Festive Travel Rises As Indians Chase New Year Sunsets

The festive season, stretching from Christmas to the New Year, has always symbolized connection. Yet in recent years, it has evolved into a period of conscious escape, a time when travellers seek meaning,

calm, and beauty in new places. Whether it’s watching the sunset on a beach in Bali, ringing in the New Year in Dubai, or meditating in the hills of Uttarakhand, India’s festive wanderlust has never felt more vivid.

A New Kind of Celebration

The modern traveller isn’t simply chasing destinations, they’re chasing emotions. Once considered a luxury reserved for summer vacations or long weekends, travel has now become a ritual of self-expression and renewal.

“Festive travel has become one of the most interesting shifts in India’s holiday behaviour,” says Ashish Sidhra, co-founder, Alike. “People are no longer treating these breaks as just time off. They want trips that feel meaningful, relaxed, and a little more personal. Celebration and exploration are happening together.”

Short-haul international travel is leading this shift. “Short international holidays are at the forefront,” continues Sidhra. “Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia continue to draw strong interest, while Dubai remains a dependable favourite for Indian travellers. What we’re seeing is a clear move towards trips that offer a mix of good food, culture, beaches, and easy planning not just typical sightseeing.”

He adds that travellers are increasingly choosing simplicity and transparency. “They want value without stress, and experiences that feel right for their families. As India’s outbound travel grows, this tilt towards experience-led festive holidays will define how people ring in the New Year and plan their next big break.”

Airports as the First Step of Celebration

Even before travellers reach their destinations, airports have evolved into cultural microcosms of the season’s spirit. With themed installations, pop-up retail, and festive menus, terminals have become a part of the celebration itself.

“As the year draws to a close, the spirit of travel takes on a different rhythm, one driven not by itineraries but by emotion,” says Naresh Sharma, CEO, IRHPL Group of Companies. “During the festive and New Year travel season, airports across India are witnessing an extraordinary surge in travellers eager to chase new sunsets and new experiences. Beyond being transit points, airports are transforming into vibrant cultural gateways, places where India’s diverse traditions, art, and flavours meet a global audience.”

For many, the journey has become as meaningful as the destination. The airport lounge coffee, the book bought on impulse, the first glimpse of a boarding gate, all have become part of a larger ritual of closing one chapter and stepping into the next.

According to the IRHPL Trend Report, nearly 60% of airport F&B spending now goes toward grab-and-go formats, reflecting a growing preference for speed, accessibility, and convenience during peak travel periods like Christmas and New Year. Interestingly, beverages account for almost 70% of total airport F&B revenue led by craft coffees, premium bars, and freshly pressed juices. These figures highlight how travellers use airport moments to pause, refresh, and connect, even amid the rush of festive transit.

“As festive wanderlust peaks, airports are no longer just gateways; they’ve become cultural stopovers where journeys begin with discovery,” adds Sharma. “The modern traveller values authenticity, spontaneity, and emotional recharge. We’re seeing a remarkable shift, travellers are pausing to explore meaningful purchases that go beyond convenience: artisanal crafts, regional flavours, and souvenirs that carry a piece of home.”

Domestic Destinations Find Their Moment

While international destinations continue to tempt many, India’s own landscapes are drawing equal admiration. From misty hills to coastal retreats, the desire to reconnect with nature has transformed domestic tourism during the festive period.

“Year after year, we witness a distinct change in travel patterns during the holiday season,” says Harshal Dilwali, Director & CEO, Clarissa Resorts and Hotels. “Travellers today are opting for spiritual escapes over crowded celebrations. Places such as Goa, Jim Corbett, and Mukteshwar see a beautiful surge in tourism during Christmas and New Year, as people want to unwind amid luxurious nature. It’s no longer just about a holiday, it’s about slowing down, celebrating genuinely, and reconnecting with oneself and loved ones. The trend of festive wanderlust shows a growing appetite for experiences that combine celebration with calm.”

This evolution also signals a maturing travel market. The domestic traveller is now more discerning, seeking quality, sustainability, and authenticity over convenience alone.

The Allure of the New Year Sunset

There’s a poetic charm to how travellers now choose to end their year not in boardrooms or banquet halls, but under open skies. Beach destinations like Bali, Phuket, and the Andamans witness packed itineraries through December, while hill towns such as Rishikesh and Dharamshala attract those seeking introspection. In Rajasthan, desert camps and heritage forts host celebrations that blend tradition with grandeur.

“This surge in wanderlust reflects a deeper cultural shift, people are prioritizing experiences over possessions and sunsets over screen time,” notes Sharma. “The New Year sunset has become a global metaphor for endings that inspire beginnings, for horizons that remind us how far we’ve come and how much more there is to explore. In chasing those sunsets, travellers are, in truth, chasing moments that linger far beyond the holiday, memories that frame the year ahead in warmth, wonder, and wanderlust.”