2025 Travel Trends: Indian Tourists Choose Frequent Getaways to Offbeat Locations Like Ziro, Pakyong, and Tashkent Over Long Vacations – Everything You Need to Know About Emerging Destinations

Published on December 26, 2025

In 2025, Indian travelers are reshaping the way they approach vacations, marking a dramatic shift from long, annual holidays to frequent, shorter getaways. This evolving travel behavior is being driven by a growing desire for personalized experiences and flexibility. Data from travel platforms reveal a notable uptick in flight bookings, especially to domestic and offbeat international destinations, as well as an increase in short-haul travel. With flexible travel planning gaining popularity, Indian travelers are opting for multiple quick trips throughout the year, emphasizing experiences over traditional luxury packages. The rise in demand for personal and authentic travel experiences reflects broader global trends that indicate a shift towards a continuous travel mindset rather than the once-a-year holiday.

The Rise of Frequent Travel and Flexibility

Indian travelers in 2025 are focusing on shorter, frequent holidays that fit more easily into their busy schedules. This marks a departure from the traditional model of taking long, one-off vacations. Data from various travel platforms, such as Scapia, indicates a significant increase in flight bookings and accommodation stays, both domestically and internationally. The new trend prioritizes flexibility, enabling travelers to plan trips around their personal schedules and preferences.

Travelers now prefer to break down their holidays into multiple smaller trips throughout the year. Instead of saving up for one big holiday, many are choosing multiple shorter holidays, with each trip focused on a unique experience or destination. This trend reflects a growing desire for personalization, where experiences take precedence over the destination itself.

Emerging Domestic and International Destinations

One of the most exciting changes in Indian travel is the exploration of offbeat domestic destinations. Areas like Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh), Pakyong (Sikkim), and Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh) are gaining popularity as travelers seek new, less crowded places to explore. These destinations offer unique cultural experiences and scenic landscapes, making them ideal for those seeking something different from the typical tourist spots.

On the international front, emerging destinations such as Barbados, Luang Prabang, and Tashkent are seeing an influx of travelers from India. These locations are gaining traction because they offer a blend of affordability, authenticity, and adventure, making them attractive to the modern traveler. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia have emerged as favored regions, with destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and UAE experiencing strong year-on-year growth in bookings.

The rise in travel to these regions is supported by improved connectivity, more direct flight routes, and a variety of local experiences that appeal to Indian tourists, particularly those looking for shorter yet more meaningful getaways.

Digital Innovation Drives Flexible Travel

The increasing popularity of digital payments and rewards programs is another factor helping shape the future of travel. Indian travelers are moving towards destination-specific forex purchases, facilitated by platforms like BookMyForex, which reported significant growth in currency transactions. This trend suggests a more intentional approach to planning, with travelers focusing on specific regions and experiences.

Moreover, loyalty programs are shifting away from traditional point-based rewards to more lifestyle-oriented travel ecosystems. This change is evident in the popularity of “identity travel”, where trips are crafted based on personal interests and life stages. Millennials, for example, are gravitating towards spiritual retreats and boutique stays, while Gen Z is increasingly interested in event-led travel, particularly concerts and cultural gatherings.

The Shift Towards Experience-Centric Travel

The shift from packaged holidays to experience-based travel is more pronounced than ever. Travelers are prioritizing activities that resonate with their personal interests, whether it’s adventure or culture. Platforms like Pickyourtrail are witnessing a rise in customized itineraries, allowing travelers to adjust dates, routes, and activities according to their preferences. Instead of sticking to fixed tourist packages, many are opting for tailored travel experiences.

From scuba diving in the Andaman Islands to trekking in Himachal Pradesh, Indian travelers are gravitating towards activities that offer immersive experiences. Travel agencies are responding by curating bespoke itineraries that include cultural, adventure, and wellness activities. Ebix Travel has seen a 24% increase in bookings for immersive in-destination experiences, highlighting the growing demand for hands-on, authentic travel experiences.

Multi-Modal Travel Gains Popularity

Shorter trips are not only replacing long vacations, but are also becoming more flexible in terms of transportation. Combining flights, trains, and buses into multi-modal journeys is becoming the norm, especially for those traveling within India or to neighboring countries. These shorter trips, typically lasting between 48 to 72 hours, are designed for convenience, offering repeatability and easy access.

As multi-modal travel gains popularity, destinations with easy access and quick turnaround times are becoming more appealing. Tourists now prefer destinations that are not only accessible by multiple transportation options but also offer repeat travel opportunities. Activities like adventure trails, scuba diving, and cultural experiences are particularly influential in the decision-making process for such trips.

Tips for Travelers Embracing the New Travel Trend

1. Plan Early: Use tools like Cleartrip’s Long Weekend Tracker to plan short trips in advance and take advantage of long weekends.
2. Opt for Offbeat Destinations: Explore less crowded domestic and international spots to get away from the tourist rush and experience local culture.
3. Focus on Experiences: Invest in activities that align with your interests, such as cultural tours, adventure sports, or spiritual retreats.
4. Leverage Loyalty Programs: Make the most of travel rewards and loyalty points to save on trips and enhance your travel budget.
5. Try Multi-Modal Travel: Combine different modes of transportation to make your short trips more flexible and cost-effective.

Shaping the Future of Travel in India

The travel landscape in India is undergoing a profound transformation in 2025, as frequent, shorter trips take center stage. The focus on experiences, flexibility, and personalization is changing the way travelers approach their vacations. As more Indian travelers prioritize meaningful travel over luxury, the future of tourism looks to be centered around personal experiences, offbeat destinations, and a more intentional travel mindset.

The continued growth of digital payments, rewards programs, and multi-modal travel will further accelerate this shift. As connectivity improves and travelers gain access to new regions and activities, the global footprint of Indian tourists will only continue to grow.