Top Destinations Shaping Valentine’s Travel Trends

Rise Of Curated Valentine’s Getaways

This Valentine’s Day, Indian couples are taking their celebrations of love beyond traditional dinner dates and red roses, opting instead for curated international escapes. Recent insights highlight a growing preference for experience-driven travel, with couples seeking personalised itineraries, extended stays, and indulgent romantic experiences. From floating breakfasts in Bali and the Maldives to private beachside dinners in the Maldives, Valentine’s Day travel in 2026 focuses on creating meaningful connections and unforgettable moments.

Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder, Pickyourtrail said, “Valentine’s Day travel has evolved into a deeply personal celebration for couples. What we’re seeing is a clear shift—from symbolic gestures to thoughtfully curated journeys. Couples are willing to spend more, stay longer, and customise every detail to create experiences that feel intimate, exclusive, and truly special.”

Maldives, Bali, Thailand & Dubai Lead Romantic Travel Choices

Maldives, Thailand, Bali, and Dubai have emerged as the most sought-after Valentine’s destinations, driven by the ability to offer high levels of personalisation. Couples are increasingly requesting romantic setups such as beachside candlelight dinners, floating breakfasts, private island tours, and luxury desert experiences, making these destinations ideal for tailored romantic escapes.

Valentine’s Getaways Are Longer and More Intentional

Valentine’s vacations typically span three–five days, with couples capitalising on long weekends to enjoy extended romantic getaways. Rather than quick breaks, travellers are choosing immersive trips that allow them to unwind, explore, and celebrate together at a relaxed pace.

Couples Are Spending More on Love

International Valentine’s travel budgets have grown 20–33 per cent year-on-year in 2026 compared to 2025, reflecting a strong willingness to invest in premium experiences. Couples are upgrading accommodations, opting for curated activities, and prioritising exclusivity—making Valentine’s travel one of the most premium travel periods of the year.

Adventure Meets Romance

Valentine’s travellers today no longer have to choose between romance and adventure, they seek a combination of both. Around 60–65 per cent of couples interested in adventure lean towards soft adventure activities, with an average trip expenditure of about INR 2.5 lakh. Meanwhile, those who favor boutique stays tend to opt for premium accommodations, spending between INR 20,000 and INR 40,000 per night. Popular experiences include island hopping, wildlife encounters, ATV rides, desert safaris, and waterfront dining, such as dhow cruises, all of which are currently in high demand.

Personalisation Is Now Essential, Not Optional

Customisation has become a key focus in Valentine’s travel planning. Between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of couples actively seek personalized itineraries, while 45 per cent tailor their experiences with options like private beach dinners, sunset cruises, floating breakfasts, and exclusive tours. Bookings for personalised Valentine’s trips have increased by 12.5 per cent year-on-year. Additionally, couples spend 42 per cent more on customised accommodations and demonstrate a 33 per cent stronger preference for luxury hotels compared to solo travellers.

Millennials & Gen Z Are Driving Experiential Travel

Millennials and Gen Z are leading a 15 per cent YoY surge in experiential Valentine’s travel, gravitating towards adventure-driven destinations in Southeast Asia such as Thailand and Bali. In contrast, established couples in higher income brackets and long-term relationships continue to favour luxury escapes in the Maldives, highlighting clear demographic-based travel preferences.

Authentic Local Experiences Gain Popularity

Couples are increasingly seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that offer cultural immersion alongside romance. From exploring local markets to wildlife encounters in Bali’s Sacred Monkey Forest and tiger parks in Pattaya, travellers are prioritising meaningful engagement with local culture over traditional sightseeing.

Planned Yet Spontaneous: Booking Patterns Shift

Most Valentine’s trips are booked 16–30 days in advance, striking a balance between spontaneity and smart planning. This window allows couples to secure better availability and optimal pricing for premium experiences without compromising on choice.

Repeat Travellers Strengthen Loyalty

Valentine’s travel is experiencing growth among both new and returning travelers. First-time international Valentine’s travellers have increased by 7 per cent, indicating market expansion, while repeat travellers have grown by 13 per cent, highlighting strong satisfaction and loyalty. Couples remain the most valuable segment, consistently spending more on personalized experiences and luxury accommodations compared to other types of travellers.