Indian Travellers Lead APAC with 3 in 5 Planning to Travel More in 2025: Skyscanner Horizons Report

• Travellers are increasingly motivated by the desire for shared experiences and continue to invest in trips, with India leading APAC in both travel plans and expenditure, including upgrades.

• Confidence in AI-powered travel planning is growing, though adoption varies widely across different age groups and markets.

• Travellers keen to explore off-the-beaten-track explorations, but safety remains a top priority, especially in India, Singapore and South Korea.

November 2024 – Leading global travel app Skyscanner has published its latest industry travel report exploring the latest trends in travel. Titled ‘Skyscanner Horizons: 2024/5 spending, planning and destination insights’, the report unpacks and explores a combination of consumer survey and proprietary search data to provide the industry with a unique view of how travellers are thinking about their plans for the next 12 months.

Surveying 19,000 consumers across 16 markets, the report delves into key indicators such as travel propensity, spend, trip type, and the trip planning process, including the top sources of destination inspiration, AI use and views on overtourism. Of the total, there were 6,000 survey respondents from APAC countries — Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Skyscanner's search data further complements these insights by offering details on destination choice, average lead times, average trip length and year-on-year search volume comparisons.

The full global industry report, covering APAC, AMER and EMEA regions, is available here. 

Indian travellers are leading the charge in the APAC region, with 66% planning to travel more in 2025. Overall, across the APAC region, travel and travel expenditure remain a priority, with 80% of travellers planning to take as many, if not more, trips next year than in 2024.

Key findings relevant to the APAC region summarised below.

Travellers seeking out collective experiences

Across the board, travel behaviour is being shaped by a desire for collective experiences, from sports events and immersive art installations to gaming “pilgrimages” that bring people together. Seven travel trends were identified, consisting of Sport mode, Astro Adventurers, Reset Jetters, Art-Venture, Cowboy Core, Horti-Culture and Gami-Vacation. More details here.

Travel remains priority, with travellers expecting to spend more

Travel Spend: 

• Across APAC, 72% of travellers are planning to spend more or the same on flights in 2025 versus the previous year.

• Similarly for accommodation and car hire related behaviour, 71% and 46% of travellers in the region are planning to spend more or the same, respectively. 

• Looking at Indian travellers, half or more travellers (58%) are planning to budget more on their flights for their travel in 2025.

• 45% of Indians are planning to budget more on their accommodation and 34% are keen to spend more on car hires.

Ancillaries Spend:

• Top flight upgrades for APAC travellers were seat selection (38%), insurance (38%), better quality food (29%), access to airport lounge (25%) and extra baggage (23%).

• About one third (31%) are willing to upgrade their hotel rooms – for example to a larger room or one with a sea view – and the same proportion would be open to upgrading accommodation for a higher star rating.

• Top upgrades for Indian travellers include first/ business class flights (37%), airport lounge access (42%), extra baggage (36%), and travel insurance (34%). 

• 57% of Indian travellers are willing to pay extra for better in-flight meals, the highest globally. Food remains a top priority even in the skies. For accommodation, 41% of Indian travellers want to upgrade their room to a larger room or one with a sea view, and 35% want to move from a 4-star to a 5-star. 

Cost and food shape travel choices 

Outside of costs, food is the biggest decision-making factor when choosing a destination.  

• For APAC travellers, two thirds (67%) regard food as an important factor in their decision-making process.

• Other top factors for APAC travellers include weather (55%), natural landscape (55%), the attractions (54%) and culture (54%).

• For Indian travellers, cost is a significant factor when choosing a holiday destination, with 65% considering hotel prices, 62% focusing on flights, and 54% on food and drinks.

Confidence in using AI for planning grows 

46% of APAC travellers express confidence in using AI tools to assist with travel planning and booking, with about 1 in 6 (17%) indicating they are very confident. 

Top four applications of AI in travel include destination research (40%), the creation of travel itineraries (36%), comparison of options (33%), and destination inspiration (31%).

This trend mirrors in India where travellers are increasingly relying on AI for travel planning, with 84% feeling confident in using it for destination research (52%), flight booking (50%), comparing options and prices (48%), and finding destination inspiration (46%).

Attitudes towards over-tourism and impact 

When asked how they would change the way they travel in the future, more than one in four (27%) APAC travellers said they would consider less touristy destinations and 25% would try to make a positive impact on the places they go. Notably, Indian travellers are the most inclined to make a positive contribution to the destinations they visit.

