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What is the story about?
India’s travel habits are evolving as Gen Z travellers and women planners shape how trips are budgeted, booked, and experienced. Both groups emphasise value, planning, and flexibility, reflecting a shift toward more strategic and curated travel.
Gen Z: Experience-centric and value-oriented
Industry experts highlight that Gen Z prioritises experiences over luxury accommodation.
Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, explains, “Winter getaways aren't about luxury; they are about balance. They are picking destinations that offer great value — mountain escapes, heritage towns, or offbeat beach stays — and they are planning trips around deals and flexible itineraries. Experiences like skiing, music festivals, or local food trails often take budget priority, while stays and transport are optimised through early bookings or flash offers.”
Abhinav Pathak, CEO and Co-Founder of Escape Plan, notes that stays are preferred, while funds are allocated to activities, local exploration, and convenience:
“Most of them are choosing practical, comfortable stays and putting more money into activities, unique experiences, and convenience. Winter is a peak travel period, so they try to book smarter; off-peak dates, last-minute deals, or rebooking hotels they’ve liked in the past.”
Digital payments and flexible financing
Digital payments are central to Gen Z travel.
Agarwal points out that UPI remains the preferred method for smaller spends, while EMIs and pay-later options are increasingly used for larger trips.
“Options that allow them to smoothly stagger payments… are preferred. Credit-on-UPI is rapidly gaining popularity because it allows users to pay later without the hassle of traditional credit card formalities.”
Pathak adds that financial tools are leveraged to maximise value.
“They plan to travel the same way they shop; compare, stack offers, and look for maximum value. This generation is very aware of the cost of convenience and uses financial tools to optimise their trips," she said.
Travel insurance and risk management
Gen Z travellers are adopting insurance selectively, focusing on digital-first policies that are simple, affordable, and relevant to trip type.
Agarwal highlights, “Travel insurance is inching its way from being an afterthought to a checklist essential… Convenience, transparency, and affordability matter more than detailed policy jargon.”
Pathak notes that coverage is used as a practical tool.
“They are looking for a real safety net to avoid issues like lost luggage, flight delays, or high medical bills abroad. Multi-trip plans or add-ons for specific activities are popular if they are easy to use.”
Women as key planners
According to Thrillophilia’s Women & Travel Decisions 2025 report, women now influence or directly design 72% of India’s leisure trips.
Chitra Gurnani Daga, Co-Founder of Thrillophilia, says, “Indian leisure is a she-planner economy. Women are curating smarter itineraries, earlier bookings, safety-first choices, and meaningful upgrades without blowing the budget. The industry is shifting towards more thoughtful planning, better value choices, and deeply curated experiences.”
Women tend to book earlier, use reviews and peer input to reduce risks, and apply multiple safety filters, leading to fewer emergencies and smoother trips.
They also make selective upgrades — boutique stays, spa treatments, or wellness activities — without significantly increasing overall spend.
Domestic favourites include Rajasthan and Kerala, while international choices include Bali, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Tier 2 cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur are emerging as growth hubs for women-led planning.
Saving, financing, and sustainability
Gen Z blends planned savings with short-term financing.
Agarwal notes, “Most Gen Z travellers actively save through digital tools or ‘travel jars’ on fintech apps… But their spontaneous streak often leans on short-term financing options, instant credit lines, or pay-later features.”
Sustainability is also a consideration, with Pathak highlighting the popularity of pre-owned travel gear.
“Almost seven out of 10 Gen Z travellers now say they prefer buying certain travel items pre-loved, especially premium luggage and high-quality organisers. India still doesn’t have a credible, organised platform for pre-loved luggage and travel accessories.”
ALSO READ | How tax collected at source works on overseas travel packages
Gen Z: Experience-centric and value-oriented
Industry experts highlight that Gen Z prioritises experiences over luxury accommodation.
Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, explains, “Winter getaways aren't about luxury; they are about balance. They are picking destinations that offer great value — mountain escapes, heritage towns, or offbeat beach stays — and they are planning trips around deals and flexible itineraries. Experiences like skiing, music festivals, or local food trails often take budget priority, while stays and transport are optimised through early bookings or flash offers.”
Abhinav Pathak, CEO and Co-Founder of Escape Plan, notes that stays are preferred, while funds are allocated to activities, local exploration, and convenience:
“Most of them are choosing practical, comfortable stays and putting more money into activities, unique experiences, and convenience. Winter is a peak travel period, so they try to book smarter; off-peak dates, last-minute deals, or rebooking hotels they’ve liked in the past.”
Digital payments and flexible financing
Digital payments are central to Gen Z travel.
Agarwal points out that UPI remains the preferred method for smaller spends, while EMIs and pay-later options are increasingly used for larger trips.
“Options that allow them to smoothly stagger payments… are preferred. Credit-on-UPI is rapidly gaining popularity because it allows users to pay later without the hassle of traditional credit card formalities.”
Pathak adds that financial tools are leveraged to maximise value.
“They plan to travel the same way they shop; compare, stack offers, and look for maximum value. This generation is very aware of the cost of convenience and uses financial tools to optimise their trips," she said.
Travel insurance and risk management
Gen Z travellers are adopting insurance selectively, focusing on digital-first policies that are simple, affordable, and relevant to trip type.
Agarwal highlights, “Travel insurance is inching its way from being an afterthought to a checklist essential… Convenience, transparency, and affordability matter more than detailed policy jargon.”
Pathak notes that coverage is used as a practical tool.
“They are looking for a real safety net to avoid issues like lost luggage, flight delays, or high medical bills abroad. Multi-trip plans or add-ons for specific activities are popular if they are easy to use.”
Women as key planners
According to Thrillophilia’s Women & Travel Decisions 2025 report, women now influence or directly design 72% of India’s leisure trips.
Chitra Gurnani Daga, Co-Founder of Thrillophilia, says, “Indian leisure is a she-planner economy. Women are curating smarter itineraries, earlier bookings, safety-first choices, and meaningful upgrades without blowing the budget. The industry is shifting towards more thoughtful planning, better value choices, and deeply curated experiences.”
Women tend to book earlier, use reviews and peer input to reduce risks, and apply multiple safety filters, leading to fewer emergencies and smoother trips.
They also make selective upgrades — boutique stays, spa treatments, or wellness activities — without significantly increasing overall spend.
Domestic favourites include Rajasthan and Kerala, while international choices include Bali, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Tier 2 cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur are emerging as growth hubs for women-led planning.
Saving, financing, and sustainability
Gen Z blends planned savings with short-term financing.
Agarwal notes, “Most Gen Z travellers actively save through digital tools or ‘travel jars’ on fintech apps… But their spontaneous streak often leans on short-term financing options, instant credit lines, or pay-later features.”
Sustainability is also a consideration, with Pathak highlighting the popularity of pre-owned travel gear.
“Almost seven out of 10 Gen Z travellers now say they prefer buying certain travel items pre-loved, especially premium luggage and high-quality organisers. India still doesn’t have a credible, organised platform for pre-loved luggage and travel accessories.”
ALSO READ | How tax collected at source works on overseas travel packages
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