When it comes to planning vacations, each traveller has their unique approach. While some Indians prioritize snagging the best flight deals, others prefer to secure their accommodations before mapping out the rest of their journey.
Booking.com’s latest Travel Trends for 2024 delves into the intriguing habits and preferences of Indian travellers as they plan their trips. According to the data, 61% of travellers opt to book their flights in advance, with 37% securing event tickets before finalizing their accommodations. Surprisingly, for many, car rentals, restaurant reservations, and even taxi bookings are often postponed until closer to their departure date.
Taking Flight: Leading the Charge in Planning – Over half (61%) of Indian travellers opt to book their flights before finalizing their accommodations, laying the groundwork for their holiday plans.
The One-Stop-Shop Approach: Approximately a quarter of Indian travellers favour a comprehensive booking experience, opting to arrange flights, accommodations, attractions, car rentals, dining reservations, and taxis simultaneously through platforms that offer seamless travel planning.
Culinary Considerations: When selecting accommodations, Indian travellers prioritize culinary convenience, with 40% willing to pay extra for a delectable breakfast spread, and 54% seeking out unique food experiences such as food tours and cooking classes.
Last-Minute Adventures on the Ground: A significant portion (ranging from 13% to 33%) of Indian travellers defer arranging car rentals, restaurant reservations, and taxis until just before their departure. This spontaneous approach allows them to embrace flexibility and uncover hidden gems and local delights upon arrival, injecting an element of surprise into their itineraries.
Train Travel: Planning for a Smooth Journey – More than half (58%) of Indian travellers opt to secure train tickets before finalizing accommodations, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience without the stress of last-minute seat scrambling.
Early Birds Catch the Events: Similar to flight bookings, 37% of travellers prioritize securing event tickets before arranging accommodations, guaranteeing that concerts, sports events, and other attractions become focal points of their trip.
Mr Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, remarked, “Booking.com’s Travel Trends offer invaluable insights into the travel planning habits of Indian travellers. By understanding these preferences, the travel industry can tailor their offerings to accommodate diverse planning styles and preferences, at the right stage of the traveller journey. Whether they’re meticulous planners or adventurous improvisers, Booking.com remains dedicated to simplifying the travel experience for all.”
Photo courtesy: Let’s Go Camp
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