When discussing factors that will influence their choice: Travellers are increasingly interested in exploring lesser-known destinations, with more than one in four (27%) APAC respondents expressing intentions to visit these less touristed areas. 

• 59% of APAC travellers cited safety as a top reason for hesitance to choose an under-touristed destination over a popular one. A high proportion of Singapore (67%), India (60%) and Korea travellers (64%) contributed to this sentiment.

• Additionally, understanding where to go (36%) and confidence in available activities at the destination (34%) were also significant factors influencing their decisions to travel to lesser-known locations.

Top sources of travel inspiration

Social media and word-of-mouth recommendations are the leading sources of travel inspiration for travellers worldwide.

• More than half of APAC respondents (55%) look to social media for travel ideas, while 45% rely on word-of-mouth recommendations. 

• Other notable sources include online media (42%), films and television shows (40%) and guidebooks (28%), all of which play significant roles in shaping travel choices.

• In India, this trend shines even brighter with 68% of travellers turning to social media for travel ideas, while 57% rely on online media, including newspapers and magazines, and 52% seek inspiration from film and TV.

2025 destination trends and trip lengths

Travellers continue to seek inspiration through Skyscanner’s popular ‘Everywhere’ search feature, which ranks highly across all regions. The top destinations identified in APAC revealed a preference for big cities across Asia. 

Average trip length is short, peaking at six days, apart from London at two weeks. Across the board, trip lengths are down YoY by around a day.  Average lead times broadly fall between 30 and 70 days, with the highest being for London and Tokyo. Travellers are booking flights to New Delhi, on average, just 28 days before departure.

Trending destinations identified in APAC showed a love for off-the-beaten path Asian destinations – with Dayong, China and Shillong, India both experiencing large YoY increases in search volume of over 800%. Dayong, home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is experiencing a surge in popularity among eco-tourists thanks to the park's unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Shillong, often called "Scotland of the East," attracts visitors with its green fields, misty mountains, and lingering traces of colonial influence. Smaller destinations in India, Japan and Cambodia are seeing a surge in popularity, taking up six of the top 10.  Average trip lengths are short – all in single digits – as travellers keep their visits brief.  

Hugh Aitkens, VP, Strategic Relations and Development at Skyscanner: “Many airlines are adopting new technologies, and at pace, to better serve travellers and respond to market demand. This includes AI-driven revenue management decisions and more personalised and dynamic offers. At the same time, airlines are grappling with global macro-economic pressures and geo-political issues which are putting strain on routes and profitability.

However, our data shows that travel demand remains resilient, and travellers are adapting their itineraries as they seek out collective experiences. This blend of resilience, ingenuity and innovation from both travellers and airlines looks set to make next year a transformative one for all. Looking ahead, we expect the market to become more active with seat sales and promotions as airlines compete for share of wallet."

The report also features exclusive expert commentary on these trends shaping 2025’s travel outlook from Skyscanner executives and industry thought leaders Digital Tourism Think Tank, Pacific Asia Travel Association and the US Travel Association.

Skyscanner continues to be a strategic partner for some of the biggest brands, airlines and DMOs in the world; working with companies from across the travel ecosystem including  DMOs like Visit California and tourism organisations like Seoul Tourism Foundation to promote destinations, powering the next generation of AI travel tools such as Bing Chat and Layla, bolstering targeted marketing through streaming platforms Jio Cinema as well as helping airlines such as Akasa Air promote their unique offers via NDC and launch new routes based on data intelligence.  

Skyscanner Reveals Nearly Half of India's Gen Z Ready for First Independent Trips Abroad

·       Desire to experience life's grand spectacles fuels wanderlust in 46% of Gen Z, driving them to explore global concerts and cultural milestones.

·       81% of Gen Z’s travel dreams take flight only after landing their first job or cashing in their first paycheck.

·       Cultural immersion, vegetarian-friendly options, and meticulous planning defines the travel pulse of Gen Z in 2024.

India, April 2023 — Global travel marketplace, Skyscanner, has unveiled its latest report titled ‘First Trip with Skyscanner’, revealing a strong desire for travel among India's Gen Z (aged 18-25). Nearly half (47%) of them are eagerly planning leisure trips abroad, without their parents or guardians, fueled by their deep desire for exploration and new adventures (49%). What’s more interesting is that financial independence is key to Gen Zs, with a whopping 81% choosing to plan their first overseas adventure after landing their first job or receiving their first paycheck.

