Budget hotels in India have gained a bad reputation across the world, but a growing middle class and a desire to travel have sparked the creation of new mid-market options offering clean, comfortable rooms without a luxury price tag. So what’s got Indians looking to explore their home turf?

India’s travel and tourism industry is set to grow by over 7% in 2014, with more Indian youths realising their dream to see the world. Once a distant aspiration, holidays are now a tangible reality that urbanites will pay for. But what motivations are driving their travel plans?

With technology making flexible working arrangements easier, business travel is becoming more common than ever. For workers in India, it can even lead to better productivity – a survey shows that many people enjoy the perks of travelling for work, and often feel more motivated as a result.

Domestic airfares in India are among the cheapest in the world at just 13 cents per kilometre. As holidaymakers nationwide take advantage of these low fares, they’ve got more cash to splash on high-end hotels or luxury experiences, which can help to ease the stress of work.