The New Winter Traveller: Why Young Indians Are Changing Peak-Season Travel
Last Updated:December 01, 2025, 12:19 ISTYoung Indians are reshaping winter travel with intentional choices, trust-based planning, boutique stays, curated experiences, and community-led recommendations.Young travellers seek authenticity over aspiration. They value honest reviews over curated reels, and micro-affirmation from their immediate circle far more than glossy campaigns.Winter has long been one of India’s busiest travel seasons, but the mindset of young Indian travellers is changing rapidly and significantly. What was once a predictable migration toward popular hill stations, mainstream attractions, and algorithm-driven “top winter destinations" has now evolved into something far more personal, intentional, and taste-driven.Krishna Shivdasani, Co-Founder and CEO, NowYouKnow Travel Social App, “Young travellers are moving away from generic travel formulas. Instead of chasing highly promoted or overhyped spots, they are choosing destinations that align with their routines, budgets, and micro-preferences. The winter break is no longer about simply “getting away", it’s about finding places that feel naturally compatible with their lifestyle."The platform’s early behavioural findings underline this shift clearly. Most young travellers still rely on their own inner circles rather than platforms or influencers when planning winter trips. The survey responses show that 98.5 percent consult friends or family, and 89 percent decide where to stay or eat based on people they trust. Only 3 percent use any app to exchange recommendations, with most planning still happening through WhatsApp threads, screenshots, and shared notes.This reliance on personal guidance has only intensified in a season marked by inflated prices, crowded airports, and information overload. In short: young people trust people, not platforms. Their planning behaviour is shifting toward recommendations that feel honest, contextual, and lived-in.Shivdasani adds, “This winter, younger travellers are gravitating toward accessible properties, slower itineraries, flexible budgets, and selective spending. They are choosing fewer plans, but ones that feel deeply aligned with who they are. The mindset is not impulsive anymore; it is thoughtful, deliberate, and highly personalised." And this shift is redefining peak-season architecture in ways the industry can no longer overlook.How Hospitality is RespondingHotels and lifestyle-led properties across India are beginning to adapt to this new traveller profile. One of the clearest indicators of this evolution comes from Hyatt Centric Juhu, a property that has reimagined its offerings to cater directly to this emerging audience.Speaking about the shift, Xenia Jamshyd Lam, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Juhu, says, “This winter, we’re seeing a clear shift in how young travellers make decisions. They’re prioritising meaningful experiences over traditional luxury. Local culture, wellness, pet-friendly stays, and digital-friendly spaces matter as much as room type or view. Value is important, but it’s value through flexibility, personalisation, and uniqueness rather than discounts alone."This redefinition of value fewer transactions, more meaning has prompted Hyatt Centric Juhu to reshape its winter offerings. Lam elaborates, “We’ve expanded curated local experiences, live-music evenings, scenic rooftop sundowners, and flexible work-and-stay offerings. Our winter packages now bundle dining credits, late check-outs, and experience-based add-ons, features that strongly resonate with this audience."Food, too, plays a central role in the winter preference shift. Hyatt Centric Juhu’s dining destinations, Nitara for authentic Indian flavours, Sesame for Asian artistry paired with timeless cocktails, and Caramel for indulgent desserts have become key pillars in delivering memorable, sensory-led winter experiences.A major pattern the hotel is observing is the power of trust-based travel. Lam notes, “Bookings increasingly stem from social proof. Micro-influencers, returning guests, peer recommendations, and authentic online storytelling are driving demand more than traditional advertising."This seamlessly aligns with NowYouKnow’s findings: young travellers seek authenticity over aspiration. They value honest reviews over curated reels, and micro-affirmation from their immediate circle far more than glossy campaigns.A New Blueprint for India’s Winter TravelAs the preferences of young Indians continue to evolve, certain patterns of growth are emerging:Boutique, lifestyle-led stays over large, generic propertiesCoastal destinations and wellness retreats over crowded hill stationsShorter, spontaneous, flexible trips instead of long, rigid itinerariesCommunity-driven decision-making through friends, micro-creators, and private digital circlesIntentional spending: fewer activities, richer experiencesTogether, they signal a fundamental transformation in how India travels in winter.Young travellers are no longer looking for the most popular choice, they’re seeking the most personal one.The industry is beginning to respond, but as both NowYouKnow and Hyatt Centric Juhu illustrate, the future of peak-season travel will be shaped not by mass appeal, but by micro-intentions, authenticity, and small circles of trust.About the AuthorSwati ChaturvediSwati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media professional with over 13 years of experience in journalism, digital content strategy, and editorial leadership across top national media houses. An alumna of Lady Shri Ram ...Read MoreSwati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media professional with over 13 years of experience in journalism, digital content strategy, and editorial leadership across top national media houses. An alumna of Lady Shri Ram ... Read MoreFirst Published:December 01, 2025, 12:04 ISTNews lifestyle travel The New Winter Traveller: Why Young Indians Are Changing Peak-Season TravelDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
