BY – Govind Gaur, Founder & CEO – WanderOn
Festivals in India have always been times when families get together for celebrations. But the youth in India now is looking at these festivals in a different way. As per recent reports, 7 in 10 Gen Z prefer three short trips over one long annual holiday and 95% want their trip to feel personal and
unique. It could be a combination of adventure, discovering different things, exploring cultures and meeting people. It could also be anything from attending celebrations of festivals in another city, getting away from the hustle bustle in the mountains or exploring new places.
From Traditional Celebrations to Experiential Getaways
The trend of willing to have a festive travel experience that differs from the usual is one of the upcoming trends. Festive travel bookings across categories have grown 3-4 times year-on-year, where Indian travellers are exploring smaller coastal towns, island destinations, heritage sites and
wildlife getaways. Festive holidays in mountain areas, cultural zones, wildlife spots and coastal towns are now a part of festive travel plans.
Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata witness 20% year on year growth of tourists. During Diwali, tourism bookings are increasing by 30% year on year, where the younger generation is looking for private, personalised celebrations in scenic destinations. Quieter places, hills, cosy villas, countryside
experiences, are the most popular travel experiences that people are looking at today, allowing them to reconnect and unwind amid nature.
Group Travel Makes Festive Holidays More Accessible
Beyond logistics, group travel creates opportunities to meet new people, share experiences and build connections with fellow travellers. Activities such as guided hikes, local food explorations, cultural walks and adventure experiences can make a short festive break feel more immersive.
WanderOn has reported a 75 percent increase in festive-season bookings over the last three years, along with a 67 percent rise in travellers and a 60 percent increase in average ticket size. Customised WanderOn trips have also increased during this period. BYOG (Bring Your Own Group) and
customised travel accounted for 30 percent of festive-season bookings in 2023, rising to 40 percent in 2024 and 54 percent in 2025.
Shorter Holidays, Richer Experiences
As per an industry survey, 85% of respondents planned to take holidays more frequently, and 60% sought unique, experiential or bucket-list trips. Travellers are increasingly looking beyond conventional sightseeing towards more immersive experiences. A three- to four-day break could mean trekking in Bir Billing, exploring the heritage and cuisine of Rajasthan, unwinding at a wellness retreat in Kerala, or discovering the waterfalls and living root bridges of Meghalaya. These shorter getaways can be planned around festival weekends and public holidays, with travellers choosing road trips, small-group departures, homestays and curated activity-led itineraries. The emphasis is shifting from covering multiple destinations to spending meaningful time in places that offer distinctive experiences, including lesser-explored locations beyond India’s established tourist circuits.
Travel Driven by Interests
For today’s young travellers, the motivation to travel is increasingly shaped by what they want to experience rather than simply where they want to go. From music festivals and food trails to photography expeditions, wildlife safaris and adventure sports, specific interests are influencing destination choices and travel plans.
Festive holidays and long weekends offer an opportunity to pursue these interests without taking extended leave from work. Whether it is chasing autumn landscapes in the Himalayas, exploring local food cultures or joining an adventure trip with like-minded travellers, the focus is on finding
experiences that align with personal interests.
Experiential Travel Without the Premium Price Tag
Many youth are opting for travel which are budget friendly, where they can save the money for the next travel destination. As per a recent Gen Z travel research, 56% of young Indian travellers had made financial sacrifices for their last holiday, while 37% were willing to opt for budget
accommodation and 36% would consider taking a shorter trip to stretch their travel budget. This growing emphasis on value is creating opportunities for affordable, experience-led travel, from backpacking trips and hostel stays to shared road trips and small-group adventures.
Overall, the concept of festive travel is changing in terms of the manner how the celebration should take place. Regardless of whether it is adventurous mountains travel, cultural experience or spontaneous trip with friends, festive time is an opportunity for exploring other parts of the world.
