Stories
Festive Travel Surge: Zostel Bookings Jump 50% for October-December
- •Zostel bookings for the October-December 2026 festive season are up 50% compared to the same period last year, with November stays increasing by 43%.
- •The Festive Travel Pulse 2026 report reveals a shift towards frequent short getaways, with the average trip lasting just two nights.
- •Spontaneous travel is on the rise, as 30% of travellers book on the check-in day and 70% book within a week of arrival.
- •Hampi, Gokarna, Varkala, Rishikesh and Jaipur are top destinations, while Himalayan locations like Sangla and Kalpa show the fastest growth.
- •Travellers under 30 account for nearly 70% of bookings, and solo travel makes up more than half of all reservations.
Key Questions Answered
According to Zostel's Festive Travel Pulse 2026 report, Hampi, Gokarna, Varkala, Rishikesh and Jaipur are the most-booked destinations for the festive season. Meanwhile, high-altitude Himalayan regions are recording the fastest growth, led by Sangla with three times its previous year's bookings, followed by Kalpa, Shangarh, Chitkul and Shoja.
Festive travel bookings show a high level of spontaneity, with 30% of travellers booking on the day of check-in, 60% reserving within three days, and 70% finalising their plans within a week. Fewer than 10% plan their trips more than a month ahead.
Nearly 70% of travellers are aged under 30—with those aged 25-29 accounting for 44%—while solo travel represents over half of all bookings. The average trip lasts two nights, reflecting a preference for frequent short breaks rather than a single long holiday.
