After years of unpredictable travel, the urge to get away is stronger than ever. A phenomenon known as 'revenge tourism' is making a comeback, fuelled by the steady reopening of flight routes that were once heavily disrupted.
What Exactly Is 'Revenge Tourism'?
The term might sound aggressive,
but the concept is simple: it's the massive, pent-up demand for travel following a period of prolonged restriction. The first wave hit after initial pandemic lockdowns lifted, a frantic rush to go anywhere, at any cost, just for the sake of movement. That initial chaotic energy has since evolved. Today, experts describe the return of this trend as 'Revenge Travel 2.0'. It's no longer just about escaping; it's about reclaiming lost time with more purpose. Travellers are now more intentional, planning trips further in advance and seeking meaningful experiences rather than just ticking boxes. This shift reflects a more mature travel mindset, where the 'why' of the trip has become as important as the 'where'.
The Great Unlocking of Skies
A key driver of this renewed travel enthusiasm is the restoration of flight connectivity. For much of the recent past, Indian travellers faced a landscape of suspended routes and reduced frequencies. Geopolitical conflicts in West Asia and operational challenges had forced airlines to cancel thousands of flights and reroute others, leading to longer journey times and soaring costs, especially to Europe. While some disruptions continue, with Air India recently withdrawing services to European cities like Copenhagen and Vienna, there is also significant recovery. Since September 2026, Air India has been restoring many international services cut during the summer and even adding frequencies to destinations like Milan, Frankfurt, and Melbourne. Simultaneously, Saudi carriers are expanding options to India following recent disruptions, providing crucial connectivity for workers and pilgrims. This gradual normalisation of flight schedules is giving travellers the confidence and opportunity to finally book long-postponed trips.
A New Kind of Wanderlust
This isn't just a return to pre-disruption travel patterns; priorities have shifted. The current boom is marked by a nationwide aspiration to travel that spans metros and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities alike. Data shows a significant rise in bookings by younger travellers, with a 60% increase among those aged 15-24 for the recent festive season. There's also a clear trend towards exploring offbeat destinations, both domestically and internationally. While perennial favourites like Goa remain popular, lesser-known domestic spots like Puri, Ooty, and Munnar are seeing dramatic growth in interest. According to a recent survey, leisure travel is far more common among urban Indians, but the overall domestic tourism market is booming, driven by a mix of leisure, pilgrimage, and even medical needs.
Where Indians Are Heading
Internationally, Asia is the undisputed leader for Indian travellers. Recent search data for the festive season shows Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan as the most sought after countries, with search interest growing significantly compared to last year. Bangkok and Phuket, in particular, are seeing a surge in bookings. The appeal is multi‐faceted: destinations like Thailand and Sri Lanka offer visa‐free entry, which cuts down on both cost and planning time. Vietnam is also gaining immense popularity, with destinations like Phu Quoc and Hanoi attracting travellers with their mix of beaches, culture, and affordability. Beyond Southeast Asia, Japan has seen a 125% jump in searches, with its unique blend of futuristic cities and ancient traditions proving a powerful draw.
Navigating the Crowds and Costs
This resurgence in demand, however, comes with challenges. The combination of recovering—but not yet complete—flight capacity and a flood of eager tourists inevitably leads to higher prices. Airfares on key routes have been volatile, and accommodation costs are on the rise. Leisure hotel bookings saw a 135% jump for the recent Diwali season, with both budget and luxury properties seeing a surge. This means that while more destinations are accessible, bagging a deal requires strategic planning. Experts suggest booking flights 8–10 weeks in advance and considering travel during 'shoulder seasons'—the periods just before or after the peak tourist rush—to find a better balance of price and pleasant weather. For many, the answer has been to opt for more affordable modes of transport like trains and road trips for domestic journeys.