Taking your first overseas trip represents a significant milestone for numerous young adults worldwide. While many time it with a graduation celebration, in India, it only becomes a reality after they land their first job. In fact, 2 in 3 young Indians are diligently saving, while only 1 in 5 utilise buy-now-pay-later options to make their travel dreams a reality sooner.

The survey results shed light on the travel behaviours and factors considered by Gen Z in India as they chart their course for their first independent trip without their parents or guardians. By understanding these travel aspirations, Skyscanner aims to assist young travellers in understanding their preferences and provide them with valuable resources to plan effectively ahead of their trips and find the best deals.

Skyscanner’s Travel and Destinations Expert, Mohit Joshi said, “Gen Zs in India are passionate about exploration! Whether it is their desire to seize the opportunity of semester breaks and long weekends to fuel their wanderlust (42%), or celebrate special milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations (39%), their passion for travel is undeniable. As their travel companion, we want to empower them to turn their travel dreams into reality by assisting them with the necessary resources and tools, ensuring their first trip goes without a hitch. Search features on Skyscanner like setting up ‘Price Alerts’ or using the ‘Cheapest Month’ tool, can help save an average of 32% on flights for Indian travellers.”

Key highlights from ‘First Trip with Skyscanner’ Report:

• Gen Z Thrives on Experiencing Life's Grand Spectacles: Gen Z craves the excitement of life's defining moments, with 46% inspired to jet off overseas to experience concerts, sports events, and other big cultural events. That said, stepping outside their comfort zones and immersing themselves in cultural exploration is also a major drive for these travellers. With over half (51%) seeing travel as a chance to break free and immerse in new cultures, it's all about expanding horizons.

• Not just in landscapes, Indians need their greens even on their plates: Food is an integral part of the travel experience for most young travellers. Their excitement to explore extends well beyond destinations with Indians doing a fair bit of research to find vegetarian-friendly options and restaurants (43%) that offer a top-tier culinary experience tailored to their dietary preferences.

• Meticulous planning is a hallmark of Gen Z: Gen Z travellers embarking on their first trip abroad like to plan every detail down to a T. Almost 3 in 4 Gen Z prefer having their itineraries (76%) and return tickets (73%) booked when planning their first trip. This generation is also budget-conscious, with over half (51%) prioritising finding affordable flights and accommodation for their first overseas trip.

Skyscanner’s Price Alert feature helps these planners stay informed about any changes in flight prices through notifications – allowing them to secure the best deals. Additionally, utilising Skyscanner’s Whole Month search will also be helpful in identifying the cheapest day of the month to travel with just a few clicks.

• Permission Slips & Travel Tips: Contrary to popular belief that Gen Z leans towards social media (34%) for travel advice, Skyscanner found that these young Indian travellers are turning to their trusted circle of friends (65%) and family (48%) for valuable travel advice. While seeking approval from parents & guardians to plan a trip may seem unusual to many, it is a common practice for Indians. In fact, 58% young travellers feel confident about receiving a green signal from them.

• Safe Travels, Happy Travels: 63% of Gen Z travellers prioritise safety over budget when exploring the world without parental guidance. It is also interesting to note that over half (59%) of young Indians prefer popular destinations over off-beat locations for their first trip, seeking a balance between exploration and preference for these well-trodden paths and the comfort of familiar surroundings. In fact, this desire for familiarity may prompt 66% of these travellers to embark on their first trip without their guardians, either in a small group or with their romantic partners.

• Europe Captures the Hearts of Young Indian Travellers: Many young Indian Gen Z travellers are drawn to Europe's vibrant cultures and historic landmarks, with over 40% listing it as their top destination. The allure of iconic sights, charming, cobbled streets, and diverse experiences are particularly appealing, with nearly half (21%) having their hearts set on the United Kingdom.

For those young travellers who are open to spontaneous exploration, Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ feature reveals the cheapest destinations globally for preferred travel dates. Additionally, ‘Multi-City Flight Search’ allows travellers to search for up to 6 routes simultaneously when planning their trips, enabling them to find the best combination of flights and timings to suit their budget.

Monika Guwalani, a former investment banker turned travel content creator, highlights the important role of financial freedom when planning your travel. She says, "Embracing travel dreams needs smart money moves. Just a few months ago, I swapped my 9-to-5 job for a digital nomad lifestyle that I lead with financially savvy hacks. There are many ways in which you can embark on your path to wanderlust too, without breaking the bank. Start by building your travel fund like a treasure chest, setting aside a portion each month.  As a traveller, I swear by Skyscanner’s tools that help me bag a bargain in many ways. The brand is always coming up with innovative ways to help with travel planning, it launched a ‘Saved’ feature recently on the mobile app, where you can curate your dream destinations with a simple tap of the ‘heart’ button and receive timely alerts on price changes. It's like having your personal travel assistant, ensuring you're always in the know.

