Travel habits among Indians are changing — fast. 2025 has emerged as a pivotal year where both domestic escapes and international adventures are seeing a realignment in preferences: from mainstream holiday clichés to fresh, experience-driven, and value-oriented trips.
Here’s a look at what’s trending — and where Indians are travelling — right now.
📈 What’s Changing in Indian Travel Demand
• Stay over sightseeing: accommodation as the experience
Many travellers are now choosing accommodation not simply as a place to sleep — but as a destination itself. In 2025, a large share of Indian travellers said they plan to spend most of their time at their stay property — far higher than global averages. www.ndtv.com
This shift has fueled demand for boutique stays, resorts, homestays and “staycations.”
• Experiential, mindful & flexible travelling
Gone are the days of just ticking famous landmarks. India’s 2025 travel wave is characterized by: solo trips, wellness getaways, eco-friendly stays, offbeat and slow travel, immersive cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism. topindianholidays.com+2StayVista+2
Many travellers are breaking away from overcrowded tourist circuits and opting for destinations that give a deeper sense of place and peace.
• Domestic tourism — rediscovery of nearby, accessible getaways
With better infrastructure, more flights, and affordable options, Indian travellers are increasingly looking inward. Mid-tier cities, quieter hill stations, beaches, backwaters, and spiritual/nature-based spots are seeing a surge. Hect India+2Wild Retreats+2
• International travel leaning toward Asia-Pacific & visa-friendly destinations
Short-haul international trips remain popular. Many Indians now go for destinations in Asia-Pacific and nearby regions (thanks to ease of travel, proximity, affordability, quick flights). Travel Trends Today+2Mastercard+2
🌍 International Hotspots for Indian Travellers (2025-26)
Here are the international destinations seeing heavy demand from Indian travellers today:
- Dubai (UAE) — Among the top international destinations searched by Indians in 2025. Travel Trends Today+1
- Singapore — Asia-Pacific destinations like Singapore remain perennially popular for their ease, diversity and quick connectivity. Travel Trends Today+1
- Bangkok (Thailand) — Continues to be a go-to for short vacations: culture, nightlife, shopping and affordability in one package. Travel Trends Today+1
- Tokyo (Japan) — Enjoying rising popularity among Indians recently, thanks to its unique blend of modernity + tradition; accommodation-search data show strong growth in 2025. Travel Trends Today+1
- Bali (Indonesia) — Listed among the top-searched international destinations by Indians — drawing seekers of tropical beaches, relaxed vibes, and budget-friendly trips. www.ndtv.com+1
- Other rising picks: Places like Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and several Southeast-Asian / Asia-Pacific spots continue to attract travellers craving shorter, culturally rich getaways. Travel Trends Today+2BOTT – Business of Travel Trade+2
Why these destinations? For many Indians, the appeal lies in visa-friendliness (or easier visa-on-arrival), manageable budgets and the ability to get more than just “sightseeing” — combining shopping, food, culture, comfort, and a sense of escape without long flights.
🇮🇳 Domestic Travel: What’s Hot in India (2025-26)
Indians are rediscovering the richness of their own country — and the “trending domestic hotspots” in 2025-26 reflect a wide variety of tastes:
- Shillong (Meghalaya) — Perhaps the biggest surprise: flight-search data shows a massive surge in interest (nearly +828% compared to previous year), making Shillong a top trending destination in 2025. The Times of India+1
- Beaches & coastal escapes — Destinations like Goa lead domestic searches (surge of nearly 50% in 2025), while places such as Puducherry and Puri are also rising because travellers are looking beyond just the familiar beach spots. ETTravelWorld.com+1
- Hills, mountains & nature getaways — With changing preferences for slower, rejuvenating vacations, places in the Himalayas and hill-stations are on the rise. In fact, the American Express Travel 2026 trending-destinations list places the Indian Himalayas among top picks for next year. The Times of India+1
- Cultural / heritage & offbeat cities — Cities with rich history, cultural depth, quieter vibes, or lesser-known charms (not just big metros) are gaining attention. Mid-tier cities with better infrastructure are now becoming travel hubs. Hect India+1
Overall, the trend suggests Indians are opting for a mix: shorter, more frequent trips; a blend of nature, culture and comfort; and avoiding overrun tourist paths in favour of serene, unique experiences.
