Following Prime Minister Modi's appeal to Indians to cut back on foreign travel, major Indian companies have quickly responded with concrete measures. EaseMyTrip launched a "Skip the Visa, Discover Bharat" campaign with front-page advertisements across major newspapers, while RPG Group issued an internal note to employees curtailing foreign travel to the bare minimum. Domestic air travel would also be reduced significantly, with cuts back on intercity meetings and conferences. As reported by Skift, EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder Rikant Pittie emphasized that the campaign predates Modi's call, stating it reflects a long-term structural opportunity around strengthening domestic tourism and improving discoverability of Indian destinations.
Rising travel costs are fundamentally changing how Indian families approach summer vacations. According to reports from BankBazaar.com, international airfares remain elevated while hotel prices continue to fluctuate, and currency depreciation has increased the cost of overseas holidays. Everyday expenses such as dining, transport, and shopping during trips have also become significantly more expensive. This cost crisis is prompting many households to reconsider expensive international vacations in favor of more practical and value-driven experiences. The situation becomes particularly challenging when domestic alternatives like Dehradun flights cost as much as international destinations like Colombo, making the math of foreign travel increasingly difficult for middle-class families.
As foreign travel becomes more expensive and uncertain, many travellers are exploring destinations within India instead. As reported by BankBazaar.com, domestic tourism offers greater flexibility, lower currency-related risks, and better control over travel budgets. Hill stations, beaches, cultural destinations, and short weekend trips are seeing growing interest from travellers looking for affordable experiences closer to home. Travelling within the country also reduces costs linked to visas, foreign exchange, and higher overseas spending, while supporting local businesses and regional economies during uncertain times. The corporate response to Modi's call further validates this trend, with companies like RPG Group reducing domestic travel expenses significantly.
For many families, travel is no longer only about expensive hotels or lavish itineraries. According to BankBazaar.com, the focus is increasingly shifting towards meaningful experiences, convenience, and smarter financial planning. Travellers are comparing prices more carefully, choosing practical accommodation, and planning trips within realistic budgets. Many are also reducing discretionary spending during vacations and prioritising experiences that fit comfortably within their finances. This helps maintain balance between leisure and long-term financial goals, with the current cost environment making such value-focused approaches even more essential.
Creating a travel budget before booking has become crucial for financial preparedness. As reported by BankBazaar.com, one of the biggest travel mistakes is underestimating total expenses, which often go beyond flights and hotels to include transport, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Without proper planning, holiday spending can quickly affect monthly budgets. Separating travel savings from regular expenses can also reduce reliance on credit cards or short-term borrowing, making disciplined planning more important than impulsive spending during uncertain times. The current environment where domestic alternatives cost as much as international destinations makes budgeting even more critical for financial stability.
Choosing value-focused travel does not mean compromising on enjoyment, according to BankBazaar.com. Smaller and more practical decisions can reduce financial pressure while still allowing families to take meaningful breaks. Travel habits are gradually evolving as households become more conscious about spending. Rising global uncertainty and expensive overseas travel are encouraging many Indians to rethink vacations this summer, focusing on value, flexibility, and financial stability rather than excess spending. The corporate response to Modi's call, with companies like RPG Group reducing travel expenses, validates this trend as a broader societal shift rather than individual preference.
