A key highlight of the survey reveals that 85% of respondents plan to travel more often in 2025, potentially doubling or tripling their holiday counts. In addition, 84% intend to raise their travel budgets by 20–50%, with about 18% aiming for a significant increase.
“The narrative of the Indian traveller transcends mere destinations—it mirrors the changing lifestyles and heightened aspirations,” remarked Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. “Our Holiday Report 2025 indicates the rise of an adventurous, experience-driven traveller mindset. Indians are not just travelling more; they are also spending more, opting for depth, discovery, and emotion over conventional sightseeing tours.”
Also read | The tea is warm, rooms are ready: Ladakh appeals to tourists to return in emotional campaign
Key Trends from the 2025 Report:
1. Travel as a lifestyle necessity: Approximately 60% of respondents identified social media, streaming services, and films as significant influences in their travel planning.
Simplified visa regulations and direct flights are facilitating travel to locations like Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, and Japan. About 44% prefer destinations that offer e-visas or visa on arrival, while 43% cite improved air connectivity as a key motivator.
Despite ambitious travel aspirations, 39% remain conscious of value, swayed by deals and promotions.
2. Shift towards longer and more frequent holidays: Most travellers plan to embark on four to six trips each year, up from just two in previous years.
About 54% are leaning towards extended vacations, with durations of 8–15 days.
Also read | 84% travellers opt for adventure sports cover; early insurance bookings up 100%: Policybazaar
3. Rise in experiential and phenomenon-based travel: Almost 75% of respondents are seeking experience-led holidays such as polar cruises, concerts, global sporting events, wildlife safaris, vineyard trails, and stargazing.
About 45% are attracted to phenomenon-based travel experiences, including the Northern Lights, Cherry Blossoms, and the Midnight Sun.
Gastronomy tourism is also gaining momentum (26%), with a keen interest in destinations like France, Spain, Japan, and South Korea.
Event tourism and wellness spa retreats are experiencing a surge in popularity.
4. Family and group travel leading the way: A significant 90% prefer travelling with companions: 65% with multigenerational families, 60% with partners, and 28% with ‘frolleagues’ (friends who are also colleagues).
Solo travelling, particularly among women and older individuals, is a growing trend.
Specialized trips like mother-daughter holidays and sibling excursions are gaining favor.
5. Increasing preference for premium travel: Over 36% are opting for luxury experiences that include supercar tours, private island dining, boutique accommodations, and cruise holidays.
Popular destinations among this demographic include Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, Australia, and New Zealand.
6. Top destinations for 2025: Europe tops the list (50%), with Switzerland, France, and Germany in high demand.
Southeast Asia (46%) and the Gulf region (37%) also show strong interest.
Other emerging favorites comprise Japan, South Korea, and Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Within India, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand lead the way, followed by North East India, Rajasthan, and Kerala.
7. Rise of new travel formats: Cruises (45%), self-drive trips (35%), and scenic train journeys (20%) are becoming increasingly popular.
There is a notable transition towards slower, immersive travel experiences that encourage deeper cultural engagement and relaxation.
8. Phygital booking behaviour: Booking patterns indicate that 58% prefer a hybrid approach—conducting research online but finalizing bookings via phone or in person.
While 68% book online, many still appreciate face-to-face consultations for expert advice and reassurance.
9. Evolving holiday styles:
Travellers are nearly evenly divided among tour preferences: 35% lean towards partially guided, 33% choose fully guided, while 32% opt for self-planned journeys.
10. Sustainability and technology: 37% are consciously opting for eco-friendly travel options.
35% are utilizing AI-driven tools and digital platforms for trip planning, bookings, and itinerary management.
SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, commented, “Our Holiday Report 2025 reflects the shift in travel formats, as Indians move away from hasty itineraries in favor of comfort-driven, immersive experiences. The trend of slow travel is gaining traction, particularly among young millennials and Gen Z.”
He remarked that spiritual tourism and adventure activities are particularly popular, with the company’s ‘darshans’ portfolio seeing increased demand. Nandakumar also emphasized the importance of phygital models, melding digital convenience with human interaction, in fostering customer trust.
