Weekend breaks trump long vacations for 87 per cent of Gen Z Indians: Airbnb

NEW DELHI: Long holidays are losing ground to quick escapes as India’s Gen Z travellers increasingly opt for short breaks, spontaneous plans and shared experiences over traditional extended vacations.

According to a new report by Airbnb, 87 per cent of Indian Gen Z travellers prefer trips lasting less than a week, with weekend breaks and short getaways now dominating their travel calendars. The study found that seven in ten young travellers would rather take three short trips throughout the year than spend their annual leave on a single long holiday.

The findings point to a broader shift in how younger Indians approach travel, treating it less as a scheduled annual event and more as an extension of their lifestyle and identity.

Accommodation preferences are also evolving. More than half of respondents said they would choose a shared home over separate hotel rooms when travelling with friends or family. Companionship appears to be a major driver, with three out of four travellers saying the people they travel with matter more than the destination itself.

The report suggests that personalisation is at the heart of Gen Z’s travel choices. As many as 95 per cent of respondents said they want their trips to feel unique and tailored to their interests rather than following a standard itinerary. Meanwhile, 87 per cent believe the way they travel reflects who they are as individuals.

Flexibility is another defining characteristic of this generation’s travel behaviour. The report found that 66 per cent of Gen Z travellers make bookings within days or weeks of departure, while 67 per cent say that no two trips they take look the same.

Interestingly, accommodation itself is becoming a key travel motivator. Nearly 63 per cent of respondents said they chose a destination because of a particular stay they discovered rather than the destination’s attractions. Reflecting this trend, 82 per cent said accommodation is a highly important factor when planning a trip, while 78 per cent spend at least half of their travel time at their chosen stay.

Rather than rushing from one tourist attraction to another, many young travellers are placing greater value on everyday experiences. Around 80 per cent said they cherish small moments during a trip more than famous landmarks or must-see destinations.

Group travel is also on the rise. The desire to spend uninterrupted time with friends and family has helped drive approximately 55 per cent year-on-year growth in group trips booked by Indian Gen Z travellers on Airbnb.

The report further found that this generation is increasingly looking beyond social media hotspots. About 90 per cent actively seek destinations that are not widely recommended online, preferring nature, slow travel, local food experiences and offbeat discoveries over highly curated itineraries.

The findings highlight a significant shift in India’s travel landscape, where younger consumers are redefining holidays around flexibility, authenticity and shared experiences. For travel companies, the message is clear: for Gen Z, the journey is becoming less about ticking destinations off a list and more about creating stories worth taking home.