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Gen Z: Experience-centric and value-oriented<\/strong><\/p>\n Industry experts highlight that Gen Z prioritises experiences over luxury accommodation.
Abhinav Pathak, CEO and Co-Founder of Escape Plan, notes that stays are preferred, while funds are allocated to activities, local exploration, and convenience:<\/p>\n \u201cMost of them are choosing practical, comfortable stays and putting more money into activities, unique experiences, and convenience. Winter is a peak travel period, so they try to book smarter; off-peak dates, last-minute deals, or rebooking hotels they\u2019ve liked in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n Digital payments and flexible financing<\/strong><\/p>\n Digital payments are central to Gen Z travel.<\/p>\n Agarwal points out that UPI remains the preferred method for smaller spends, while EMIs and pay-later options are increasingly used for larger trips.<\/p>\n \u201cOptions that allow them to smoothly stagger payments\u2026 are preferred. Credit-on-UPI is rapidly gaining popularity because it allows users to pay later without the hassle of traditional credit card formalities.\u201d<\/p>\n Pathak adds that financial tools are leveraged to maximise value.<\/p>\n \u201cThey plan to travel the same way they shop; compare, stack offers, and look for maximum value. This generation is very aware of the cost of convenience and uses financial tools to optimise their trips,” she said.<\/p>\n Travel insurance and risk management<\/strong><\/p>\n Gen Z travellers are adopting insurance selectively, focusing on digital-first policies that are simple, affordable, and relevant to trip type.<\/p>\n Agarwal highlights, \u201cTravel insurance is inching its way from being an afterthought to a checklist essential\u2026 Convenience, transparency, and affordability matter more than detailed policy jargon.\u201d<\/p>\n Pathak notes that coverage is used as a practical tool.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are looking for a real safety net to avoid issues like lost luggage, flight delays, or high medical bills abroad. Multi-trip plans or add-ons for specific activities are popular if they are easy to use.\u201d<\/p>\n Women as key planners<\/strong><\/p>\n According to Thrillophilia\u2019s Women & Travel Decisions 2025 report, women now influence or directly design 72% of India\u2019s leisure trips.<\/p>\n Chitra Gurnani Daga, Co-Founder of Thrillophilia, says, \u201cIndian leisure is a she-planner economy. Women are curating smarter itineraries, earlier bookings, safety-first choices, and meaningful upgrades without blowing the budget. The industry is shifting towards more thoughtful planning, better value choices, and deeply curated experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n Women tend to book earlier, use reviews and peer input to reduce risks, and apply multiple safety filters, leading to fewer emergencies and smoother trips.<\/p>\n They also make selective upgrades \u2014 boutique stays, spa treatments, or wellness activities \u2014 without significantly increasing overall spend.<\/p>\n Domestic favourites include Rajasthan and Kerala, while international choices include Bali, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.<\/p>\n Tier 2 cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur are emerging as growth hubs for women-led planning.<\/p>\n Saving, financing, and sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n Gen Z blends planned savings with short-term financing.<\/p>\n Agarwal notes, \u201cMost Gen Z travellers actively save through digital tools or \u2018travel jars\u2019 on fintech apps\u2026 But their spontaneous streak often leans on short-term financing options, instant credit lines, or pay-later features.\u201d<\/p>\n Sustainability is also a consideration, with Pathak highlighting the popularity of pre-owned travel gear.<\/p>\n \u201cAlmost seven out of 10 Gen Z travellers now say they prefer buying certain travel items pre-loved, especially premium luggage and high-quality organisers. India still doesn\u2019t have a credible, organised platform for pre-loved luggage and travel accessories.\u201d<\/p>\n ALSO READ | <\/strong>How tax collected at source works on overseas travel packages<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nKaran Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, explains, \u201cWinter getaways aren’t about luxury; they are about balance. They are picking destinations that offer great value \u2014 mountain escapes, heritage towns, or offbeat beach stays \u2014 and they are planning trips around deals and flexible itineraries. Experiences like skiing, music festivals, or local food trails often take budget priority, while stays and transport are optimised through early bookings or flash offers.\u201d<\/p>\n