India Sees Record Surge In Outbound Travel As Tourists Seek Visa-Free Destinations To Escape Rising Temperatures And Skyrocketing Airfares

Published on April 21, 2025

India experiences a surge in outbound travel as tourists seek visa-free destinations to escape rising temperatures, high airfares, and enjoy luxurious, short-haul getaways.

As temperatures across India soar and the India Meteorological Department issues red alerts for extreme heat, many Indians are seeking refuge by planning international vacations. Despite challenges posed by heatwaves and rising airfares, outbound travel is experiencing a noticeable surge, especially to destinations that don’t require a visa.

According to recent data, Indians’ spending on international travel has surged significantly. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Indians spent nearly $17 billion (INR 1,41,800 crore) on international travel, marking a 24.4% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India. This reflects the growing affluence of India’s middle class, which now has the disposable income to indulge in foreign experiences.

Preference for Visa-Free and Short-Haul Destinations To simplify travel, an increasing number of Indian tourists are opting for visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Maldives have become top choices due to their affordability and exotic appeal. Indian travelers typically budget between INR 30,000 to INR 70,000 per person for a week-long trip, seeking value-for-money experiences.

Tourism Industry Responds to Surge in Demand Tourism businesses, including airlines and tour providers, are reporting a spike in bookings, signaling a boom in the travel industry. School holidays and the lure of cooler climates abroad continue to drive strong demand for international trips, even amidst rising airfares. In response, travel platforms are curating special packages that feature accessible and unique destinations.

Visa-Free Travel and Short-Haul Escapes Dominate Countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access are seeing a major rise in bookings. Destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and even Georgia and Serbia have become highly popular among Indian travelers who want to avoid long visa processes. Short-haul flights are particularly attractive, as they offer quicker escapes with minimal time spent in airports.

Rising Budgets and Expanding Expectations The average spend for a one-week international trip now ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per person, even for budget-conscious travelers. Many are willing to spend more to escape the oppressive Indian summer, showing a shift in the willingness to invest in comfort and quality experiences.

Tour Operators See a Surge in Demand Online travel agencies and tour operators are experiencing a surge in bookings for specially tailored summer packages. Curated trips to destinations like Vietnam, Dubai, and Bali are selling out quickly, with some operators seeing a 30–40% increase in bookings compared to last year. Despite rising airfares, Indian travelers remain undeterred, with many opting for premium airlines for added comfort.

The Rise of “Workcations” The growth of remote work has allowed some travelers to combine business and leisure. Visa-free countries with excellent infrastructure are now popular spots for “workcations,” a concept that’s rapidly gaining popularity among digital professionals.

A Diverse Demographic of Indian Travelers This trend is not limited to millennials or Gen Z. Families, couples, and even retirees are joining the wave of outbound Indian tourists, all seeking a break from the soaring temperatures.

A Sustainable Trend Experts believe this surge in international travel is not just a seasonal trend. With improved global connectivity and more countries easing entry requirements, India’s demand for visa-free vacations during the summer is expected to continue growing.