Tuesday, August 6, 2024
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August’s long weekends spark excitement, with Booking.com revealing the top domestic and international destinations Indian travelers are choosing for their getaways.
As August’s long weekends approach, Indian travelers are eagerly preparing for mini-adventures. Whether seeking cultural immersion, a peaceful retreat, or vibrant nightlife, travelers are looking for diverse experiences across domestic and international destinations. Booking.com, a leading digital travel company, provides insights into the growing interest of Indians to make the most of holidays like Independence Day (August 15), Raksha Bandhan (August 19), and Janmashtami (August 26).
Domestic Destinations: A Mix of Relaxation and Exploration
Indians are taking advantage of the extended holidays to blend relaxation with exploration. Bustling cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi are popular, with many travelers combining work and leisure or returning home for the long weekend. For those craving a change of scenery, leisure destinations within driving distance, such as Lonavala, Ooty, and Mahabaleshwar, are top choices. Cultural and spiritual destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Puri are also seeing a spike in searches.
Top 10 Most Searched Domestic Getaways in August:
- Udaipur
- Lonavala
- Jaipur
- Ooty
- Kodaikanal
- Munnar
- Goa
- Mahabaleshwar
- Varanasi
- Puri
Top 5 Most Searched Metros in India:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
International Escapes: Short-Haul Adventures
For those looking to venture abroad, short-haul international destinations are gaining popularity, thanks to visa-friendly policies and better flight connectivity. Dubai, with its luxurious offerings, remains a top international destination. Southeast Asia also attracts Indian travelers, with places like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and Phuket featuring prominently on their travel itineraries.
Top Searched International Destinations for August Long Weekends:
- Dubai
- Singapore
- London
- Bangkok
- Kuala Lumpur
- Bali
- Paris
- Phuket
- Abu Dhabi
- Tokyo
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “This year’s travel trends data reveals a growing appetite for short breaks, with 65% of Indian travellers seeking a short domestic trip and nearly half (44%) interested in a short international escapes, both within a 4-night framework. The surge in searches for both domestic and short-haul destinations during August’s long weekends reflects this trend. While popular tourist hotspots remain attractive, we are also seeing rising interest in some destinations such as Hampi, Madikeri, Ujjain and Gokarna. Booking.com is committed to empowering travellers to make the most of their limited time off by streamlining the travel experience and offering a wide selection of options to suit their needs and preferences.”
