MakeMyTrip reveals Republic Day 2026 long weekend trends: Goa emerges as top domestic choice, Thailand rules abroad

Published on: Jan 22, 2026, 15:17:37 IST

By Sugandha Rawal

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Goa topped the list last year too. (Photo: End Time Prayers)

Republic Day 2026: When it comes to the top 5 leisure domestic destinations, Goa continues to dominate as the most sought-after domestic location.

Republic Day 2026: As the Republic Day long weekend rolls in, travellers are all set to pack their bags and make the most of the first extended holiday of the year. In fact, Goa has emerged as the most picked domestic destination for a getaway, with Thailand reigning supreme on the international front.

How is India travelling this Republic Day

On Thursday, MakeMyTrip released its latest travel trends report, offering a snapshot of the holiday mood and the most in-demand destinations on the Republic Day long weekend this year.

As per the report, the Republic Day holiday falling on a Monday “acted as a catalyst for travel, compared to last year when the January 26 holiday fell on a Sunday”. Travel spike has been observed starting from January 23 and peaks on January 24.

When it comes to the top 5 leisure domestic destinations, Goa, with its cocktail of beaches, boutique stays and relaxed daytime culture, continues to dominate as the most sought-after domestic destination.

Jaipur’s royal allure secures the second spot on the list, closely followed by the scenic charm of Udaipur in third place. Some travellers are heading north in search of snowfall, pushing Manali to the fourth position, others are opting for quieter coastal escapes, with the serene appeal of Pondicherry rounding off the top five getaways.

Last year, Goa was on the top of the list, followed by Udaipur, Jaipur, Manali and Munnar.

Top 5 international destinations

On the international front, Thailand is the clear winner. Close on its heels is the UAE, continuing to draw travellers with its mix of luxury and convenience. Vietnam’s rising appeal places it third, thanks to its blend of culture, cuisine and affordability, while Malaysia claims the fourth spot as a laid-back escape. Rounding off the list is Singapore, whose polished cityscape and rich cultural offerings continue to entice Indian travellers.

Breaking down the trend, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said, “The appetite for weekend travel remains strong, with the extended Republic Day weekend presenting an opportunity for travel. There is a preference for nearby destinations, evident in the top travel choices from each metro. That said, Goa remains the favourite leisure destination within India. Internationally, the skew towards easy-visa destinations continues to gain traction. Countries with direct connectivity to multiple cities are leading demand, with Thailand at the forefront and Vietnam also performing strongly.”

According to the report, Vietnam rose from 10th place in 2025 to become the 3rd most booked destination for the long-weekend this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sugandha Rawal
Sugandha Rawal has been writing about entertainment and lifestyle for over 13 years, and if there's one thing that's kept her going, it's a genuine love for storytelling. She completed her graduation in Journalism from the University of Delhi and went on to earn her Master of Media from IP University. Beginning her career in the fast-paced environment of news wire reporting, she learned the art of accuracy, speed, and storytelling under pressure. She later expanded her horizons in print journalism, where she honed her feature-writing skills and developed a keen eye for detail and narrative depth. These days, she's firmly rooted in digital journalism, adapting and evolving with a media landscape that never sits still. Over the years, Sugandha has covered everything from Bollywood and celebrity culture to wellness trends and lifestyle shifts. She enjoys spotting the drama behind headlines, the emotion behind interviews, and the details that others might miss. When she is not chasing the latest entertainment update or lifestyle trend, you will find her observing the cultural shifts that shape the stories we consume every day.Read More

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