Opting for destinations during off seasons can also save you money on flights, accommodation, and even attractions. Plus, you'll often enjoy fewer crowds and a more authentic experience! Mixing and matching the airlines and airports you choose to fly with to and from can also seriously cut costs. Remember, flights don't always need to be booked as round-trip - embrace flexibility and strategic planning, to keep your budget grounded.”

Skyscanner Horizons Report Reveals Key Insights Into Evolving Global Traveller Attitudes And Preferences

• Travel and travel spending remains a top priority in 2024, with booking windows extending across all regions.

• Travellers highly engaged with mobile, social channels for planning and inspiration, with mixed AI use.

• Destination choice influenced by the particular ‘vibe’, aligned to traveller preferences.

• Travellers from India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and USA are the most intent on 2024 travel.

INDIA, November 2023: Travel marketplace Skyscanner is today publishing a new report exploring the latest trends in global travel. Titled Skyscanner Horizons: 2023/4 destination and booking insights, the report unpacks and explores a combination of consumer survey and proprietary search and booking data to provide a unique view of how travellers are thinking about their plans for the next 12 months.

Survey data from 18,000 consumers in 15 markets reveals insights about key indicators such as travel propensity, spend, trip type, mobile device actions and the trip planning process, including the top sources of destination inspiration. Skyscanner search and booking data is overlayed to provide additional information about booking windows by haul type, trending destinations as well as snapshots of three important travel markets – India, Saudi Arabia and the USA.

The report also features exclusive expert commentary on these trends shaping recovery from industry thought leaders such as Hugh Aitken from Skyscanner, Centre for Aviation’s Marco Navarria, and Nick Hall of Digital Tourism Think Tank.

Mike Ferguson, Director of Destination Marketing at Skyscanner commented: “2023 has been a seminal year in travel. In all regions we see that travellers are highly engaged in the booking and planning process, searching for destination inspiration from a variety of sources and planning long-haul trips further in advance. Destination choice is increasingly influenced by not only cultural factors but also the particular ‘vibe’ that aligns with individual preferences and motivations.”

Hugh Aitken, VP of Strategic Relations and Development at Skyscanner said: “Airlines continue to restore and re-orientate their global networks to meet traveller demand. Countries such as India and Turkey have outlined ambitious plans and will be important drivers of both domestic and international air connectivity in 2024 and beyond. At the same time, travellers in many markets are signalling a willingness to upgrade their fares and build customised itineraries that provide them with the best value.”

Nick Hall, CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank commented: “High travel propensity means destinations must focus on values and experiences. This report is a clear demonstration that travel is well and truly back, with propensity remaining high now and into the future, even amongst a climate of global economic uncertainty. With travel spend a key priority for consumers globally, destinations, along with their industry partners, must focus on value proposition more than ever. Honing in on what sits at the very core of the destination’s brand values is key to winning travellers’ hearts. Yet, driving demand, with timely product proposition, is key to shaping decisions.”

Marco Navarria, Global Content and Marketing Director at CAPA said: “As highlighted in the 2023/24 Skyscanner Horizons report, travellers are increasingly opting for connections to smaller niche markets over the major tourist destinations of years gone by. Recovery from the pandemic has allowed airlines to rebuild and expand their networks to explore new and different locations. This willingness to venture into new routes and build new markets supported the rebuild of global capacity to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. There are increased expectations that airlines will go beyond this in 2024, connecting the globe better than ever before.”

Key report findings include (refer to notes to editors for APAC market breakdowns)

Travel planning

• Positive outlook for 2024 in terms of travel demand, with 42% of travellers planning to travel more and 39% planning to spend more.

• Globally, the expected number of trips is set to increase to 2.7 from 2.3.

• Insurance, seat selection, food, baggage, and lounge are the top flight ancillary requests. 20% of travellers surveyed also indicated a willingness to upgrade to business or first class.

• Airfares (30%) and hotel (21%) costs are the biggest decision-making factors in travel planning.

• Travellers surveyed highly engaged on mobile devices in the travel planning and booking process, researching destinations (48%), comparing flight and hotel options (47%), booking (40%), with a fifth (22%) having used an AI chatbot.

Destination planning

• Cultural experiences top the 2024 agenda, with destination choice influenced not by just the weather (60%), food (58%) and culture (54%), but the overall ‘vibe’ (41%).

