Scapia’s latest Summer Travel Trends report highlights the rise of India’s Micro Holiday Economy, where travellers are replacing one long annual vacation with several shorter, experience-focused trips throughout the year. The trend reflects changing lifestyles, with travel becoming a regular habit rather than an occasional event.
Domestic trips now average just 1.7 nights, with many bookings made only a few days—or even hours—before departure. Weekend staycations, luxury city hotels, boutique farmhouses, and child-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations have witnessed growing demand as travellers seek quick yet memorable getaways.
Despite shorter vacations, Indians are spending more on premium experiences. Around 62% of hotel bookings were for four- and five-star properties, while resorts recorded faster growth than traditional hotels, indicating a preference for comfort and quality over longer holidays.
Travel demand has also spread across a wider range of destinations. Hill stations, coastal towns and spiritual centres such as Tirupati, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Rameswaram recorded strong growth, while international destinations like Hanoi and Colombo emerged as fast-growing choices alongside established favourites such as Bangkok, Dubai and Singapore.
The report also found that travellers increasingly view the journey as part of the holiday. Demand for scenic train and bus routes rose significantly, while travel-related shopping—including luggage, apparel, power banks and road trip essentials—became an important part of the overall travel experience.
Another key trend is the rise of independent travellers who prefer researching and planning trips on their own. With a growing share of bookings originating from Tier-2 cities, the Micro Holiday Economy is expanding beyond major metros, reflecting a nationwide shift in how Indians travel.