India's festive travel boom: repeat trips surge, 2026 bookings up 50%

The shift in travel patterns reflects changing preferences among Indian holidaymakers, who are increasingly splitting their festive breaks into several shorter trips rather than taking one extended vacation. According to the 'Zostel Festive Travel Pulse 2026' report, 23 per cent of travellers booked multiple trips during the October-December quarter last year, while nearly one in 10 stayed at two or more destinations during the same period.

The trend is particularly pronounced for November travel in 2026, with bookings already running 43 per cent ahead of the corresponding period last year. The data suggests strong momentum heading into the peak festive season, with travellers planning their breaks earlier than before.

The typical festive trip lasts around two nights, the report found. Many travellers book with short notice, with three in 10 reserving accommodation on their check-in day. Approximately six in 10 make bookings within three days of arrival, indicating a preference for flexible, last-minute planning among this segment of the market.

The surge in repeat festive bookings underscores the growing appeal of frequent short breaks over traditional extended holidays, particularly during India's peak travel season. The data was compiled by backpacker hostel chain Zostel based on its booking platform.