The Soaring Cost of Festive Travel
The annual tradition of travelling to hometowns or taking a vacation during the festive season is becoming an increasingly expensive affair. Reports from early October 2026 indicate a sharp rise in domestic airfares, with some major routes seeing price
hikes of up to 68% compared to last year. Factors such as high demand for Durga Puja and Diwali, a reduction in the number of scheduled flights, and rising aviation fuel prices are creating a perfect storm for travellers' budgets. For example, a one-way ticket on the popular Mumbai-Kolkata route, which typically costs around ₹7,000, has been seen approaching ₹15,000. Even fares between Pune and Bengaluru have nearly doubled from ₹5,000 to between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000 for October travel dates. This financial strain is forcing many to rethink their plans, with a recent survey indicating that over a third of households plan to spend less this festive season.
The Great Indian Road Trip Renaissance
In response to these prohibitive costs, families are embracing the open road. What began as a necessity for many during the pandemic has now evolved into a preferred mode of travel. The road trip offers a compelling solution, giving families complete control over their budget and schedule. The primary advantage is, of course, cost. A self-drive trip can significantly reduce travel expenses, freeing up funds for better accommodation, food, and experiences. Beyond savings, the flexibility is unmatched. There are no rigid train or flight schedules to adhere to, no expensive last-minute ticket modifications, and no stress about cancelled flights. Improved highway infrastructure, better roadside amenities including clean restrooms, and the reliability of modern cars have also made long-distance driving a much more comfortable and secure experience for the entire family.
More Than Just Savings: The Journey Is the Destination
The shift to road trips is about more than just economics; it's about the experience itself. The confined space of a car fosters bonding, encouraging conversations, shared playlists, and games that are often lost in the impersonal nature of air travel. It allows for spontaneity—an unplanned detour to a newly discovered viewpoint, a stop at a famous roadside dhaba, or an extra day spent in a town that captures the heart. This freedom to explore offbeat destinations and create a truly personalised itinerary is a luxury that structured travel cannot offer. Furthermore, for Indian families who often travel with significant luggage, especially during festivals, a car provides the practical benefit of ample storage without the worry of excess baggage fees.
Popular Short-Haul Festive Routes
With the trend moving towards shorter, more frequent getaways, destinations within a few hours' drive are gaining immense popularity. For those in North India, the Delhi-Jaipur highway is a classic weekend choice, offering a dip into Rajasthan's royal heritage with stops like Neemrana Fort along the way. The drive from Delhi to Rishikesh or Lansdowne also remains a favourite for a quick mountain escape. From Mumbai, the short drive to Lonavala or Bhandardara offers a refreshing break, while the iconic Mumbai-Goa route is a perennial favourite for a longer coastal adventure. For residents of Bengaluru, the winding roads to the coffee plantations of Coorg or Sakleshpur provide a scenic and tranquil retreat from city life. In the south, the picturesque East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry is a short, beautiful drive perfect for a family weekend.