• In-destination activities also play a role, in particular local cuisine (46%), sightseeing (42%) and beach (40%).

• Globally, YouTube is the top source of travel inspiration, followed by word-of-mouth recommendations (35%) and Instagram (33%), however there are big variations by market. Guidebooks (27%) and TikTok (21%) also feature.

• Skyscanner has identified seven travel vibes and trip types that travellers are seeking in 2024: gig tripping, main character energy, budget bougie foodie, destination zzz, analogue adventurers, celebration vacationers and lux-for-less seekers.

Booking windows

• EMEA travellers are booking flights further in advance, with most booking over 90 days ahead for both short-haul and long-haul trips.

• AMER travellers are booking further ahead for long haul, with 90+ day booking windows exceeding 2022 levels.

• APAC travellers show greater volatility in short-haul booking windows compared to other regions. For long-haul flights, there's been a surge in last-minute bookings.

Trending destinations

•EMEA travellers are seeking out smaller hidden gems away from larger cities. Top destinations include Rayong (Thailand), Ouarzazate (Morocco), Pristina (Kosovo), and Klagenfurt (Austria).

•AMER travellers are looking towards Asia and island getaways. Top destinations include the Cayman Islands, French Polynesia, Osaka (Japan), and Tokyo (Japan).

•Japanese destinations dominate the top 10 list for APAC travellers with six cities featuring. This is evident of Japan's recent bounce back after lifting its COVID restrictions

Autumn Adventures Await: Top 5 Destinations for Your September Long Weekend

The upcoming long weekend in September is the perfect excuse for you to take your well-deserved break. As the temperature drops and the earth decks up in hues of orange and yellow, it’s time for you dust out your backpack and take out your travel checklist.

In fact, a recent survey by Skyscanner’s Travel in Focus Report 2023 revealed 56% of Indians would squeeze in as many small trips as possible at the same price, rather than one big holiday. If you’re the same, then this weekend is for you. Here is a list of five trending destinations within India that will charm you with their beauty.

1. Shillong, Meghalaya

Lovingly called the ‘Scotland of the East’, this charming capital city of Meghalaya will leave you speechless with its natural beauty. Adorned with dramatic green landscapes, rolling meadows and tall pine trees, Shillong has been a tourist favorite for decades. Don’t forget to try out the mouthwatering Khasi cuisine. Challenge yourself to climb the Shillong peak to enjoy the panoramic city views.

To reach this place by flight, try flying from Kolkata or travel to Guwahati and hire a car to cover the remaining miles. Go to Skyscanner, select the ‘Show nearby airports’ option and check out which airport near Shillong offers the cheapest flight available and start booking.

2.  Goa

When we say break, India hears Goa. After all, is there any better place than Goa to vacation at? Delicious seafood, stunning beaches, breathtaking sunsets and of course, Goa’s raging nightlife make it one of the most loved tourist spots of all time. Use Skyscanner to fly in and out of Goa, saving time, effort and your money!

3. Varanasi

Varanasi, India's sacred gem, has fascinated travelers worldwide with its rich heritage. It is a spiritual hub that leaves its mark on every visitor. Walk around the various ghats in the city, experiment and taste the local street food and end your day with a glimpse of the spectacular Ganga aarti. With a cup of steaming chai in hand, attend the Subah-e-Banaras’ in Assi Ghat, a musical treat featuring trained classical artists that begins at the break of dawn.

With the time toggle tool available, select an arrival time in Varanasi that ensures you won't miss the captivating early-morning aarti.

Varanasi is an ideal location for a family vacation. Take your grandparents, uncles and aunts along with you. If Hindi is your preferred language to surf in, you can now easily do so on the Skyscanner website by switching the language option to Hindi. Hindi is also available on the Skyscanner app. After all, travel should be easy for everyone, right?

4. Hyderabad

Being a 400-year-old city, Hyderabad has always been a place of wonder. The Pearl City hosts brilliant architecture, delicious food and exciting experiences for the youngsters. This is your chance to visit the Ramoji Film Studio, listed in the Guiness World Book of Records as one of the largest film studios in the world. Walk around, understand the craft and end your day with a shopping detour to the Laad bazar. Check out the Golconda Fort and the Salar Jung Museum. Situated on the southern bank of the river Musi, this museum has 39 art galleries as well as thousands of manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, and Urdu languages. Treat your senses with succulent kebabs and aromatic biryanis- an indulgence Hyderabad is famous for.

