Unveiling the diverse planning approaches of Indian travellers, Booking.com‘s latest Travel Trends report for 2024 delves into the intricate details of how trips are meticulously organised or left to spontaneous discovery. From prioritising flight bookings to savoring culinary delights and embracing last-minute adventures, Indian travellers showcase a spectrum of preferences and behaviors when mapping out their travel escapades.
Travel Trends 2024 research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who took a leisure trip with an overnight stay in the last 12 months, plan to travel in 2024 and are involved in trip planning.
The sample comprises 32,300 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January or February 2024. (2,000 from USA, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 800 from Portugal, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE).Flight focus: Setting the stage for travel
A significant 61 per cent of Indian travellers initiate their trip planning by securing flight bookings before finalizing accommodation arrangements. This proactive approach ensures a smooth start to their journey, prioritizing transportation convenience.
The all-in-one strategy: Seamlessly coordinating travel elements
Embracing a holistic travel approach, approximately 25 per cent of Indian travelers opt for a comprehensive booking experience. They prefer platforms that allow them to book flights, accommodations, attractions, car rentals, restaurant reservations, and taxis simultaneously, streamlining their travel logistics for a hassle-free experience.
Culinary adventures: A taste of travel
Delving into the culinary landscape, 40 per cent of Indian travellers place emphasis on gastronomic convenience when selecting accommodations. They are willing to pay extra for delectable breakfast spreads, while 54 per cent seek unique food experiences like food tours and cooking classes, enriching their travel memories with flavorful discoveries.
More Indians are planning on travelling alone this year (84 per cent) compared to their global counterparts (66 per cent). Further, nearly two-thirds of Indian travellers (59 per cent) say they plan on travelling for more than one solo adventure. Khanna said they are choosing to travel alone as a special treat, to reconnect with themselves, and to take a break from the chaos of daily life.
Spontaneity on the ground: Embracing flexibility
Between 13 per cent to 33 per cent of Indian travellers adopt a spontaneous approach by postponing car rentals, restaurant reservations, and taxis until after securing accommodations. This flexible mindset enables them to uncover hidden gems and immerse in local delights, infusing an element of surprise and spontaneity into their itinerary.
Train travel preparedness: Ensuring a seamless journey
Over half (58 per cent) of Indian travelers prioritise booking train tickets ahead of securing accommodations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience without last-minute seat scrambling.
Event excitement: Preparing for memorable experiences
Similar to flight bookings, 37 per cent of travellers prioritise securing event tickets before finalising accommodations, ensuring they don’t miss out on memorable experiences like music concerts or sporting events during their travels.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, shares insights, stating, “Booking.com’s Travel Trends offer valuable insights into the travel planning dynamics of Indian travelers. By understanding these preferences, the travel industry can tailor offerings to cater to various planning styles and preferences, ensuring a seamless journey for all types of travellers – from meticulous planners to adventurous improvisers.”
