Gen Z prefers shared homes for group trips

• Over half of Indian Gen Z prefer shared homes over hotel rooms
• Domestic group bookings on Airbnb rose by 55 per cent year-on-year
• Travelers seek shared spaces to cut costs and increase flexibility

Planning a group trip often means juggling multiple hotel bookings and coordinating across separate rooms. But for India’s Gen Z, a different trend is taking hold, one that prioritises shared spaces and collective experiences over scattered privacy.

The Experience is The Destination

For many young Indian travellers, the stay itself has become as important, if not more so, than the destination. A recent Airbnb report revealed that more than half of Gen Z travellers prefer a single shared home over separate hotel rooms when travelling in a group. The reason is simple: the real memories are made in the common areas—the kitchen where late-night snacks are prepared, the living room that hosts impromptu dance parties, and the terrace where conversations flow freely. This generation sees travel as an act of self-expression, and the choice of accommodation is a huge part of that. In fact, for many, a unique and aesthetically pleasing stay is the primary motivation for a trip, not the other way around.

Smarter Economics for The Whole Group

Beyond the vibe, the financial logic is compelling. Booking a large villa or a multi-bedroom apartment and splitting the cost between friends is often significantly more affordable than booking several individual hotel rooms. This cost-sharing extends beyond just the nightly rate. Having a kitchen means groups can cook some of their meals, saving money on eating out for every meal. Transportation costs can also be consolidated, whether it's booking one large cab or coordinating travel from a single point. This economic advantage makes even luxurious-looking properties accessible, allowing groups to get more value and a better experience without breaking the bank.

Freedom, Flexibility, and Privacy

Shared homes offer a level of freedom that traditional hotels often cannot match. There are no fixed breakfast times, no restrictions on outside food, and no staff knocking for housekeeping at inconvenient times. This autonomy is a major draw for a generation that values independence. It provides the privacy for a group to function on its own schedule and create its own atmosphere, fostering a deeper sense of connection. According to recent travel data, group trips are the fastest-growing travel category for Indian Gen Z, with a reported 55% year-on-year increase in domestic bookings on platforms like Airbnb. The top priority for these groups is spending uninterrupted time together, something a shared home facilitates perfectly.

A Shift in Travel Culture

This move towards shared homes is part of a larger shift in youth travel culture. The era of the single, long annual vacation is fading. Reports indicate that 7 in 10 young Indian travellers would rather take multiple shorter trips than one big one. These trips are often spontaneous, booked just weeks or even days in advance. Shared vacation rentals fit perfectly into this flexible, frequent travel model. The rise of platforms showcasing unique homes, from coffee plantation stays to beachside villas, has made finding and booking these experiences easier than ever, fuelling a cycle of discovery and demand. This trend signals a move away from standardized tourism and towards more personal, memorable, and shareable journeys.