Many individuals find it challenging to navigate the workday without occasionally wishing for a certain colleague to experience a minor mishap, such as stubbing their toe against a desk. Conversely, some employees are actively engaging in after-work socializing with their peers. As we increasingly invest our time and energy into our professional roles, it has become common for groups of office friends to embark on vacations together, beyond the obligatory corporate retreats. The travel industry observes this trend with a mix of skepticism and interest.

It is often assumed that these team outings are primarily for the purpose of venting frustrations. While this may be a starting point, industry experts suggest there is more to it. “Common grievances about work frequently evolve into shared moments of joy and laughter over drinks. This dynamic makes urban nightlife and entertainment venues particularly appealing,” states Rikant Pittie, co-founder of the travel platform EaseMyTrip.

CEOs and senior executives are unlikely to take vacations together. Instead, it is typically junior and mid-level employees, often in groups of four to six, who are inclined to set aside a long weekend or an extended break for a getaway. “Mixed-gender groups are prevalent, mirroring workplace dynamics,” states Devendra Parulekar, the founder of SaffronStays, a hospitality and property management firm.

While it may not be immediately apparent, colleagues approach vacations differently, according to industry experts. They all seek to recharge and escape the pressures of work at a similar level. Furthermore, each individual is a contributing member of the workforce, eager for new experiences and inclined to engage in social signaling. Consequently, they tend to spend more than typical groups of friends or families. “Group dinners, cocktail hours, and beachside gatherings are favored, but the essence of these trips lies in shared experiences, connections, and the creation of lasting memories,” remarks SD Nandakumar, president and country head for holidays and corporate tours at SOTC.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE, and visa services at Thomas Cook India, notes that the majority of vacation expenditures among colleagues are motivated by experiences rather than material goods. “They are prepared to invest more in unique, shareable moments and prioritize Instagrammable activities, adventure excursions, and tailored itineraries.” Thus, where else would #VacationGoals originate if not from Instagram and other social media platforms?

Working it out

Dhruvi Shah Mota, aged 37, and Arzoo Jajodia, aged 38, were employed in different divisions of a technology startup in Mumbai several years ago. They quickly discovered that they shared more common interests with each other than with their other coworkers. In June 2024, they organized a four-day getaway to Goa. “We indulged in a variety of cuisines, relaxed on the beach, enjoyed foot massages, danced, and created lasting memories,” Shah Mota recounts.

Since then, Shah Mota has transitioned to her family's cinema exhibition enterprise, while Jajodia has taken a position at a finance firm. Nevertheless, they are already planning their next excursion. “My current friends have children and family obligations,” Shah Mota explains. “I have traveled with them as well, but coordinating plans has become more challenging.” In contrast, traveling with a former colleague is significantly more straightforward. “She is an easy travel companion and actively proposes trips, taking the initiative in planning and managing the details.”

In Pune, Dhruvi Khanvholia embarked on a journey to Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Triyugnarayan with five former and current colleagues, all engineers, in September 2024. The foundation of their friendship was already established, she notes. “We spent over eight hours together daily at the office. We anticipated that we would get along well even before the trip. So, when the opportunity for a holiday presented itself, we eagerly seized it.”

The planning process was straightforward, as they were all between the ages of 24 and 28 and approximately within the same salary range. This made it easy to establish a budget and even stretch it slightly. “At each destination, we had specific activities we wanted to experience, such as river rafting in Rishikesh and attending the Ganga aarti in Haridwar,” Khanvholia recalls. “We sought accommodations that could accommodate our group at most locations. Where that was not feasible, we opted for hotel rooms.”

In the know

Spending extended hours in close proximity to a colleague is likely to foster some level of connection; however, it requires more than mere acquaintance for employees to choose to spend their days off together. According to Aditi Surana, a behavior expert and high-performance coach, online connectivity plays a significant role in this decision-making process. “In the past, we were more inclined to take risks with new acquaintances. Today, that is less common. We seek ratings and reviews for everything, including potential travel companions. Social media enables us to evaluate our colleagues in advance,” she explains.

Traveling with colleagues, rather than long-time friends, can also provide a sense of liberation. “There is a reduced emotional investment involved—you are not obligated to engage in profound conversations,” Surana notes. “Moreover, there is an expectation for everyone to maintain a certain level of decorum. This allows for a respite without the emotional obligations that often accompany friendships. It is a matter of convenience over deep connection.”

It is no surprise that hotels, booking platforms, and tour operators are enthusiastic about this emerging market. It benefits their businesses as well as the organizations of the vacationers. This trend enables more individuals to take time off, rejuvenates the workforce, and cultivates a sense of camaraderie that may alleviate the challenges of upcoming work periods. “Travel companies aiming to attract working holidaymakers should emphasize digital marketing on platforms like Instagram, where this demographic is most engaged,” advises Nandakumar. “The emphasis should be on promoting shareable social experiences, such as group excursions, distinctive local activities, and visually captivating destinations.”

Rikant recommends that operators consider offering referral discounts, group booking incentives, points-based promotions, and corporate partnerships, similar to the practices of bars in office districts. Given that at least one participant is likely to bring their laptop, accommodations featuring Wi-Fi and designated workspaces will be particularly appealing. Meanwhile, employers may experience a sense of mild envy.

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