MakeMyTrip Leads As Urban Indians Plan Festive Travel: Report

As the festive season approaches, a new survey by YouGov revealed that urban Indians are ready to hit the road, with a majority planning trips between September and December. The data shows that three-quarters of urban Indians are preparing for travel during this period, with millennials taking the lead in this trend at 80 per cent.

Travel Preferences
Among those planning their travels, a strong preference for domestic destinations has emerged. According to the survey, 72 per cent of respondents favour staying within India while a smaller proportion of 9 per cent eye international destinations.

19 per cent of travellers are considering a mix of both domestic and international travel, reflecting a desire to explore beyond borders while still appreciating local attractions.

For domestic travellers, Goa stands out as the top choice, with 35 per cent of respondents planning to visit the coastal paradise. Kerala follows closely behind at 26 per cent while 24 per cent are drawn to the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh.

For those venturing abroad, the Middle East has emerged as the most popular region with 46 per cent of international travellers planning to visit countries like the UAE, Qatar and Oman. Europe comes in second at 35 per cent. Southeast Asia also remains a strong contender, attracting 34 per cent of international travellers with its blend of exotic locations and affordability.

Booking Trends
In terms of booking preferences, MakeMyTrip dominates as the go-to platform for both flights and hotels, chosen by nearly half of urban Indians (50 per cent and 48 per cent, respectively). Booking.com follows as the second most popular platform, used by 25 per cent for flights and 27 per cent for hotel bookings. EaseMyTrip is also a popular choice for booking flights while Goibibo stands out for hotel bookings.

Despite the popularity of these platforms, a majority of urban Indians (55 per cent) prefer to handle their bookings independently, reflecting a trend towards more personalised travel planning. Additionally, 30 per cent opt for bundled packages through online travel agencies while 17 per cent still rely on traditional travel agents, underscoring the diverse approaches to travel booking in India.

While enthusiasm for travel is high, many travellers are still in the planning stages. The survey reveals that 51 per cent of those intending to travel have identified potential destinations but have yet to make bookings. Conversely, 32 per cent have already finalised their arrangements while 17 per cent are interested in travelling but have not yet started planning.

Shorter vacations are the preferred choice for most, with 47 per cent planning week-long trips and 34 per cent opting for long weekends of up to three days. Meanwhile, about 19 per cent of travellers are considering more extended vacations, lasting up to two weeks or more, highlighting a desire for more substantial breaks during the festive season.

Long Weekends and Festive Deals
The survey also highlights the role of long weekends in shaping travel plans. With 27 per cent of urban Indians considering extended holidays from September to December as an ideal travel window, these breaks are expected to drive a surge in travel during the festive season.

The festive atmosphere is another key motivator, with 23 per cent of respondents citing it as a primary reason for their travel plans. Year-end events and celebrations also play a crucial role, with 20 per cent planning their trips around these occasions. Furthermore, festive deals on flights and hotels are an attractive incentive for 19 per cent of travellers, encouraging them to take advantage of seasonal discounts.