Lifestyle Trend: 86 per cent Indians find this Valentine’s gesture ‘sexy’. It’s not flowers You Should Know

It’s that time of the year when everyone is talking about love. Brands are milking it, restaurants are rolling out special menus, there are discounts almost everywhere, and flower shops are working overtime. Even your quick e-commerce delivery app has a special gifting section. It’s Valentine’s Week, after all.

But it’s not just about or limited to dinners, diamonds or roses anymore. You ask what’s hot this season? Travel.

According to a recent survey by Booking.com, what’s really making hearts race this year is initiative, specifically, a partner who plans and books an entire trip. In fact, 86 per cent of Indian travellers admit they find it “sexy” when a partner surprises them with a fully booked getaway. Maybe this season, travel is the new love language people are choosing to communicate in.

This season of love, Indians are looking for more passport stamps and new places to unpack, this time with their partner. Even experts agree that taking a trip with your partner can help strengthen the bond and help you understand each other better. Why wait for the honeymoon to be your first trip together?

What women want

For many women, it’s not even about the destination. It’s about the effort. The study shows that 76 per cent of Indian women believe men should take charge of planning vacations.

And here’s where it gets interesting: “92 per cent of women find it attractive” when a partner takes the lead on planning and booking. Meanwhile, 82 per cent would rather be with someone who curates thoughtful experiences over anyone else. There’s a reason for this too.

The data concludes that when a partner handles the logistics, women say they feel loved (74 per cent), excited and genuinely grateful. Nearly all respondents admitted they would be happier if their partner occasionally took over the entire booking process. Initiative, it turns out, doesn’t just lighten the mental load, it deepens the connection.

So, why isn’t everyone doing it?

Practically, it’s easier said than done.

For some, planning a vacation may feel like high-stakes — flights, budgets, expectations, Instagram-worthy moments. We get it. While the idea of travelling with your partner sounds aspirational and romantic, the hesitation is valid.

About 22 per cent of travellers admit they simply don’t know where to begin, while 20 per cent are anxious due to perfection pressure, worried they might mess up the itinerary. Nearly half say they’ve fallen into the habit of letting their partner handle all the planning, and 35 per cent would rather tackle holiday shopping solo than take full responsibility for organising an entire vacation. It’s all a mix of doubt, habit and fear of getting it wrong.

It’s important one doesn’t take the pressure that kills the joy. Perfection isn’t the goal. Looking at the stats, it’s the effort, the idea that counts. Maybe it’s starting small — a weekend drive, a nearby staycation, a surprise train ticket.

One partner may take the lead and then together plan out a day, a weekend or a week, as per your comfort and wallet too.

Top romantic destinations

While some couples are still mulling over plans, many are already deep in search mode, building itineraries, comparing stays and locking in bookings. Interestingly, Cleartrip’s Peekaboo Travel Trend Tracker reports a significant 175 per cent surge for hotel bookings during the V-Day weekend.

So, where is everyone headed?

According to Agoda, Pondicherry has emerged as a favourite, recording a 48 per cent increase in accommodation searches compared to last year. The coastal town continues to charm couples with its seaside promenades, French-era streets that make for slow, hand-in-hand strolls.

Varkala has recorded a 41 per cent rise in travel interest, drawing couples to its cliff side coastline and cosy cafes overlooking the Arabian Sea, while Udaipur has seen a 33 per cent increase, with its lakes, palaces and heritage hotels continuing to make it a romantic favourite.

Internationally, Dubai and Hong Kong remain popular choices, while Colombo is emerging as a breakout destination with over 65 per cent growth in bookings. The trend suggests that travellers are increasingly willing to swap traditional dinner dates for quick international getaways too.

Yes, people are concerned for genuine connections and micro-mances, but sometimes mixing it up with moves like planning a trip can help the relationship too. At the ned, it’s about building and nurturing it with the best you may!

– Ends