As August approaches, Indian travelers are gearing up for long weekends, eager to explore both domestic and international destinations. Booking.com, a leading digital travel platform, has released insights into the most sought-after locations for these mini getaways, timed around holidays like Independence Day (August 15), Raksha Bandhan (August 19), and Janmashtami (August 26).

With the extended holidays in August, Indian travelers are seeking a variety of experiences, from bustling city life to serene retreats. Major metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi are top choices, with many opting to return home or blend work and leisure. Nearby leisure spots within driving distance, such as Lonavala, Ooty, and Mahabaleshwar, are also popular for a quick change of scenery. Cultural and spiritual destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Puri are seeing increased interest as well.

Top 10 Most Searched Domestic Destinations:

• Udaipur

• Lonavala

• Jaipur

• Ooty

• Kodaikanal

• Munnar

• Goa

• Mahabaleshwar

• Varanasi

• Puri

Top 5 Most Searched Indian Metros:

• Bengaluru

• Mumbai

• Delhi

• Chennai

• Hyderabad

For those looking to travel abroad, short-haul international destinations are gaining traction, thanks to visa-friendly policies and improved flight connectivity. Dubai leads the list with its luxury attractions, while Southeast Asian cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and Phuket are also popular among Indian travelers.

Top 10 Most Searched International Destinations:

• Dubai

• Singapore

• London

• Bangkok

• Kuala Lumpur

• Bali

• Paris

• Phuket

• Abu Dhabi

• Tokyo

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, highlighted the growing preference for short trips. "This year’s travel trends data reveals a growing appetite for short breaks, with 65% of Indian travelers seeking a short domestic trip and nearly half (44%) interested in a short international escape, both within a 4-night framework," he said. The data also shows a rising interest in less traditional destinations such as Hampi, Madikeri, Ujjain, and Gokarna.

Booking.com remains committed to helping travelers make the most of their time off by offering a wide selection of travel options tailored to their needs.

Methodology

The data is based on search sessions conducted between July 28, 2024, and July 31, 2024, for check-in dates between August 15-19, 2024, and August 24-26, 2024. Note that this data is forward-looking and may change based on actual bookings.