As New Year celebrations hit full swing, holiday travel in India has turned into a mixed bag of exhilaration and exhaustion. Popular destinations from hill stations to beaches and heritage cities are bursting at the seams, creating severe traffic snarls and frustrations for travellers. Roads to hill towns like Shimla and Manali have seen massive congestion as thousands flock for winter festivities, while within cities authorities are issuing strict traffic advisories and road closures to manage crowds and ensure safety. Peak season demand has also driven up travel costs significantly, with flights and hotel rooms commanding hefty premiums that leave many travellers questioning the value of their plans. Maddening crowds, long delays, and stretched infrastructure have even pushed some travel experts to suggest that skipping big trips might save both money and stress.

Despite the holiday spirit, stories of stranded vehicles, extended travel times, and sky-high prices have flooded social media, prompting a rethink: sometimes celebrating at home or postponing travel to off-peak times offers a more relaxing and affordable experience. This holiday season’s travel reality shows that what looks like a dream getaway can quickly turn into a test of patience and pocket if not planned carefully.