66% Indians to travel more in 2025, global exploration is a top priority: Skyscanner

The report reveals that Indian travellers are increasingly seeking deeper connections. Among those aged 25 to 34, 44% are excited to attend live sports events, eager to support their favourite teams alongside fellow fans. Meanwhile, 47% are on the lookout for immersive art experiences that invite active participation.

Skyscanner released its “Travel Trends 2025 Report,” revealing that the upcoming year is all about collective travel experiences. Indians are increasingly drawn to adventures that offer a sense of community. Moreover, with 66% of Indians planning to travel more in 2025, global exploration is a top priority as they seek out destinations that offer enriching experiences. The report further offers insights into the pulse of Indian travellers in the coming year, their evolving travel preferences, and the top 10 trending and best-value destinations.

Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel and Destinations Expert said, “Indian travellers are not just exploring new destinations; they’re seeking meaningful and collective travel experiences. With 86% budgeting to spend the same or more on flights and 80% on accommodations in 2025, their desire to explore is stronger than ever. Cost remains a crucial factor in decision-making as travellers choose their next adventure. Our Search features on Skyscanner like setting up ‘Price Alerts’ or the ‘Cheapest Month’ tool can help travellers snag the best deals, making those unforgettable journeys more accessible.”

7 key trends of the report:

– In 2025, Indian travellers are swapping couches for seats at the stadiums, with 53% eager to dive into the electrifying atmosphere of live sports, at home or abroad. With nearly two-thirds (63%) of Indians planning to soak in the experience for entertainment purposes. And for half (50%) of Indian fans, the chance to see their favourite sporting celebrities in action is a motivator to witness these grand spectacles in person. According to the data, Abu Dhabi (6–8 Dec) shows a 188% rise in bookings on 2nd December ahead of the race. Previously, Singapore (20-22 Sep) also witnessed a remarkable 189% increase in flight bookings on 18th September compared to the previous day.

– Nearly 79% plan to participate in these multisensory journeys on their holiday in 2025. Art is no longer just for viewing, it’s about experiencing with 51% of Indian travellers mesmerized by its unique appeal and an equal number eager to share it on social media, turning creativity into connection. Notably, Skyscanner’s list of trending and best-value destinations for Indians in 2025, also feature the cities of Tokyo in Japan, Seoul in South Korea, Singapore, and London in UK, among others.

– 53% express their desire to sleep under the Milky Way and 56% keen on embracing night photography to capture the beauty of the cosmos. The Northern Lights have become a bucket-list item for 44% of Indian travellers, who are all yearning for an out-of-the-world experience- on their trips.

– The most popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2025 are Shillong in India; Baku in Azerbaijan. 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 (full overview in appendix).

– A remarkable 84% of Indian travellers feel confident using AI tools for planning and booking their travels, with 52% using them for destination research, 50% for flight bookings, 48% for comparing flight and hotel options, and 46% seeking destination inspiration.

– A whopping 90% of Indians sharing that they enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday, with over half (56%) eager to experience the cherry blossom season, 53% having their sights set on sunflower fields, and 52% keen to wander through lavender fields next year.

– 70% actively seeking to be more mindful of their health and well-being. Moving beyond the traditional “treat yourself” holiday mentality, over half (57%) of travellers prioritise maintaining their wellness while away. An impressive 91% believe that vacations help them build resilience and cope better with daily pressures.

– With nearly two-thirds (62%) saying it’s their go-to leisure activity and 57% feeling inspired to book a trip based on a location featured in a video game.

– 53% excited about immersive experiences like campfire dining and 50% eager for tranquil farmhouse stays, with trips that beautifully 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.