Across India, winter has become the season of movement – road trips, solo getaways, digital detox escapes, and slow travel retreats. But what’s truly shaping this new era of travel is the accommodation
choice of young explorers. Instead of traditional hotels, they’re gravitating toward hostels and homestays that offer an atmosphere of openness, creativity, and cultural immersion. These stays are no longer fringe alternatives; they’ve become the default for travellers seeking connection, character, and a sense of belonging.
Understanding The Shift Toward Social, Local And Affordable Stays
Industry leaders have watched this transformation unfold in real time. “Over the past few years, I’ve seen a remarkable shift in how young Indians choose to travel, especially during the winter season,” says Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson at the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC). She notes that the appeal runs deeper than affordability as travellers want meaningful interactions, local insight, and enriching experiences that hotels can’t always provide.
Echoing this sentiment, Sudhanshu Ranjan, CEO and Founder of Tripzada Holiday, explains, “We’re witnessing a behavioural shift where young winter travellers seek more than just a place to stay. Hostels and homestays give them the freedom, social energy, and experiential value they crave.”
These perspectives underscore a collective truth: today’s travellers want their accommodation to be part of the story, not just a backdrop.
Where Connection Matters More Than Comfort Alone
The spirit of community is one of the strongest draws. Mayal highlights how hostels and homestays foster community kitchens, storytelling nights, and treks with strangers-turned-friends. These experiences make travel feel alive and personal. Young travellers often arrive solo but leave with friendships born out of shared dorm rooms, bonfire conversations, and spontaneous explorations.
Ranjan adds that the introduction of co-working lounges and curated local experiences has made these spaces even more relevant. For remote workers and creative freelancers, they offer the perfect blend of productivity and social energy – work by day, wander by evening.
A Catalyst For Local Cultures And Sustainable Tourism
This shift is also influencing India’s hospitality landscape. According to Mayal, this new wave “pushes the industry to innovate, strengthen skilling for alternative accommodation formats, and build more sustainable, locally rooted tourism models.” Hostels and homestays often collaborate with neighbourhood artisans, guides, and home chefs, ensuring that communities benefit directly from tourism.
Winter travel, particularly in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and the North East, is now infused with local stories, cuisines, and crafts – elements that young travellers actively seek.
The rise of hostels and homestays marks a defining moment in how India’s youth experiences winter travel. What began as a budget-friendly choice has evolved into a cultural movement shaped by community, authenticity, and curiosity. As the industry continues to innovate, these stays will remain the heart of a more inclusive, immersive, and sustainable travel future – one where every journey feels personal, purposeful, and deeply connected to the places we explore.
