France, Switzerland, Iceland, and Beyond The Booming Trend of Extended Luxury Vacations and Bucket-List Journeys as Indians Revamp Their Travel Habits – Travel And Tour World

India’s Travel Trends for 2025: A New Era of Exploration

In 2025, Indian travelers are gearing up for a transformative year, with dramatic shifts in how they approach vacations. According to the India Holiday Report published by Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. and SOTC Travel, a survey of over 2,500 respondents reveals a clear trend: Indians are not only taking more trips but are also extending their vacations and increasing their travel budgets. These changes are set to have a lasting impact on the global travel industry.

The Rise in Vacations and Extended Stays

For years, many Indian families stuck to a routine of just two vacations annually. However, that pattern is shifting significantly. In 2025, 85% of travelers surveyed indicated that they plan to take between 4 to 6 holidays each year, signaling a desire for more frequent getaways. This trend is not only about quantity but also about enhancing the quality of these holidays.

A notable 54% of respondents plan to extend their vacations by 5 to 10 extra days. This means that trips, once confined to short, quick breaks, are now evolving into 8 to 15-day adventures. This increased duration offers travelers a chance to fully absorb their destinations, a trend that could reshape how travel agencies and airlines approach long-term bookings and itineraries.

Bigger Budgets for Bigger Experiences

Indian travelers are also prepared to increase their spending to make the most of their vacations. 84% of those surveyed revealed they are willing to spend 20 to 50% more on their holidays in 2025. More remarkably, 18% plan to boost their budgets by over 50%. This shift towards higher spending indicates a growing appetite for luxury and high-end experiences.

This uptick in travel budgets isn’t limited to better hotels or upgraded flights. The report indicates that Indians are increasingly interested in experiential travel. Whether it’s indulging in food trails through Spain, luxury shopping in Bicester Village in the UK, or embarking on bespoke cultural journeys, more travelers are seeking exclusive, memorable experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Bucket-List Travel Becomes the Norm

One of the most significant shifts highlighted by the report is a move away from generic, packaged tours to more unique, bucket-list experiences. 60% of Indian travelers now prioritize activities and destinations that offer something extraordinary. Some of the most sought-after travel experiences include:

• Chasing natural phenomena, such as the Aurora Borealis in Norway, the Cherry Blossoms in Japan, or the Midnight Sun in Iceland.
• Polar cruises that take travelers to remote corners of the Arctic and Antarctic for an experience unlike any other.
• Attending global music festivals, where fans can enjoy live performances in iconic locations.
• Exploring vineyard trails in Europe or embarking on thrilling wildlife safaris in Africa.
• Culinary pilgrimages to some of the world’s finest food destinations, including France, Thailand, and Japan.
• Seeking relaxation and rejuvenation at luxury wellness retreats in places like Bali, Kerala, and Thailand.

Additionally, cruises (45%), self-drive tours (35%), and scenic train journeys (20%) are becoming increasingly popular among Indian travelers, reflecting a desire for more flexible, personalized travel experiences.

Family Travel Evolves

While family vacations remain a cornerstone of Indian travel, the makeup of these family groups is evolving. 90% of respondents still prefer to travel with others, but the dynamics have shifted. For example, 65% are opting for multi-generational family holidays, where different generations come together to share the travel experience. 60% of respondents are looking for couples’ retreats, seeking quality time away from their regular routines.

There’s also a rise in what some call “frolleagues”—a blend of friends and colleagues who take work-related trips and turn them into leisure vacations. This unique combination now represents 28% of the respondents.

Perhaps most notably, there’s been an increase in solo travel, particularly among older age groups and solo female travelers. This growing trend signifies an opportunity for the travel industry to offer more tailored services and experiences that cater to solo travelers, especially women seeking safety and comfort while traveling independently.

Global and Domestic Destinations: Where Are Indians Going?

When it comes to destinations, Europe leads the pack, with countries like France, Switzerland, and Austria topping the lists. Southeast Asia also remains a popular choice, with Thailand and Singapore being consistently favored. Other trending international locations include Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

For those seeking more affordable yet exciting options, countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka are gaining attention as budget-friendly short-haul destinations. Meanwhile, countries such as Morocco, Iceland, and Greenland are becoming attractive for travelers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

On the domestic front, popular spots like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, and Kerala continue to draw significant interest from Indian travelers.

The Rise of Phygital Travel and AI

As the world becomes more digital, so does the way Indians plan their vacations. Phygital travel, a blend of physical and digital experiences, is gaining traction. According to the report, 68% of respondents book their trips online, but 59% still value the human touch when it comes to consultations, preferring in-person meetings or phone calls. This indicates a growing need for travel providers to offer both digital convenience and personalized service.

Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in how people plan their vacations. 35% of travelers are already utilizing AI-powered tools to design custom itineraries or discover recommendations, making travel planning more efficient and personalized.

Sustainability: A Key Factor

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a core consideration for Indian travelers. 37% of respondents revealed that they actively seek out eco-conscious travel options. This growing interest in sustainable travel suggests that Indian tourists are not just looking for experiences but are also concerned about the environmental impact of their travel choices. As this trend grows, the demand for eco-friendly options will likely shape decisions made by both travelers and the companies serving them.

Final Thoughts

The India Holiday Report underscores a massive shift in how Indians are approaching travel. With a clear preference for luxury, experiential adventures, and longer vacations, the travel industry must adapt to meet these evolving demands. As budgets rise, travelers are increasingly looking for exclusive and unforgettable experiences, whether in the form of nature-based phenomena, culinary journeys, or wellness retreats.

Meanwhile, the rise of solo travelers, especially among women and older age groups, presents new opportunities for the travel industry to offer tailored services. As technology like AI and phygital tools continue to shape the future of travel planning, sustainability will play an ever-larger role in influencing how and where Indians choose to travel.

These trends not only reflect changing preferences within India but also highlight broader shifts that will likely impact global tourism, with a growing emphasis on experiential travel, luxury offerings, and eco-consciousness.