Travel trends 2023: Indians looking for off-beat destinations and experiences

After a forced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, travellers are slowly getting back into the group. Industry experts point out that 2023 will see people taking that much-awaited international trip as well as exploring lesser-known destinations in India and around the world.

Airbnb presents a round-up of key trends that have emerged in India and how travellers are embracing new forms of travel. New data reveals that international travel saw a strong recovery in 2022, with Indians searching for the most iconic cities around the world with Airbnb. 

Most searched-for destinations internationally by Indian guests (as of Q3 2022)

• Dubai
• London
• Paris
• Toronto
• New York

The top 5 off-the-beaten-path trending destinations in India

Domestically, the interest in exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations has been seeing a spike.

• Madhapur, Telangana
• Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
• Vellore, Tamil Nadu
• Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
• Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra

In India, hospitality is deeply rooted in the diversity found in local culture, cuisine, lifestyle preferences, and the way we welcome people into our homes. Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh are topping the charts when it comes to hospitality, with the highest share of 5-star reviews from guests on Airbnb. Data also revealed that guests chose to enjoy city life as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata were the most searched-for domestic destinations by Indians in 2022.

In 2022, travellers found themselves sitting poolside or catching rays on a sandy beach. Both of these water-related categories came in at the top spots amongst Indian travellers, with Tropical, Iconic City and National Parks also making appearances.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said, "The past year was about the revival and recovery of the travel industry. This year is expected to see travellers taking much-awaited international trips as well as exploring lesser known destinations in India and around the world. People are preparing their bucket lists for the year, and this growing appetite for travel is a positive sign. Our hosts are excited to welcome guests from across the world and make their stays memorable. We are committed to working with local hosts across the country, as well as the government stakeholders across states and at the center, to help ensure local communities can take advantage of this travel revolution."