significant rise in solo international trips.

This year, travelers are opting for longer holidays, with December 21, the Saturday before Christmas, remaining the peak travel date, as per reports. However, hotel search bookings spike again starting December 25, indicating that many are extending their breaks into the New Year. The desire to take a longer break and unwind is stronger than ever, highlighting a shift towards more leisurely, extended vacations.

From luxurious travel options to solo adventures, the year-end holiday season is offering fresh opportunities for Indian travelers. Let’s dive deeper into these emerging trends.

Embrace the holiday season with the latest travel trends—luxury, adventure, and unforgettable destinations await! (Image: Canva)

Domestic & International Travel on the Rise

Indian travelers are venturing farther and for longer durations this year, with a marked increase in international travel. Goa remains the top choice for domestic travel, but hill stations like Manali, Shimla, and Mussoorie are gaining traction, as more travelers seek out cooler locations. Interestingly, solo international travel has surged by 34 percent compared to last year, showcasing a shift towards personal exploration during the festive season.

Luxe Travel: The New Standard

Luxury travel is no longer a special treat—it’s becoming the norm. Business class bookings have skyrocketed, with international flights seeing an 80 percent increase and domestic flights up by 27 percent. For accommodations, 57 percent of international travelers are spending more than Rs 10,000 per night, up from 51 percent last year. The trend toward premium stays is evident, with more Indians opting for luxury experiences both in the air and on the ground.

The Popularity of Holiday Packages

Holiday packages are booming, with bookings registering double-digit growth and spending rising by 7 percent. Domestic package destinations like Andaman, Kerala, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh continue to dominate, while internationally, Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, and the Maldives remain popular favorites.

Domestic Destinations Gaining Momentum

The top 20 domestic destinations account for 40 percent of all searches during this holiday season. Destinations like Manali, Mussoorie, and Shimla have also experienced double-digit growth in interest, reflecting a shift towards cooler locations, typically associated with summer vacations.

Goa tops the list for a perfect festive getaway! (Image: Canva)

Top 20 Domestic Destinations:

1. Goa
2. Mumbai
3. Udaipur
4. Delhi
5. Jaipur
6. Manali
7. Puri
8. Bangalore
9. Munnar
10. Varanasi
11. Lonavala
12. Mahabaleshwar
13. Hyderabad
14. Ooty
15. Jaisalmer
16. Kolkata
17. Coorg
18. Mussoorie
19. Puducherry
20. Shimla

Emerging International Hotspots

On the international front, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia continue to dominate the list of most popular destinations. However, some emerging destinations like Azerbaijan and Turkiye have seen significant growth in searches—Azerbaijan recorded a 248 percent increase. This surge suggests that travelers are becoming more adventurous and looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Turkey: A rising travel hotspot this holiday season! (Image: Canva)

Top 20 International Destinations:

1. UAE
2. Thailand
3. Singapore
4. Indonesia
5. Malaysia
6. USA
7. Vietnam
8. UK
9. Sri Lanka
10. Australia
11. Canada
12. Nepal
13. Maldives
14. Saudi Arabia
15. Azerbaijan
16. France
17. Japan
18. Hong Kong
19. Turkiye
20. Qatar

With rising demand for both domestic and international travel, the year-end holiday season is set to usher in a new wave of exploration. From premium flights and stays to the growing trend of solo international travel, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for Indian travelers looking for a mix of adventure, luxury, and relaxation. Whether you’re enjoying the cool climes of India’s hill stations or exploring the vibrant streets of the UAE, the world is waiting to be discovered.