This festive season has witnessed a tremendous surge in the number of Indians planning to travel. A recent report by the travel booking platform Thrillophilia reveals that the demand for festive travel in 2025 has risen by 18% compared to last year, highlighting that Indians now perceive holidays not just as relaxation but as selective and meaningful experiences.
A key aspect of this travel trend is the shift from long intercontinental vacations to opting for short-distance destinations that offer enriched experiences. As a result, travel trends within India and the Asia-Pacific region are rapidly evolving.
According to the report, outbound bookings have increased by 24% year-on-year. Indian travelers now prioritize shorter trips lasting 4 to 6 nights over long, extensive planning. Among international destinations, Dubai, Singapore, and Thailand remain at the top. Over 70% of international bookings are now for countries around the Asia-Pacific region. This change clearly indicates that people want faster and easier trips that deliver better value for both money and time.
When it comes to domestic travel, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa are still favorites, but the mode of travel has transformed. This festive season, 'smart luxury' has emerged as a significant trend. It signifies that travelers now seek premium experiences without overspending. They are opting for boutique or branded hotels over large establishments and focusing on activities, such as a sunset desert safari in Dubai or a bay cruise in Singapore. The report highlights that while average spending on short international trips is around 95,000 rupees, domestic travel spending per person is approximately 45,000 rupees.
Festive travel is no longer confined to major metros. Demand is rapidly growing from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Surat, Coimbatore, Indore, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, and Vadodara, contributing to a 6-8% boost in festive travel. These cities are becoming key sources for new travelers, indicating that travel is now expanding on a national level.
Beyond popular spots, travelers are increasingly looking at offbeat destinations. Reservations are rising for places like Gandikota, Pachmarhi, Hampi, Binsar, and the Meghalaya-Ziro belt. As a result, people are opting for tranquil, heritage-rich, and crowd-free locations. This 'serene luxury' offers travelers an experience away from major tourist hubs and an opportunity to avoid festive season crowds.
Affluent individuals are showing interest in unique international experiences. This has led to a growing demand for luxury safaris in Tanzania and Botswana, with expenses ranging between 160,000 to 250,000 rupees per person for stays of 5-7 nights. Similarly, senior citizens are eagerly exploring special tours, such as lodge safaris in Kenya and autumn city tours in Japan, clearly demonstrating the increasing diversity in travel preferences and fulfilling the travel desires of every demographic.
According to Abhishek Daga, co-founder of Thrillophilia, "Indian travelers are viewing holidays as selective and meaningful escapes. Short-distance hubs and offbeat destinations are leading in convenience and experience, while 'smart luxury' ensures better experiences without excessive spending."
