Airbnb festive travel searches in India jump nearly 40 per cent

MUMBAI: Festive travel is taking the road less travelled, with Indian holidaymakers looking beyond the usual hotspots for their next escape. Domestic travel searches on Airbnb for the upcoming festive season have climbed nearly 40 per cent year-on-year, as Gen Z travellers and families fuel interest in everything from cultural hubs and coastal retreats to mountains and quieter corners of the country.

Data released by Airbnb on 21 October shows that searches by Gen Z travellers rose almost 40 per cent year-on-year, while family travel searches increased by more than 40 per cent. Interest in rural and non-urban destinations also grew over 30 per cent, signalling a widening appetite for holidays beyond major cities.

The numbers suggest that the festive break is becoming less of a one-size-fits-all affair. While some travellers are drawn to spiritual heritage and city celebrations, others are seeking beachside downtime, mountain scenery and destinations that offer a change of pace.

For younger travellers, Varanasi has emerged as a destination recording strong growth in searches. North Goa and South Goa have also attracted greater interest, while Kolkata and Bengaluru feature among the cities gaining attention.

The choices span very different holiday moods. Varanasi offers spiritual heritage and cultural experiences, Kolkata brings its distinctive festive atmosphere, and Goa remains a draw for those seeking sun, sand and coastal escapes. Bengaluru, meanwhile, offers an urban break for travellers keen to explore city life.

The spread suggests that Gen Z’s festive travel plans are not limited to beaches or conventional sightseeing. Instead, younger travellers appear to be considering a wider mix of cultural, spiritual, coastal and urban experiences.

“What’s particularly exciting about festive travel this year is how Indian travellers are exploring more of their own country. Gen Z is leading the way, showing growing interest in destinations that bring together culture, spirituality, coastlines and vibrant city experiences,” said Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, country head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia.

He added that travellers were increasingly looking for stays that allowed them to experience destinations in their own way, connect with local communities and spend quality time together.

Family travel searches on Airbnb rose by more than 40 per cent year-on-year, with mountain destinations and cultural centres attracting interest.

Srinagar, Kangra and Amritsar recorded particularly strong growth in searches. Guwahati, Nashik and East Khasi Hills also emerged among the destinations gaining traction with families.

The destinations offer a varied mix of experiences, from mountain landscapes and regional culture to heritage and local attractions. Their growing popularity points to families considering options beyond the familiar holiday circuit as they plan festive getaways.

The increase in searches does not necessarily translate into confirmed bookings, but it indicates that families are exploring a broader range of destinations for time away together.

Beyond the cities and established tourist centres, rural and non-urban travel is also gaining ground. Airbnb reported that searches for these destinations grew over 30 per cent year-on-year, with Kurung Kumey in Arunachal Pradesh seeing growing interest.

Meanwhile, mountain favourites such as Shimla and Manali continued to attract travellers. Their enduring appeal sits alongside rising interest in lesser-explored locations, suggesting that holidaymakers are balancing familiar choices with the prospect of discovering somewhere new.

The trend offers a glimpse of how domestic travel preferences are spreading across India’s diverse geography. Rather than concentrating entirely on major urban centres, travellers are showing interest in nature-rich locations and regional destinations that offer alternatives to conventional holiday hotspots.

Airbnb’s figures paint a picture of a festive travel market with several engines of demand. Gen Z searches have risen almost 40 per cent, family searches have grown by more than 40 per cent, and searches for rural and non-urban destinations are up over 30 per cent year-on-year.

From Varanasi, North Goa and South Goa to Srinagar, Kangra, Amritsar, Guwahati, Nashik, East Khasi Hills and Kurung Kumey, the destinations attracting interest cover a wide range of travel experiences. Kolkata and Bengaluru add urban breaks to the mix, while Shimla and Manali continue to appeal to those drawn to the mountains.

The figures reflect search activity rather than confirmed bookings or completed trips, so they offer an indication of traveller interest rather than a final count of holidaymakers. Nevertheless, they point to a festive season in which Indians are considering more varied domestic getaways.

With younger travellers exploring destinations across different categories and families looking beyond conventional holiday choices, India’s festive travel map appears to be expanding. The next big holiday may still involve a familiar favourite, but an unfamiliar destination is increasingly in the running.