This year, Dubai and Bangkok emerged as the favored international destinations for Indian travelers

In 2023, Dubai took the lead as the most sought-after international destination for Indian travelers, according to Skyscanner, a global travel marketplace. Bangkok secured the second spot in popularity among Indian travelers for the same year. This information was part of Skyscanner’s overview of India’s travel patterns in 2023.

Interestingly, the trend among Indian travelers this year leaned towards exploring alternative, budget-friendly cities within India that offered rich cultural experiences and diverse cuisines. Jagdalpur emerged as the most economical flight destination, with an average round-trip cost of just Rs 3,035 in 2023.

Skyscanner also highlighted the cheapest monthly destinations for Indian travelers throughout the year, as well as the most budget-friendly options for a three-star hotel stay and car rentals. Nha Trang in Vietnam stood out as the most affordable city for a three-star hotel stay for Indian travelers, while Doha in Qatar took the lead as the city offering the cheapest car rentals, averaging only Rs 2,198 per day.

Looking at these travel trends, Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, emphasized how Indian travelers have embraced global exploration despite financial constraints. He noted a shift in traveler priorities, with the value of experiences and cultural exploration becoming crucial factors alongside cost considerations.

Joshi anticipates this trend to continue growing in the coming year, citing Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024 report. The report suggests that 86 percent of Indian travelers plan to maintain or increase their international trips in 2024 compared to 2023.

According to Joshi, Nice in France is expected to be a cost-effective destination for Indian travelers in 2024, with airfares having decreased by more than a third over the past 12 months. Additionally, he predicts that Indian travelers in 2024 will venture abroad to attend live performances of their favorite artists, with a third expressing a willingness to travel to nearby locations and 20 percent open to long-haul flights for this purpose.

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