From weekend drives to nearby locales to international beach holidays, travellers are seeking trips that offer a refreshing change without the need for extended vacations.
Short breaks take center stage
The monsoon is becoming recognized as a travel season instead of an off-peak period, according to industry professionals.
Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager of Fairmont Jaipur and Raffles Jaipur, noted an uptick in short leisure escapes, weekend getaways, and staycations this season.
“The monsoon has transformed into a highly anticipated travel season, not merely viewed as an off-peak time,” Sethi remarked, emphasizing that travellers are looking for destinations that meld natural beauty with immersive experiences.
Gaurav Singh, Chief Operating Officer of Chalet Hotels Limited, observed that younger vacationers are propelling demand for shorter, experience-oriented “micro-cations” and easily accessible trips.
“We’re witnessing a notable structural shift,” Singh said, highlighting that wellness, local culture, and nature are increasingly becoming priorities for travellers. At Athiva Resort & Spa in Khandala, nearly 35% of annual bookings come from independent travellers during the monsoon, according to Chalet Hotels.
Marriott Aravali Resort & Spa in Delhi NCR has also reported heightened interest in two- to three-night stays, particularly among travellers from Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune seeking convenient destinations.
The focus shifts from where to stay to what to experience
Travel interests are evolving, extending beyond just lodging.
Sethi mentioned that travellers are increasingly choosing holidays that incorporate accommodation with dining, wellness, and curated experiences.
Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager of Raffles Udaipur, stated that modern travellers seek “a genuine sense of place” rather than simply selecting a location. He noted that personalized experiences, wellness, and opportunities to reconnect with nature are becoming vital considerations during the monsoon.
Marriott Aravali Resort & Spa echoed that travellers are now placing greater value on the overall holiday experience, actively seeking authentic local interactions alongside their stay.
Beyond Bali and Phuket
The shift in travel preferences is also evident in outbound travel inquiries.
As per Agoda, accommodation searches by Indian travellers from May 1 to June 30 for stays during July and August reflect ongoing interest in traditional hotspots like Bali and Phuket, while newer coastal destinations are garnering attention.
The travel platform revealed that locations such as Lombok in Indonesia, Phu Quoc and Da Nang in Vietnam, Ko Tao in Thailand, Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, and Mediterranean spots including Santorini, Nice, and Ibiza are experiencing increased interest from Indian travellers.
These findings are based on accommodation searches and do not necessarily represent confirmed bookings.
“Indian travellers are expanding their preferences beyond the established beach favorites,” stated Gaurav Malik, Country Director for Agoda in the Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands.
He noted that travellers are looking for a broader range of beach destinations, encompassing everything from bustling seaside hotspots to tranquil coastal towns.
The monsoon is also gaining popularity for destination weddings
This shift in travel behavior extends beyond leisure trips. Experts indicate that some couples are contemplating destination weddings during the monsoon, citing benefits like better venue availability and, in some cases, reduced costs compared to peak wedding seasons.
Animesh Kumar, Commercial Head of ibis & ibis Styles India, noted that affordability and greater flexibility are encouraging couples to consider monsoon weddings.
“Opting for the monsoon season provides couples with significantly more flexibility, whether in securing their preferred dates or planning their celebration at a comfortable pace,” Kumar stated, adding that locations such as Goa are witnessing interest for intimate celebrations.
Pardeep Siwach, General Manager of Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, indicated that rising costs in traditional wedding venues are motivating some couples to explore new locations.
“We are definitely observing more couples considering the monsoon for destination weddings,” Siwach noted, emphasizing that couples are also on the lookout for venues that can seamlessly transition celebrations indoors in case of inclement weather.
