2025 is set to transform the way we approach vacations. While fast-paced itineraries have long been the norm, this year marks a shift towards a more leisurely and relaxed style of travel.
The spotlight is now on embracing immersive experiences, as the latest "stay away longer" trend encourages travellers to bid farewell to short trips and savour extended getaways like never before.
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What Is The 'Stay Away Longer' Trend?
According to Skift Research's 2025 Travel Outlook report, this year will see a rise in longer getaways. The year will bring a slow and steady baseline of growth amid divergence, challenges and change.
The quest to travel will surpass weekend getaways. Instead, travellers will seek longer breaks from work and home to have fascinating experiences.
The trend is all about seeking deeper connection with the destination rather than the concept of travel itself. This shift also indicates a move away from rapid, multi-location trips towards more meaningful trips with a focus on single destinations.
Long Stays Over Short
This year tends to see a growth in the travel industry. The report revealed that the consumer intends to travel more often and spend more on travel. According to the report, there will be a surge in booking by 24 percent.
Hotels are prepping for the year's escalated travel plans.
"There has been a significant rise in the preference for longer stays, with travellers opting for more immersive, extended holidays rather than short getaways," Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, tells NDTV Lifestyle.
How Are Hotels Gearing Up?
Extended breaks are on the cards, and hotels and resorts are extending their offerings a unique experience.
The idea of weekend staycations are being replaced with longer hotel getaways even for local guests, as a means to escape the regular, if travelling to a new destination is not on the cards.
"We are seeing more guests now booking stays for 4 to 5 nights, compared to the typical 2-night stays in the past," Namby says.
Akanksha Lamba, Co-Founder and Senior Vice-President Operations at The Postcard Hotel, weighs in.
"To cater to this trend, we have introduced specially curated packages for a minimum of five nights. These packages are thoughtfully designed to offer guests a blend of relaxation and discovery, with wholesome experiences in and around the hotel," she tells NDTV Lifestyle.
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Travellers' Priority: Quality Over Quantity
Travel enthusiasts are leaning towards quality experience to indulge in.
Akanksha Lamba tells NDTV Lifestyle, "One key insight we've noted is that longer stays often translate into higher engagement with our offerings, whether it's savouring regionally inspired cuisines, indulging in bespoke wellness sessions, or participating in nature-based activities. The trend underscores a shift in priorities, where travellers value connect, quality and authenticity over quantity."
The shift in longer getaways has also made working remotely a breeze while not compromising on the peaceful ambience of a new destination.
Dr Anmol Ahluwalia, Area Director, Operations and General Manager, Taj Mahal, New Delhi, seconds the opinion.
"We have observed a notable rise in bookings for extended stays, driven by travellers who are eager to explore a single destination in depth in the growing flexibility of work-from-anywhere arrangements," he tells NDTV Lifestyle.
Everyone loves an incentive. Of course, travel is already one but an added privilege is always welcome.
"Longer stays are further elevated with offers like 'Stay A Bit Longer,' which rewards guests who stay for three nights or more with special savings on their stay and food and soft beverages, and 'Suite Surprises,' providing savings on suite bookings, daily breakfast, Club access, and more," says Dr Ahluwalia.
Why Stay Away Longer
Stepping away from regular routines and indulging an immersive experience for a longer duration not only allows more time to discover a place but also feels extremely relaxing. Staying away longer embraces the idea of quality over quantity as it helps one escape the hustle of jumping from one place to another. It is also cost effective.
While 2024 was all about slow travel and the benefits of it, 2025 seems to be a year we embrace staying away longer.
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