Winter travel boom among Gen Z, millennials: More Indians travelling than ever, says Airbnb

Hyderabad: More Indians than ever before are taking winter trips, according to a recent Airbnb survey. Gen Z and millennials account for nearly 50 per cent of all winter travellers.

Why is winter travel popular?

The survey shows that 55 per cent of Indian travellers take a winter trip every year with beach destinations like Goa and Kerala, and hill stations of Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital and Rishikesh emerging as India’s top destinations for winter holidays.

The colder months have become the peak time to explore, unwind and reconnect.

Flexible work schedules, newer lifestyles and a thirst for meaningful experiences are influencing how India travels in winter. Winter has become the favourite travel season for exploring new places and relaxing.

Cool weather, scenic winter landscapes and better value during winter months are the main reasons.

Reasons for winter travel

Winter holidays, the desire to unwind and relax from hectic work schedules are some of the reasons. The data shows that:

- Almost 30 per cent of those surveyed said they travel to celebrate the seasonal holidays.

- Nearly 30 per cent mentioned that they travel to relax.

- Almost 20 per cent travel to discover seasonal or cultural experiences available during winter.

Gen Z and Millennials are redefining winter wanderlust

Almost half of all winter travellers come from Gen Z and millennials, and they choose winter travel for its comfort, cooler weather and more scenic landscapes.

Choice of travel companions

Indians want to travel with their closest friends and family.

Almost 50 per cent travel with their partner or spouse. One-third travel with friends. Almost 30 per cent plan trips with parents, children and extended family.

Indians are deeply social and communal. The preference for shared experiences is sparking demand for larger homes, villas and unique stays that bring people together. This is a trend that continues to define Airbnb’s growth in India.

Travel destinations this winter

Goa and Kerala: Airbnb’s search data shows that Indians are opting for destinations that offer warmth, nature and culture. Goa and Kerala remain the top 2, with places like Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, South Goa and Kochi fueling strong traveller interest for their beaches, cafés and coastal calm.

Manali: The hill station of Manali remains a winter favourite, while Mussoorie and Rishikesh remain classic escapes known for their panoramic views, crisp weather and outdoor experiences.

Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh: Culturally rich cities such as Udaipur and Jaipur continue to draw travelers that seek heritage as well as local stories. Interest in Varanasi and Vrindavan signals a trend among younger Indian travellers for spiritual-leisure journeys that have both reflection and exploration.

Changing landscape

“The way India travels is rapidly changing,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head – Airbnb India and Southeast Asia. “Today’s travellers are seeking experiences that are spontaneous, expressive, and immersive. From Goa’s beaches and Kerala’s backwaters to mountain getaways in Manali and Mussoorie and the cultural heritage of Udaipur and Jaipur, we’re seeing Indians explore their own country in new and meaningful ways. As this shift gathers pace, Airbnb is focused on helping people discover homes and hosts that make every journey feel personal, inspiring, and true to the spirit of where they travel.”

Travel is essential

As India’s travel landscape continues to change, the findings from Airbnb’s 2025 Winter Travel Trends Survey show how travel is now an essential part of everyday life.

Travellers seek places to stay that have a good mix of comfort, design, and a sense of belonging.

Method of survey

The 2025 Winter Travel Trends Survey – India surveyed 2,155 respondents nationwide between October 13 and 20. The findings highlight evolving travel preferences, motivations and accommodation choices for the upcoming December–February season, underscoring the growing role of younger travellers and shared experiences in shaping India’s tourism landscape.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe.

Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.