Indian Travelers Set to Spend Big as Ebix Travel Delphi World Money Report Shows Significant Growth in Year-End Escapes with Higher Budgets and Early Planning

Published on December 10, 2025

As the year-end approaches, Indian travelers are gearing up for a remarkable holiday season, according to the latest report from Ebix Travel – Delphi World Money. The report highlights a significant surge in travel spending, with Indians planning bigger and better escapes than ever before. With an increase in budgets and a noticeable shift towards early planning, Indian tourists are set to embrace experience-driven vacations in 2026. This trend signals a booming travel market, driven by a desire for unique, immersive destinations and a growing willingness to invest in memorable, high-quality experiences.

Ebix Travel – Delphi World Money, an RBI-approved Category II Authorised Dealer renowned for its expertise in foreign exchange and cross-border remittances, has unveiled its year-end travel trends forecast. The report highlights a notable resurgence in consumer confidence, driven by increased spending on leisure travel. Travelers are increasingly planning their holidays well in advance, seeking experience-driven vacations, and allocating larger budgets for their year-end escapes. These trends suggest a promising and upbeat conclusion to the year for the travel industry.

Flight bookings for December are currently tracking 20-25% higher compared to the previous year, signalling a robust and resilient travel season. The data underscores that Indian travelers are embracing early planning and are willing to invest more in unique experiences. The average lead time for festive travel bookings has increased by 10-15%, now extending to approximately 23-25 days, reflecting a strategic effort to lock in favorable pricing, particularly for the coveted holiday period between December 24 and January 2.

Commenting on the trends, Mr. Ankur Sharmaa, Chief Business Officer at Ebix Travel – Delphi World Money said:“The surge in advance travel planning and experience-focused spending reflects a distinct shift in consumer confidence and travel behavior. Indian travelers are approaching the year-end season with purposeful intent to make their holidays count. We are seeing stronger demand across air travel and destination activities, driven by a renewed focus on quality experiences and culturally rich destinations.”

Experience-Driven Travel: The New Era of Immersive Adventures and Cultural Exploration

Travel is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing number of travelers opting for experience-driven holidays that offer more than just a hotel stay. Instead of traditional vacation packages, today’s explorers are seeking out immersive experiences that allow them to engage deeply with the local culture, history, and natural environment. As this trend continues to rise, we are seeing notable shifts in both the types of destinations people are choosing and how they are approaching their travel plans.

The Surge in Immersive Travel Experiences

One of the most telling signs of this shift is the remarkable 24% increase in searches for in-destination activities such as adventure trails, cultural tours, and local explorations. Compared to previous years, travelers are moving away from simply lounging by the pool or staying in luxury resorts and are now seeking more meaningful ways to engage with the places they visit. Whether it’s trekking through remote mountain paths, exploring ancient ruins, or immersing themselves in local festivals, tourists are craving authentic experiences that leave a lasting impact.

This preference for experiential travel goes hand in hand with the increasing importance of sustainable tourism. Travelers are more aware than ever of their environmental footprint, which has led to a rise in eco-conscious trips such as hiking tours, wildlife safaris, and community-driven tourism. Many are now keen to support local businesses and conservation efforts while also getting closer to nature and culture.

A Shift in Domestic Travel Preferences

Another fascinating shift is the growing demand for domestic tourism. As international travel remains subject to unpredictable conditions, more people are turning to their home countries for vacation. In India, for example, destinations like Rajasthan (Jaipur–Udaipur) and Kerala have seen a remarkable 35% increase in bookings year-on-year, outpacing Goa’s growth, which has increased by just 15%. The appeal of these regions lies in their rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and an abundance of local experiences that go beyond the typical beach resort getaway.

Travelers are drawn to Rajasthan’s grand palaces and forts, Kerala’s tranquil backwaters and Ayurvedic wellness centers, and the lush hill stations of the South. These domestic destinations are not just offering rest and relaxation; they are becoming epicenters of culture and adventure, where travelers can immerse themselves in the local lifestyle through cooking classes, craft workshops, and rural explorations.

However, this trend is not universal. Northern destinations, especially Kashmir, have experienced a 15% drop in bookings, which suggests that travelers are either avoiding certain areas due to weather conditions or ongoing political concerns. This shift highlights how the market for domestic tourism is evolving, with travelers focusing on destinations that offer both accessibility and cultural vibrancy.

The Continued Appeal of Winter Escapes

Seasonal travel trends further underline this transformation. While coastal destinations have traditionally been the go-to spots for winter getaways, travelers are increasingly turning their attention to mountain retreats. Flight searches to alternative mountain destinations like Manali and Himachal Pradesh have surged by 40% year-over-year, outpacing the 25-30% rise in searches for coastal locations.

This shift in preference points to an increasing desire for winter vacations that are not just about sun and sand, but about adventure, scenic beauty, and the promise of a truly unique experience. Travelers are seeking winter escapes that offer skiing, snowboarding, and cozy stays in remote cottages nestled in snowy hillsides. Accessibility and reliability have become key factors in these choices, with many preferring destinations that offer seamless connectivity, stable weather conditions, and well-established infrastructure.

Planning Ahead for Experience-Rich Holidays

As the year-end travel period approaches, these trends are becoming more evident. Early planning is becoming the norm as travelers prioritize immersive, experience-rich journeys. Destinations offering cultural experiences, natural beauty, and local exploration are expected to see significant upticks in visitor numbers. Furthermore, companies like Delphi–Ebix Travel are playing a crucial role in facilitating seamless, customer-centric holiday experiences by providing tailored travel packages that cater to the growing demand for unique, engaging trips.

Indian travelers are set to spend big this year-end, with the latest Ebix Travel – Delphi World Money report showing significant growth in both budgets and early bookings. The rise in planning ahead signals a shift toward more immersive, experience-driven vacations. As travel preferences evolve, Indians are eager to invest in unforgettable getaways, marking a strong end to 2025.

In conclusion, the future of travel is not just about the destination but about the experiences one can have along the way. As travelers increasingly seek to connect with the world in meaningful ways, the tourism industry is responding with innovative, immersive offerings that promise to change the way we travel. From domestic getaways to winter mountain adventures, the focus is clear: it’s not just where you go, but what you do when you get there. Experience-driven travel is not just a trend; it is the new era of tourism.