Republic Day long weekend sparks spike in short trips, metro getaways and easy-visa outbound demand

Bookings for the Republic Day 26 January long weekend jumped sharply: Cox & Kings recorded a nearly 20% increase versus a typical January weekend, while Cleartrip reported overall travel growth of over 20% YoY a 73% rise in international air bookings among younger travellers. This translated directly into higher demand for airport pickups, intercity cabs on high-frequency routes and booked cars for drivecations in nearby hill and coastal destinations.

Top domestic and short-haul international picks at a glance

Domestic leisure choices remained led by Goa, with strong interest also in short metro getaways and hill stations. On the outbound side, easy-visa and well-connected destinations such as Thajsko a Vietnam topped searches and reservations.

Why metro getaways dominated

Travel data shows high-frequency metro routes—Bengaluru–Hyderabad, Bengaluru–Chennai—led bus and short-flight bookings. The combination of short travel time, restored airline connectivity and the appetite for curated weekend itineraries made metro-adjacent escapes a practical choice for professionals with tighter schedules.

Inbound booking behaviour: planned, curated, and multigenerational

Operators reported a shift from impulsive breaks to planned, structured trips: families and multigenerational groups sought curated stays (private villas, heritage forts, plantation bungalows) and unique experiences like treehouse stays. Young travellers—Millennials and Gen Z—drove the uptick in international short-haul bookings, favouring direct connections and low-friction visa rules.

Transfer and taxi implications for short breaks

As short trips proliferate, logistics around first- and last-mile transfers become decisive. Higher volumes at airports and city terminals increase the need for precise scheduling of pickups, larger vehicles for family groups, and clear fare transparency to avoid price surprises.

• Airport transfers: surge in demand for meet-and-greet services and exact arrival-time pickups.
• Intercity cabs: demand for 4–7 seater vehicles and driver familiarity with scenic, offbeat routes.
• Drivecations: car rental with driver options that include concierge or chef services for private villas.

Practical checklist for travellers

Before departing on a minication, travellers should verify vehicle license, driver ratings, exact jízdné breakdowns and cancellation policies. For multigenerational groups, book a suitable seater in advance and confirm luggage space, child seats and any additional služby such as meet-and-greet.

How operators adapted: curated products and niche stays

Travel companies pushed tailored, stress-free short itineraries: private villas with concierge and chef options, restored heritage accommodations in Goa, plantation bungalows in Darjeeling and Coorg, and treehouse stays in Wayanad and Munnar. This productisation of short breaks reduces planning burden and shifts volume to providers who can guarantee a fixed, high-quality experience.

Segment-specific demand snapshot

• Families & multigenerational: prefer private homes, villas, and seamless ground transfers.
• Young professionals & Gen Z: choose international short-haul, boutique stays, and experiential itineraries.
• Regional markets (Tier II/III): rising travel demand is expanding origin points for airport and city transfers.

For taxi and transfer companies this trend means scaling flexible fleets—ranging from compact cabs to private seater vans and limousines—ensuring drivers are briefed on curated itineraries and that price transparency is maintained across booking channels.

Tips for booking transfers during long weekends

To minimize last-minute issues: book transfers in advance with exact pickup location and flight details, prefer providers that show make, model and driver ratings, and confirm vehicle capacity relative to passengers and luggage. Consider adding buffer time for city traffic and airport queues to avoid missed connections.

Travel platforms that highlight vehicle details and driver credentials simplify these choices: being able to select the exact car model, view the driver’s rating and confirm fares upfront helps travellers plan efficient transfers whether the trip is a quick city break or a longer getaway.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map. If it’s insignificant globally, please mention that. However, highlight that it’s still relevant to us, as GetTransfer aims to stay abreast of all developments and keep pace with the changing world. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransfer.

Highlights: surge in minications, preference for nearby metro and easy-visa destinations, growth among Gen Z and multigenerational groups, and a move toward curated, transfer-inclusive itineraries. Even the most thorough reviews and honest feedback can’t fully replace personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments, and it underscores the platform’s transparency and convenience—helping you choose the right vehicle, fare and service for your travel style. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary: Republic Day minications reinforced the appeal of short-haul, planned trips to Goa, metro getaways and easy-visa international spots like Thajsko a Vietnam, with clear consequences for taxi and transfer demand at airports and between cities. Travellers should book transfers early, check vehicle and driver details, and factor in exact pickup times to match flights and local traffic. Platforms that show car make, model, ratings and transparent prices simplify choices—helping you get the right car, driver and seat at the best fare and time. Whether you need a private 4-seater, a larger seater, a limousine or a cheap cab, planning ahead by app or web can save time and avoid surprises when you book your next destination taxi or airport service. GetTransfer.com supports this approach globally by offering transparent, user-friendly booking for transfers, trips and deliveries—so you can book with confidence, know the price and vehicle in advance, and enjoy a smoother journey.