As the anticipation for New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve builds up, a significant 48% of Indians are gearing up to elevate their travel experiences in 2024 by expanding their travel budgets, according to a report by ACKO in partnership with YouGov Travel. The survey, which engaged 1,000 respondents across seven major Indian cities in the 24 to 45 years age group, sheds light on evolving travel trends.
The findings indicate that nearly 60% of Indians are set to embark on international journeys this year, reflecting a robust appetite for exploring global destinations. With the festive spirit in the air, respondents express their intention to allocate increased budgets for travel, with 37% planning to extend the duration of their trips to indulge in extraordinary adventures and seize every opportunity.
A notable revelation from the report is the heightened awareness of travel insurance among Indians, with 67% of respondents recognizing it as a mandatory component of their travel plans. Brijesh Unnithan, Senior Vice President of Embedded Insurance, notes that travellers are prioritizing convenience and flexibility, showcasing a readiness to invest more in enhancing their overall travel experience. The report underscores the positive trend of Indian travellers comprehending the significance of travel insurance and having clear expectations from their policies.
In line with these evolving travel dynamics, data released by Cleartrip on December 1 indicates a shift in travel trends during the usually subdued period from July to August. The report highlights a 6% increase in demand for flights from solo women travellers compared to the April to June period. Bangkok emerges as the preferred destination for women travellers during this period.
Examining the budget preferences, approximately 71% of respondents express willingness to spend between ₹1 to ₹6 lakh on their international trips. Domestic travellers, on the other hand, are inclined to allocate budgets up to ₹1 lakh for their travel experiences.
Delving into the preferred travel destinations, the ACKO report outlines Dubai as the top international choice, followed by the Maldives, Singapore, Switzerland, and Bali. On the domestic front, Goa claims the lead among preferred destinations, with Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan following suit.
Additionally, the travel preferences of solo women travellers, as per the Cleartrip report, highlight Gurugram, Goa, and Chandigarh as popular destinations. These insights collectively paint a vibrant picture of the evolving travel landscape in India, where individuals are not only ready to invest in enriching experiences but also prioritize elements like travel insurance for a secure and enjoyable journey.