Currency-driven travel planning lifts last-minute intl. bookings by 30%; Dubai, Vietnam emerge festive favourites: Report
Currency-aware planning drives nearly 30% rise in last-minute international bookings; Dubai and Vietnam lead festive trips. Over 65% of bookings are for holidays under five days.
This winter season is witnessing a distinct shift in how Indians plan international holidays, as currency movements and festive-season costs are increasingly shaping travel decisions. According to Cox & Kings, travellers are opting for shorter international getaways planned closer to departure, choosing destinations that offer easy visa access, predictable on-ground expenses, and lower exposure to long-haul, dollar-linked travel costs.
Cox & Kings data shows that last-minute international bookings made within 15–20 days of travel have risen by nearly 30% compared to last winter, with over 65% of these bookings being for trips lasting under five days. Rather than dampening travel demand, the current environment is encouraging a more calibrated approach, with Indian travellers prioritising value, convenience, and experience density during the Christmas and New Year period.
Within this shift, Dubai and Vietnam have emerged as the most preferred destinations for festive-season travel, outperforming several traditional winter favourites despite being in peak season. Strong flight connectivity from India, streamlined visa processes, and the ability to deliver multiple experiences within compact itineraries have made both destinations particularly attractive for last-minute planners.
"What’s changed most this winter is who is travelling at short notice, nearly 45% of our last-minute winter bookings are coming from families travelling with children and senior members, especially for destinations like Dubai where safety, medical infrastructure and indoor experiences matter. At the same time, Vietnam is seeing a sharp rise in young adults and first-time international travellers”, said Karan Agarwal, Director Cox & Kings.
Why Dubai Has Become India’s “Instant Winter Escape”
Dubai continues to command the largest share of last-minute winter bookings, particularly among families with children and senior travellers. Cox & Kings notes a visible rise in multi-generational travel to Dubai this season, supported by the destination’s safety, medical infrastructure, and wide range of indoor and weather-independent experiences.
Direct connectivity from multiple Indian cities, combined with a packed winter events calendar, has made Dubai a dependable choice even during peak crowds. The ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival, alongside newer entertainment zones and upgraded attractions, has further encouraged short-notice travel. Travellers are increasingly opting for 3–4-night itineraries, layering classic sightseeing with immersive experiences such as: Indoor ski and snow park attractions, Desert safaris with curated dining experiences, Theme parks and aquariums for children, Leisure-led city tours and waterfront dining suited to seniors
Vietnam’s Rapid Rise
If Dubai is India’s spontaneous luxury escape, Vietnam has emerged as the blockbuster value destination of the season. It has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for last-minute winter bookings among millennials, Gen Z travellers, and young couples, according to Cox & Kings’ data. While winter is Vietnam’s peak travel period and inventory remains tight in certain regions, clarity around e-visa processes and improving air connectivity have supported sustained late bookings.
Popular inclusions shaping last-minute travel decisions include Overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay, Cultural stays in Hoi An and central Vietnam, Hanoi’s café culture and food trails, Scenic motorbike routes and nature-led experiences in the north
Beyond destination-specific trends, Cox & Kings notes a broader behavioural change among Indian travellers this winter. Consumers are making quicker decisions, choosing shorter holidays, and prioritising experiences over long stays. There is also a clear preference for destinations with visa-on-arrival or streamlined e-visa processes. This season, countries like Oman, Sri Lanka, and Bali are also seeing a steady rise in last-minute interest, though Dubai and Vietnam lead by a significant margin.
With travellers increasingly favouring destinations that balance access, affordability and rich experiences, Dubai and Vietnam are set to remain strong contenders through the winter. As Indian consumers lean into spontaneity and shorter breaks, Cox & Kings expects last-minute international bookings to continue rising, signalling a fundamental shift in how Indians travel during the winter season.
