Travellers should plan early, align destinations with travel intent, and use rewards and flexible booking tools more effectively to manage seasonal costs.
Cleartrip’s PeekABoo – Exclusive Travel Trends Tracker indicates hotel bookings have risen over 80%, while 5-star stays have surged 108%, signalling stronger preference for premium accommodation.
Family hotel bookings have jumped 124.9%, highlighting the importance of coordinated planning for group and family travel during peak summer demand.
Air bookings have grown over 20% and bus bookings more than 35%, suggesting steady activity across travel modes. At the same time, solo women travel within India is up 31.9% and international solo male travel has risen 35.8%, reflecting broader participation across traveller segments.
Destination trends remain mixed, with domestic demand anchored by cities such as Delhi and Jaipur, while international travel continues to be led by Bangkok and Bali. Bengaluru is also emerging as a key domestic hub, especially among younger travellers.
Agoda data further shows rising interest in leisure-focused destinations, with searches up for Puri (68%), Wayanad (40%) and Goa (29%), indicating stronger preference for coastal and nature-led summer breaks.
ALSO READ | Goa launches modern ferries on Panaji-Betim route, cuts travel time to just 3 minutes
Key travel planning tips
Book early for peak summer demand
Travellers should prioritise early bookings as demand peaks around school holidays, leading to higher prices and limited availability, especially for family and group travel.
Match destinations to travel intent
Holiday choices should align with travel goals — city breaks, coastal leisure or Nature-based stays — while also considering emerging tier 2 and Northeast destinations that offer better connectivity and lower congestion.
Plan group and family travel efficiently
With family travel rising sharply, larger group bookings can help optimise costs and improve stay options, making structured planning more important during peak season.
Use credit and reward ecosystems effectively
Travellers should maximise credit card rewards and loyalty programmes, with credit cards already accounting for 63.1% of domestic and 48.9% of international bookings.
Ecosystems such as Swiggy–Marriott Bonvoy, airline-linked cards and travel platforms can help convert routine spending into travel benefits.
ALSO READ | Just got back from Sikkim with some essential travel tips
Leverage platform offers and flexibility tools
Platforms such as Agoda are offering bundled deals across stays, flights and activities, along with seasonal discounts. Flexible booking options should be prioritised to manage itinerary changes during peak travel periods.
Optimise daily spending for travel rewards
Everyday expenses such as dining, groceries and mobility should be routed through reward-linked systems where possible, helping accumulate points and reduce effective travel costs over time.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: May 19, 2026 5:28 PM IST
