Cox & Kings is witnessing a strong surge in travel demand around the upcoming Republic Day long weekend, highlighting how extended breaks are increasingly encouraging short, experience-led holidays among India’s working professionals. Based on internal booking trends, the company has recorded nearly a 20 per cent increase in bookings for the 26 January long weekend compared to a regular January weekend, indicating a shift toward planned and purposeful travel.
Travellers are now planning earlier and opting for well-structured itineraries that fit into tight work schedules. According to Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings, long weekends have evolved into intentional travel moments rather than impulsive escapes, with travellers valuing curated experiences that allow them to truly disconnect without the stress of planning.
Domestic destinations continue to dominate long-weekend travel, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total bookings. Popular choices include hill destinations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, heritage cities such as Jaipur and Udaipur, and wildlife destinations across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as travellers seek relaxation, culture, and nature within a four- to five-day timeframe.
International travel represents close to one-third of bookings, with short-haul destinations seeing strong traction. Dubai, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Singapore are emerging as favourites due to easy connectivity, simplified visa processes, and the ability to offer rich experiences within a short duration.
The data also reflects a shift in traveller demographics, with a notable rise in bookings from corporate professionals aged 25–45, along with growing demand from families and multi-generational travellers. Group tours and customised holidays together account for over 60 per cent of long-weekend bookings, underscoring a preference for convenience and end-to-end travel planning.
Additionally, Cox & Kings has observed a 15–18 per cent increase in average spend per booking, as travellers opt for better accommodations, guided experiences, and slower-paced itineraries. As work-life boundaries continue to blur, long weekends are emerging as a consistent driver of travel demand, with short, curated getaways expected to gain further momentum through 2026.
