<p>Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder, Pickyourtrail</p>
Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder, Pickyourtrail

The story of India’s travel evolution isn’t just about destination trends—it’s about a transformative shift in behaviour. The past two years of revenge travel have done more than normalize global exploration; they’ve introduced new dynamics. Expensive domestic stays, increasing visa-on-arrival destinations, and enhanced direct connectivity have made international travel not only more accessible but irresistibly alluring. As we enter 2025, this transformation is only accelerating.

The impulse explorers: Chasing spontaneity

“Book now, plan later” has become the defining mantra of the modern Indian traveller. With rising disposable incomes and platforms offering quick deals, spontaneous travel has emerged as a dominant trend. Impulse explorers, who primarily hail from metro cities, account for 85% of this segment. They typically travel in small groups of friends or as Double-Income-No-Kids (DINK) couples, drawn to destinations like Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and Thailand—a mix of emerging and established hotspots. For these explorers, last-minute flight deals, direct flights, and visa-on-arrival options make international escapades irresistible.Impulse explorers embody a spirit of seizing the moment, fueled by a desire to escape routine and embrace new experiences. Their travels are often shaped by spontaneity, but their stories reveal a deeper need to explore the unfamiliar.

The celebrators: Turning milestones into memories

From 40th birthday trips to promotions, babymoons, and even niche desires like shopping sprees in Dubai, 2025 will see celebration travel flourish. This segment reflects how travel has become integral to marking life’s milestones. Imagine a traveller flying to Dubai just to purchase a rare pair of Air Jordans or another planning a getaway to watch a cricket match. Half-anniversaries—celebrating six months of marriage—are gaining popularity, with couples opting for international destinations that blend luxury with adventure.Celebration travelers span various demographics but share a common ethos: travel isn’t a luxury, it’s how they celebrate life. Millennials, in particular, lead this group, driving demand for curated itineraries that combine indulgence with cultural immersion. They remind us that every milestone is an opportunity to explore, connect, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Gen Z wanderlust: The bold explorers

Gen Z is redefining travel with their insatiable appetite for exploration. Travelling an estimated 21 days a year—significantly more than the 13-day average—this cohort embraces remote jobs, sabbaticals, and the freedom of flexible schedules. They rely heavily on “book now, pay later” options, prioritizing experiences over savings. Gen Z’s travel preferences range from vibrant nightlife to immersive adventures, and their itineraries often showcase a bold mix of spontaneity and social-media-worthy experiences.For Gen Z, travel isn’t just a break—it’s a lifestyle. Their journeys often reflect their values, from seeking sustainability to exploring destinations that resonate with their sense of individuality.

The frolleagues: Blurring work and leisure

One of the most exciting trends of 2025 is the rise of frolleagues—friends who also work together—traveling while working remotely. This segment thrives in destinations offering a balance of leisure and productivity, such as coworking-friendly stays in Bali or long-term rentals in Portugal. Frolleagues are driving the demand for extended stays, with many combining team offsites with personal exploration. This dual-purpose travel epitomizes how the boundaries between work and leisure are disappearing.

National Tourism Day: The rise of Indian travellers exploring new horizons

India’s pool of first-time international travellers is expanding rapidly. In the first half of 2024 alone, 15 million Indians ventured abroad, marking a 14 percent year-on-year increase and a 12 percent rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. By 2027, India is expected to ascend to become the world’s 5th largest outbound travel market, underscoring its growing influence on global tourism.

The rise of frolleagues is a testament to the evolving nature of work and travel, where collaboration and exploration go hand in hand.

The Intentionals: Maximizing Every Experience

Value-driven decisions are reshaping travel preferences across demographics. Families, for instance, optimise shorter breaks to maximize experiences, often opting for international destinations rival domestic costs. While Bengaluru remains India’s top source market for international travel, destinations like Baku have gained traction for offering an exotic-yet-accessible experience. The growing popularity of visa-free and visa-on-arrival policies has further fueled this shift, with Southeast Asia and the Middle East emerging as favorites for affordable luxury.

Choosy travellers exemplify a careful balance between value and experience, ensuring every rupee spent contributes to a memorable journey.

What 2025 holds for Indian travellers?

As we move into 2025, travel is poised to become more experiential, with trends like adventure sports, eco-conscious journeys, and immersive cultural activities dominating itineraries. Destinations such as Shillong, Langkawi, and Almaty are expected to capture the imagination of Indian travellers, offering offbeat yet deeply enriching experiences. Infrastructure expansion, including the addition of 200 airports by 2030, promises to make even the most remote destinations accessible.

On the financial front, the industry continues to attract significant investment. From the rise of travel-tech startups to the soaring stock prices of major players, the sector is thriving. This financial momentum underscores the transformative potential of the Indian travel market, which is expected to grow to INR 97 billion by FY30.

A New chapter in travel

Travel in 2025 is more than a journey; it’s a celebration of life, milestones, and individuality. From impulse explorers chasing last-minute deals to Gen Z’s unrelenting wanderlust, the stories behind these journeys reflect a nation that’s embracing the world on its own terms. Travel is no longer just about where we go—it’s about how it changes us. As we look ahead, one thing is clear: the future of travel is as dynamic and diverse as the travellers shaping it.

The author is the Co-Founder of Pickyourtrail.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTravelWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTravelWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.

  • Published On Jan 30, 2025 at 10:05 AM IST

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