The festive season is approaching, and December travel plans are already picking up pace. Families, couples, and especially Gen Z travelers are gearing up for year-end vacations — but that excitement comes with a bigger price tag. Flight fares and hotel rates have surged by 20–30% as holiday demand rises sharply. In such situations, smart planning can help keep your holiday expenditure under control without compromising on the fun.

Gen Z prefers budget-smart travel

Young travelers are increasingly prioritizing value over lavish luxury. As per travel insights from platforms like Escape Plan, over 60% of Gen Z tourists prefer spending on outdoor experiences and local adventures rather than burning money on expensive hotels. Their ideal accommodation budget? Usually ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per night — enough for comfort but still reasonable.

This shift in mindset is helping travelers explore more while saving money for memorable moments like beach parties, cultural events and adventure sports.

Slight schedule changes = big savings

Experts suggest that your travel dates heavily influence total trip cost.
Here’s how to save:

✈️ Fly between Tuesday and Thursday
Flight tickets drop 10–35% on mid-week days.
Example: A Goa flight costing ₹12,000 during peak days can come down to ₹5,500 on a weekday shift.

🚗 Choose road trips for short distances
Traveling 200–300 km by road instead of flying can cut travel expenses by 40–60%.
Road journeys also give more flexibility and scenic experiences.

Early bookings already rising

Holiday bookings for December have already begun surging.

According to Paytm Travel CEO Vikas Jalan:

“Pre-bookings from travelers aged 18–30 have increased by 15% in the last two weeks.”

Young holidaymakers are opting for:

✔ Free cancellations
✔ Fare filters
✔ Micro-budgeting
✔ Flexible travel passes

The money they save is redirected toward local festivals, outdoor activities, and adventure events — making their trip more memorable.

Stay slightly away from hotspots

Premium areas near beaches or city centers are always expensive in December.
Travel experts recommend:

📌 Book accommodations a little away from main attractions
This can reduce stay costs by 30–40%.

📌 For international trips like Bali or Colombo
A direct flight may shorten a 5-day plan down to 3 days — meaning you spend more in less time.
Connecting flights may be cheaper and allow longer stays.

Additionally, platforms offering cross-category travel deals can help boost your total savings.

Pre-booking hotels helps avoid price shocks

Hotel room rates increase rapidly when occupancy passes 60% in holiday destinations.

Booking early provides:

✔ Lower room rates
✔ More stay options
✔ Better locations

Staying 1–3 km outside the prime tourist belt can reduce hotel costs by 20–35% — with easy commute options still available.

Choose serviced apartments or homestays

For family trips, skipping traditional hotels can save a major chunk.

Benefits of serviced apartments / homestays:

• 30–40% cheaper than multiple hotel rooms


• More space: living room + kitchen


• Home-like comfort for kids and elderly


• Self-cooking = major savings on dining

This makes group travel both economical and comfortable.

Use travel cards for smarter payments

Travel cards aren’t just convenient — they reduce spending too.
According to Ravindra Rai, MD & CEO of BoB Cards:

“A good travel card offers reward points, cashback, partner discounts, and waived annual fees — leading to significant savings.”

Many banks also provide:

✔ Complimentary travel insurance
✔ Airport lounge access
✔ Discounts via MakeMyTrip, Paytm Travel, EaseMyTrip partnerships

Bottom line

December holidays don’t have to break the bank. With early planning, flexible dates, smart accommodation choices, and strategic payment methods, you can enjoy the festive season to the fullest — without stretching your budget.

Smart planning = More experiences + Less expenditure