Cox & Kings, a leading travel brand, has reported a nearly 20% increase in bookings for the Republic Day long weekend on 26 January, driven by a surge in demand for short, curated getaways among India's working professionals. This trend highlights a shift towards experience-led travel as individuals seek to maximise their time off with well-planned itineraries.
Domestic travel remains the dominant choice, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the bookings. Popular destinations include the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, heritage cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, and wildlife spots in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These locations offer relaxation and cultural experiences within a four- to five-day travel window.
Internationally, short-haul destinations such as Dubai, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Singapore are attracting significant interest. Factors like easy connectivity and simplified visa processes contribute to their popularity, allowing travellers to enjoy rich experiences in a short period.
Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings, noted, “Long weekends like Republic Day have become intentional travel moments rather than impulsive breaks. Travellers today are planning smarter, choosing destinations that allow them to truly switch off, and valuing curated experiences that remove the stress from short holidays.”
The data also reveals a change in traveller demographics, with increased bookings from corporate professionals aged 25–45, as well as family and multi-generational groups. Group tours and customised holidays make up over 60% of bookings, indicating a preference for convenience and comprehensive travel planning.
Cox & Kings has observed a 15–18% rise in average spend per booking, as travellers opt for better accommodations and guided experiences. With work-life boundaries blurring, long weekends are becoming a consistent driver of travel demand, setting the tone for continued momentum in 2026.
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