A New Definition of Celebration
For generations, festive gatherings in India have revolved around the family home. While cherished, this tradition often places a significant burden on the hosts, involving days of cooking, cleaning, and logistical planning. Today, many are redefining
what it means to celebrate together. Instead of one household bearing the load, entire families are opting to book large villas, homestays, or interconnected resort rooms. This shifts the focus from labour to leisure, allowing everyone—from grandparents to grandchildren—to relax and connect. The festive travel boom reflects this, with bookings for villas and homestays growing 4.7 times year-on-year, outpacing the rise in hotel bookings. This indicates a clear preference for private, spacious environments where families can create a 'home away from home' experience, complete with shared meals and activities but without the stress of preparation and cleanup.
The Appeal of Drivable Destinations
A key driver of this trend is convenience. Coordinating flights and train travel for a large, multi-generational group can be complex and expensive. As a result, families are increasingly drawn to 'drivable holidays'. These destinations, typically within a few hours of major metropolitan areas, eliminate the hassle of airport queues and strict schedules, offering much-needed flexibility. For families with elderly members and young children, the ability to travel at their own pace is a significant advantage. It allows for spontaneous stops, comfortable travel, and reduces the overall fatigue associated with long journeys. This logistical ease is a major factor, making getaways feel more accessible and less stressful from the very start. Enquiries for short-drive locations near cities like Mumbai have seen a 35-40% increase, underscoring the demand for accessible escapes.
Catering to Every Generation
One of the biggest challenges of a family gathering is keeping everyone happy. Multi-generational travel has become one of India's biggest lifestyle trends precisely because the hospitality industry is adapting to meet this need. Modern resorts and spacious rental properties are designed to offer something for everyone. Grandparents might appreciate serene gardens, accessible dining options, and wellness facilities. Parents can unwind by the pool or enjoy a quiet meal, while children are kept engaged with play areas, activities, and open spaces. This model is proving so successful that 'skip-gen' travel—where grandparents take grandchildren on holiday without the parents—is also booming, with 79% of Indian families having taken or planning such a trip. Properties offering amenities like private pools, game rooms, and barbecue areas are in high demand as they provide a self-contained environment for family bonding.
Popular Spots for Family Get-Togethers
Across the country, certain destinations have become hubs for these flexible family holidays. Near Mumbai and Pune, hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar are classic choices, while the coastal town of Alibaug offers a quick beach escape. For those in and around Delhi, the Himalayan foothills provide a refreshing break, with Rishikesh, Kasauli, and Bhimtal being popular for their blend of tranquility and light activities. In the south, Coorg's coffee plantations and Ooty's scenic hills attract families from Bengaluru and Chennai. Beyond the usual favourites, spiritual centres like Puri and Rishikesh are also seeing a surge in festive travel, as they allow families to combine a holiday with cultural or religious observance.
