With the festive and winter holiday season approaching, travel companies are reporting increased bookings across domestic and international destinations, along with interest in group holidays, premium accommodation and experience-led itineraries.
From intercity bus journeys to long-haul international trips, holiday budgets can vary significantly depending on the destination, duration and type of stay.
Pickyourtrail has reported a 23% year-on-year increase in winter bookings for 2026-27. Demand for Northern Lights-related holidays has risen 214%, while long-haul conversions have increased 36%. Such itineraries typically last eight to 10 nights and carry booking values of around ₹5-8 lakh.
WanderOn’s Great Indian Diwali Festive Travel Report 2026 shows that community-led trips accounted for 65% of its travel mix in October 2026, compared with 48% in October-November 2024. Its average trip ticket size has also increased from ₹35,000 in 2024 to ₹56,000 in October 2026.
Domestic travel is also seeing increased activity.
Prashant Kumar, co-founder and CEO of zingbus, said the company recorded a 42% increase in bookings per operating day and a 48% rise in searches compared with normal weeks. Bookings on the Delhi-Lucknow route increased 55%, while Pune-Nagpur bookings rose 188%.
Weekly bookings for premium zingbus Maxx increased 101%.
What are travellers spending on?
Pickyourtrail’s indicative estimates put the cost of a Bali holiday at ₹30,000-40,000 per person, Singapore at ₹1-1.2 lakh and the Maldives at ₹50,000-1 lakh, depending on the resort. Long-haul winter itineraries typically cost ₹5-8 lakh.
The accommodation choice is another factor influencing holiday budgets.
Ritwik Khare, founder and CEO of ELIVAAS, said families and friends are looking for private spaces and home-like settings for festive breaks.
“Datum Intelligence expects the season to cross ₹1.5 lakh crore, up 25-29%, driven by more households buying more often, though with smaller baskets. Surveys like LocalCircles’ also show families being far more deliberate about where money goes,” he said.
Amit Damani, co-founder of StayVista, highlighted interest in properties offering experiences such as bonfires, barbecues, outdoor dining and open-air hot jacuzzis. He also pointed to demand for child-friendly and pet-friendly homes, particularly in hill and coastal destinations within a three-to-five-hour drive of major cities.
For the luxury segment, Ruchi Kohli, Chief of the Experience, Away&Co and not- Chief of Experience, said travellers are considering distinctive heritage properties, secluded retreats and wilderness lodges, with privacy, wellness and nature-led experiences influencing accommodation choices.
She identified Hampi, Gokarna and Jawai among the domestic destinations offering different experiences.
Akarsh Mathur, vice president – hospitality at The Deltin Daman, said multi-generational travel is among the trends being seen during the festive period, with families looking for activities and experiences that cater to different age groups.
How to plan your festive or winter travel budget
Calculate the complete holiday cost: Include travel, accommodation, meals, local transport, sightseeing and shopping rather than looking at flight or hotel prices alone. For international holidays, factor in currency conversion and card charges.
Book in advance: Peak Christmas and New Year dates, specialist accommodation such as glass igloos and limited-capacity excursions may require advance planning. Compare prices and check cancellation terms before making non-refundable bookings.
Compare accommodation options: A private villa, hotel or resort may have different cost implications depending on the number of people travelling. For group and multi-generational holidays, compare the total property cost with the cost of booking separate hotel rooms.
Do not overlook transport costs: Zingbus’ festive data indicates increased demand on several intercity routes. Compare bus, train and flight fares, including baggage, transfers and other additional charges, before deciding.
Avoid carrying travel expenses forward: If you use a credit card to pay for bookings, account for the repayment in your monthly budget. Paying the entire outstanding amount by the due date can help avoid interest charges. Avoid taking on high-cost debt for discretionary holidays.
Account for unexpected expenses: Keep a contingency amount for emergencies and check travel insurance coverage, including medical expenses, cancellations and baggage-related risks, along with policy exclusions.