5. Jaipur

The Pink city of India looks nothing less than a dream- with gleaming palaces and colossal forts, Jaipur makes the perfect weekend break spot for those who love to uncover the stories behind each brick. Not just the architecture, the city has a vibrant bazaar and musical culture that thrums with every taal. Experience the essence of royalty by staying at a heritage hotel and if you feel adventurous, book a car using Skyscanner and drive down to Ranthambore. There is a higher chance of spotting Royal Bengal tigers here, so book a safari and take your binoculars. Make a day out of it and come back to feast on the infamous Dal Baati in Jaipur.

To make your planning easier, Skyscanner offers you a great selection of flights, hotels, and car rentals for Jaipur.

The Savvy Traveller: 47% of Indians ready to revamp itineraries for irresistible deals, reveals Skyscanner report

Travel remains a priority despite increasing cost-consciousness 

Indians are big planners, with 72% of respondents preferring to thoroughly plan their trips 

 India, July 2023 — Skyscanner, the global travel marketplace, today released its Travel in Focus Report, which shares that budget-conscious travellers in India are embracing travel with an open mind to score more affordable getaways. With insights from Skyscanner’s proprietary search and booking data and consumer behaviour study, this report uncovers key travel behaviours in India.  

Data from the report highlights that Indians are savvy travellers (47%) who are flexible to switch their itineraries when presented with better travel deals. When it comes to international holidays, Indians are also willing to pick a destination that is less expensive to travel to (35%) or travel at a different time of year (33%). This is in spite of the fact that Indian travellers are in fact, big planners, with 72% of respondents preferring to thoroughly plan their trips – further cementing how Indian travellers are seeking that sweet spot of travel and value for their holidays. 

Commenting on the findings, Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert said, “While the way we travel has no doubt changed in the last few years, the desire for a getaway is still very much there. Skyscanner makes it possible for travellers to explore the world within their budget, with its cross-market comparison and transparency of prices on its platform. An easy hack to hit that sweet spot is to use our ‘Everywhere’ search tool, where destinations are recommended based on the traveller’s location, ranked by price. That way you get to explore, without breaking the bank.” 

Other key survey findings:  

Chasing Cricket:  Cricket holds a special place in the heart of Indians. Around 75% say that they are willing to increase their travel budget to experience live cricket matches. With the upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup held in India, there is already a 46% spike1 in searches from within India to Ahmedabad, one of the host cities, for October this year. Despite strong demand, prices on Skyscanner reveal that flights to Ahmedabad from Mumbai are 36%2 lower for the month of June 2023, compared to June 2022.  

Slow Travelling Gurus: In 2023, Indian travellers are taking it slow, with more travellers (46%) opting for more immersive travel over of fast-paced travel (40%). Rather than visiting as many places as possible, travellers are looking to spend more time in a single destination, taking their time to immerse themselves in the local culture. According to Skyscanner data, over 38% of Indian travellers spend longer than 1 month on a single-destination trip, including domestic and international destinations, based on redirect data for the year 2023, which is significantly more when compared to travellers in Singapore (3%) and South Korea (8%)3. 

Purposeful Voyagers: Travellers today are looking to travel with purpose and centre their travel experiences around specific activities. Over half of Indians (55%) are planning purpose-related travel in India to engage in activities such as scuba diving, golf, yoga, or wellness retreats. One in two Indians are also actively planning a visit to holy places in the next 6 months. 

For all the travel preferences flagged by Indian travellers as important, Mohit recommends the following hacks that can help bag a bargain quickly: 

 The ‘Whole Month’ search tool allows you to see cheap flights immediately and pick the right deal for you. Consider travelling a day before or a day after your original departure dates, flying on less popular days of the week is always cheaper. 

Mix & Match to save ₹₹: Mixing and matching the airlines and airports you choose to fly with to and fro, can seriously cut costs. To save more, flights don’t have to be booked as returns. 

Here are some options between Mumbai and the UAE on 8-15 September 20234. By mixing and matching, the lowest fare is via Route 3 by flying into Dubai and out of Sharjah on different airlines.  

Be Price Smart: When you find a flight you like, with a price you don’t, set up a Skyscanner Price Alert. It will watch the flight you are interested in and send an email or push notification when prices change. This is the best way to find a deal if you have a few weeks or months before you are planning to buy.

Skyscanner’s Travel in Focus 2023 report draws on its research with OnePoll and analyses survey data from 3,000 travellers in Singapore, India, and South Korea to uncover key unique insights into travel behaviour, attitudes, and preferences of travellers in these countries.