Travellers are encouraged to plan in advance, align their destinations with their travel objectives, and utilize rewards and flexible booking options more efficiently to navigate seasonal expenses.
Cleartrip’s PeekABoo – Exclusive Travel Trends Tracker reveals that hotel bookings have increased by over 80%, while 5-star accommodations have soared by 108%, indicating a stronger inclination for premium lodging.
Family hotel bookings have seen a remarkable rise of 124.9%, underscoring the necessity for coordinated planning for group and family travel during peak summer season.
Air travel bookings have increased by over 20%, and bus bookings have risen by more than 35%, reflecting sustained activity across various travel modes. Concurrently, solo female travel within India has gone up by 31.9%, and international solo male travel has grown by 35.8%, showcasing broader engagement across different traveller segments.
Destination preferences remain diverse, with domestic interest anchored in cities like Delhi and Jaipur, while international travel is dominated by Bangkok and Bali. Bengaluru is also emerging as a significant domestic hub, particularly for younger travellers.
Data from Agoda further highlights a growing interest in leisure-oriented destinations, with searches for Puri (68%), Wayanad (40%), and Goa (29%) on the rise, suggesting a stronger preference for coastal and nature-centric summer getaways.
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Key travel planning tips
Book early for peak summer demand
Travellers should make early bookings as demand surges during school holidays, resulting in increased prices and limited options, particularly for family and group travel.
Match destinations to travel intent
Vacation selections should correspond with travel aspirations—be it city breaks, coastal leisure, or nature-focused stays—while also taking into account emerging tier 2 and Northeast locations that present better connectivity and reduced crowds.
Plan group and family travel efficiently
With a notable rise in family travel, larger group bookings can help to optimize costs and enhance accommodation choices, making organized planning essential during the peak season.
Use credit and reward ecosystems effectively
Travellers should leverage credit card rewards and loyalty programs, as credit cards now constitute 63.1% of domestic and 48.9% of international bookings.
Networks like Swiggy–Marriott Bonvoy, airline-associated cards, and travel platforms can help turn everyday spending into travel perks.
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Leverage platform offers and flexibility tools
Platforms like Agoda are providing package deals encompassing stays, flights, and activities, along with seasonal discounts. Prioritizing flexible booking options is important to manage itinerary changes during busy travel periods.
Optimise daily spending for travel rewards
Daily expenditures such as dining, groceries, and transportation should, where possible, be channeled through reward-based systems to help accumulate points and lower effective travel costs over time.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: May 19, 2026 5:28 PM IST
