Most of the respondents see a vacation in a very positive light – 72% of respondents take vacation as a way to create memorable moments and spending quality time with buddies. The survey found that 86% of Indians are likely to enjoy a vacation with their buddies over their family. Furthermore, the study also reveals that 49% of respondents chose close friends and work colleagues as ‘ideal travel companions.’

‘DOSTI KI hai toh nibhani padegi’ –a famous dialogue from a classic Bollywood movie. Sounds too cheesy? Absolutely not says, ICICI Lombard. A recent study commissioned by the leading private non-life insurer on the occasion of World Tourism Day reveals that Indians take vacations with their buddies (aka “Buddycation”) and make compromises individually in order to fulfil promises of the whole group.

The survey suggests that school or college friends in India are more inclined to meet over an annual ‘Buddycation’ (21%) than during their annual alumni meet (16%). As per the survey, respondents in Mumbai (29%), Ahmedabad (26%) and Hyderabad (22%) are most likely to to take an annual vacation with friends, while respondents in Chennai (32%) and Delhi (22%) are more likely to meet their school or college friends at their annual alumni meet.

Most of the respondents see a vacation in a very positive light – 72% of respondents take vacation as a way to create memorable moments and spending quality time with buddies. The survey found that 86% of Indians are likely to enjoy a vacation with their buddies over their family. Furthermore, the study also reveals that 49% of respondents chose close friends and work colleagues as ‘ideal travel companions.’

There is a shift in the travelling pattern of Indian masses. Indians are leaving behind their families in favour of buddies to explore new places and experiences. This is a reflection of a larger trend in India where young people are choosing ‘Buddycation’ over the family vacation. According to Skyscanner India, 24% of millennial travellers prefer travelling with their friends compared to 17% who would travel with their family.

On the survey, Sanjeev Mantri, Executive Director, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd. said, “At ICICI Lombard, our brand commitment is all about keeping promises; and this is precisely the basis of true friendship. Vacations are increasingly an occasion for friends to renew relationships, enjoy each other’s company, and experience the pleasure of ‘collective decision-making’. It is all about bringing joy to the entire group – that is the essence of the modern Buddycation.”

The study provides quantifiable proof of the growing influence friendship holds over decision making. For instance, 2 out of 5 respondents admitted that they have skipped a site/location because their friend wanted to go somewhere else. Decisions like these often create uncertainties. The survey findings indicate that while respondents are willing to face different uncertainties and adventures on the buddycation, they are hardly prepared. Only 25% admitted that they would ensure buying travel insurance before setting off on their vacation while 35% said that they would simply check with other friends who had travelled to the destination earlier.

“As a brand, our objective is to ensure that when individuals travel with their friends, they are focused only on their priorities and have fun. However, it is extremely important that they secure their travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy. This is no longer an alternative, but a necessity.” says Sanjeev Mantri.

The survey provided some eye-opening insights into the vagabond world of travellers and decoded some of the habits and behaviours yet unknown to service providers. The study which interviewed around 1555 respondents from Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai, on a lighter note, explored the roles people assume when on ‘Buddycation’.