As 2024 winds down and the new year ascends, now’s the time to review the travel trends that defined the year and those to look out for. From “set-jetting,” where Indians explored filming locations of their favourite movies and TV series, to “culinary curators” who fulsomely engaged with their destination’s gastronomy heritage, 2024 was driven by experiential tourism. The desire to share experiences and moments with one's community, either with a friendship circle or through a travel agency, remained strong.
Here are some of the top travel trends by Skyscanner to look forward to in 2025. The report surveyed 1,000 respondents from India in July 2024.
In 2025, Indian travellers are swapping couches for seats at stadiums, with 53 per cent eager to dive into the electrifying atmosphere of live sports, whether at home or abroad. With cricket, football, Formula One and other global tournaments, sports tourism is hitting an all-time high, with nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of Indians planning to soak in the experience for entertainment purposes. For half (50 per cent) of Indian fans, the chance to see their favourite sporting celebrities in action is a motivator to witness these grand spectacles in person.
Indian travellers are increasingly embracing immersive art experiences like never before. Nearly 79 per cent plan to participate in these multisensory journeys on their holiday in 2025. Some 51 per cent of Indian travellers are mesmerised by its unique appeal and an equal number are eager to share it on social media, turning creativity into connection.
The alluring night skies and cosmic wonders are drawing Indian travellers, with 53 per cent expressing their desire to sleep under the Milky Way and 56 per cent keen on embracing night photography to capture the beauty of the cosmos. The Northern Lights have become a bucket-list item for 44 per cent of Indian travellers, who are all yearning for an out-of-the-world experience on their trips.
According to Preston Dyches from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, here’s how to stargaze like a pro:
Find dark skies: Move away from city lights, as human-made light pollution makes it much harder to see stars.
Seek open landscapes: Choose a location with unobstructed views, such as a lake shore or meadow, to increase your visibility of the night sky.
Check the weather: Make sure the skies are clear by checking the weather for clouds and wildfire smoke, ensure the winds won’t be too gusty, and be prepared for the forecast temperatures.
Reach higher altitudes: Higher locations, above dense air and haze, give you clearer skies and better views.
Scout safely: Visit your stargazing spot during the day to identify and avoid any potential hazards like rocks and branches. Be aware of local wildlife.
Garden lovers are on the rise, with a whopping 90 per cent of Indians sharing that they enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday. The allure of nature is undeniable, with over half (56 per cent) of travellers eager to experience the breathtaking cherry blossom season, 53 per cent having their sights set on sunflower fields and 52 per cent keen to wander through lavender fields next year.
Holistic living is becoming increasingly popular among travellers, with 70 per cent actively seeking to be more mindful of their health and wellbeing. Moving beyond the traditional “treat yourself” holiday mentality, over half (57 per cent) of travellers prioritise maintaining their wellness while away. An impressive 91 per cent believe that vacations help them build resilience and cope better with daily pressures.
Gaming is a huge hit with Gen Z, with nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) saying it's their go-to leisure activity and 57 per cent feeling inspired to book a trip based on a location featured in a video game. Indian gamers can't resist the allure of their consoles, even on vacation, as 67 per cent admit to packing their gaming gear to get their fix on the go.
Inspired to experience the great outdoors, travellers are gearing up for countryside escapes in 2025. With 53 per cent excited about immersive experiences like campfire dining and 50 per cent eager for tranquil farmhouse stays, these trips blend relaxation with outdoor adventure. Travellers are opting for destinations like Dubai, where luxury ranch-style resorts and desert experiences offer the perfect setting to channel their inner cowboy.
In 2025, Indians are expanding their horizons and exploring unique and lesser-known destinations. The most popular destinations for travellers in 2025 are Shillong in India, loved for its stunning landscapes and lush hills; Baku in Azerbaijan, located at the boundary between Europe and Asia and celebrated for its rich culture; and Langkawi in Malaysia, known for its pearl-white sand beaches. On the other hand, Almaty in Kazakhstan came out top overall, securing the highest spot for the “Best Value Destinations” category, followed by Jakarta in Indonesia, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Other destinations that Indians are searching for are Tromsø in Norway, Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia, highlighting that travellers are seeking unforgettable and diverse experiences in newer destinations.
Cost is an important consideration for value-driven Indians, with the cost of hotels (65 per cent), flights (62 per cent), and food and drinks (54 per cent) being important factors in the decision-making process. Cheaper fares for the aforementioned destinations are likely due to a mix of new direct flights and increased flight frequencies, which have boosted connectivity and made travel more affordable.
Despite this, Indians are not willing to compromise on their travel experiences. They are likely to spend more on better quality of food on flights (57 per cent), seat selection (47 per cent) and access to airport lounges (42 per cent).
Furthermore, as Indian travellers embark on new adventures, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming their go-to tool for inspiration and comparison, empowering them to turn travel dreams into reality. A remarkable 84 per cent of travellers feel confident using AI tools for planning and booking their travels, with 52 per cent using them for destination research, 50 per cent for flight bookings, 48 per cent for comparing flight and hotel options, and 46 per cent seeking destination inspiration.