As temperature soars as high as 40 degrees and heatwaves cover the country in a warm mist, travelholics are all set to pack their bags and start their travel escapades. To beat the heatwaves, scenic mountains, relaxing getaways, and beach holidays have increasingly become the perfect choice for travel buffs. Today, the travel industry curates’ unique experiences, storing something special for all, whether you’re an adventure seeker or an avid explorer.

With the scorching summer travel season approaching, one can expect the travel sector to surpass the pre-pandemic levels. Driving this optimistic outlook, India’s travel industry is booming at a fast pace. It is expected to reach a revenue of about $24 billion by the end of 2024, demonstrating a 10% annual growth rate over 2023, as per the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).

1. Beating the Heat with Domestic and International Destinations“Fuelled by this positive momentum, some key trends are emerging as the summer travel season unfolds: Indian travellers continue to rediscover the beauty of their backyard, as domestic tourism surge continues unabated. Hill stations offering respite from the heat, pristine beaches, and spiritual destinations seeking inner peace are all top choices for summer travel. For those venturing beyond India’s borders, a growing trend among Gen Z, visa-free destinations are a major draw. With summer’s scorching temperatures in mind, travellers are seeking solace on the shores of moderately-tempered international beach destinations like Bali,” says Ashish Sidhra, co-founder, Alike.io.In tandem, the rise of “coolcation” is all set to make a mark on this year’s travel plans. This essentially means that all sorts of travellers, from digital nomads to backpackers are looking forward to journeying to destinations with more moderate temperatures as an escape from the searing heat. As a result, the summer travel trends will witness a significant surge in domestic and international travel alike. Travellers will be striving to visit the snow-laden mountains of Kashmir along with the cool breeze of tropical islands.
2. Planning Ahead for a Seamless ExperienceDuring the peak summer travel reason, it becomes complex to navigate through the sudden hikes in hotel prices, especially when on a tight budget. At the same time, late-minute flight bookings are certainly not the way to go this time. Subsequently, it is better to stay on top of all the bookings to find the best price and easy availability to avoid any last-minute mishaps. Avoiding price fluctuations and availability hiccups, enjoy a seamless and smooth travel experience during the entire journey.

   Speaking further he added, “Going by the booking trends, expect shorter booking windows to be a defining feature of this summer’s travel scene. Last-minute bookings are all the rage as travellers embrace flexibility and seize the moment. However, with the travel surge comes the risk of a rise in airfare and hotel costs. While the exact impact remains to be seen, travellers may need to factor in potentially higher prices when planning their summer escapes. Booking early, looking at destinations where they can drive to, and exploring alternate accommodations like home rentals could be some of the options for travellers to plan and enjoy their holidays better this summer.”

3. Embracing Wellness-Focused Travel OptionsThis summer, travel buffs will seek unique experiences that are personalised, soothing, and revitalising. Remote work policies, market slowdown and job layoffs contributed to an uptick in anxiety and exhaustion. Needing to escape from bustling city tours, health-conscious travellers have started booking hotels that offer retreats for mindful and health-related practices at serene destinations. From sun-drenched yoga sessions in Rishikesh to meditation retreats in the Swiss Alps, travellers are diving into rejuvenating experiences.

Commenting on the upsurge in wellness-focused travel trends, Philip Logan, COO, Royal Orchid Hotels said, “As we embrace the summer season, we are witnessing an exciting shift in travel trends. At Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., we recognise the importance of adapting to evolving preferences and providing exceptional experiences to our guests. This summer, we anticipate a resurgence in leisure travel, with travellers seeking unique destinations and immersive experiences. Additionally, we observe a growing preference for sustainable and wellness-focused travel options, reflecting a deeper connection to nature and personal well-being. As travellers embark on their journeys, whether by road, air, or train, we remain committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality and ensuring memorable stays for every guest.”

Way Forward

The travel landscape is pulsating in 2024. Driven by the urge to travel and delve into immersive experiences, this season is predicted to exhibit a notable spike in bookings within India as well as internationally. The trends have gradually moved beyond escaping the heatwaves and have become more than imperative to quench the thirst for rejuvenation and global exploration.