Published using aggregated, anonymised data from multi-day leisure trips planned and operated by Thrillophilia.
Overview:
This report examines how Indian leisure travellers travelled in 2024 and 2025, based on multi-day trips that were planned, booked, and completed through Thrillophilia. The focus is on data based consumer behaviour rather than interest shown in search.
The data shows that the Indian leisure travel sector is becoming more thoughtful in how trips are planned and experienced. Travellers across age groups, preferences, and budgets are moving away from rushed, checklist-style itineraries and towards journeys that prioritise comfort, pacing, and clarity of execution. Tourists now prefer fewer destinations per trip, a fulcrum point instead of multiple destinations and hotels, and more realistic, relaxing, and thoughtful daily planning across domestic and international travel destinations.
Custom and semi-custom trips now account for a large share of multi-day travel and are no longer limited to premium or niche segments. Domestic travel continues to drive demand, while short-haul international destinations have emerged as the fastest growing destinations due to ease of access, shorter flight times, and predictable on-ground experiences. Across all travel segments, value is increasingly judged by how smoothly a trip runs rather than by headline price alone.
Insight: Together, these patterns point to a maturing travel market in which trip design and execution quality are playing a central role in shaping travel demands and trends.
Section 1: About This Index
1.1 What This Index Measures
The Thrillophilia Multi-Day Travel Index measures how Indian leisure travellers actually planned and undertook multi-day trips over a defined period, based on executed travel rather than intent or aspiration.
This index is designed to answer a simple but critical question:
Where, how, and in what formats did Indians actually travel when they committed to a multi-day journey?
A. What Qualifies as a “Multi-Day Trip” in This Index
For the purpose of this index, a multi-day trip is defined as:
- A leisure itinerary involving two or more consecutive nights
- Covering one or multiple destinations
- Planned and booked as a single, end-to-end journey
- Undertaken for leisure purposes, including holidays, honeymoons, family trips, wellness travel, and experiential travel
Key characteristics of qualifying trips:
- Includes overnight stays (minimum 2 nights)
- Includes a planned daily structure (sightseeing, activities, or experiences)
- Includes logistics coordination across days (accommodation, transfers, experiences)
- Has a defined start and end date
What does not qualify:
- Day trips or single-activity bookings
- Standalone hotel stays without an itinerary
- Flights booked without an accompanying multi-day plan
- Transit stopovers without structured travel
This ensures the index reflects journey-level travel decisions, not isolated purchases.
B. What is Included in This Index?
The index is built using aggregated, anonymised data from multi-day tours that were planned, booked, and operated within the index window.
Included data signals cover:
1. Executed Multi-Day Leisure Trips
- Domestic multi-day trips within India
- International outbound multi-day trips from India
- Trips across all traveller types: solo, couples, families, and groups
Only trips that moved beyond planning and resulted in confirmed bookings are included.
2. Itinerary Design & Modification Behaviour
- Number of nights and destinations
- Changes requested before booking (pace, hotels, routing)
- Preference shifts observed across traveller segments
This helps understand how travellers structured their trips, not just where they went.
3. Traveller Segmentation Signals
- Gen Z & young professionals
- Families
- Honeymooners & couples
- Luxury & premium travellers
- Wellness & slow-travel seekers
This allows the index to reflect who travelled where, not just overall volume.
4. Destination-Level Demand Patterns
- Relative popularity of destinations
- Movement of destinations up or down rankings over time
- Emergence of new or previously niche destinations
Destinations are ranked relative to each other, rather than reported as raw counts.
C. What is Explicitly Excluded?
To maintain clarity and comparability, the following are not included in this index:
- Search intent without booking
- Browsing behaviour on listings or marketplaces
- Standalone flight bookings
- Standalone hotel bookings
- Activities or attractions booked independently
- Business travel, MICE, or corporate offsites
- Inbound foreign tourist travel to India
Excluding these ensures the index reflects deliberate leisure travel decisions, not fragmented, subjective, or exploratory behaviour.
D. How Does This Index Differ from Tourism Board Data?
Tourism board data typically measures:
- Tourist arrivals
- Hotel occupancy
- Footfall at destinations
- Border entries or airport traffic
While useful at a macro level, such data does not explain:
- Trip structure
- Traveller intent
- Length of stay patterns
- Traveller segment preferences
In contrast, this index measures:
- Trip-level behaviour
- Traveller-led decision patterns
- How journeys are designed and experienced
It answers why travellers went somewhere, not just that they arrived.
E. How Does This Index Differ from OTA or Marketplace Data?
Online travel agencies (OTAs) and marketplaces primarily reflect:
- Individual product transactions (flights, hotels, activities)
- Price-led comparison behaviour
- High-volume, low-context bookings
This index differs in three key ways:
- Journey-Level View: It analyses complete multi-day journeys rather than isolated components.
- Execution-Based Signals: It reflects trips that were actually taken, not just searched or listed.
- Format & Segment Focus: It captures how different traveller types plan and experience travel, not just what they purchase.
As a result, the index reveals structural travel patterns that are often invisible in component-level data.
F. Why This Matters
Multi-day travel represents the highest-intent, highest-commitment form of leisure travel.
By focusing exclusively on this category, the index provides:
- A clearer picture of how Indian leisure travel is evolving
- Early signals of destination momentum
- Insight into changing traveller priorities across age and income groups
This makes the index particularly relevant for:
- Media and industry analysts
- Destination marketers
- Tourism boards
- Travel ecosystem stakeholders
1.2 How This Index Is Built
The Thrillophilia Multi-Day Travel Index compares how Indian travellers booked and travelled in 2025 versus 2024, based only on confirmed multi-day leisure trips.
The purpose is simple:
To identify what changed in destinations, traveller segments, and trip formats year-on-year.
A. Timeframe & Scope
- Comparison: 2024 vs 2025
- Coverage:
- Domestic India
- International outbound travel from India
- Trip type: Leisure multi-day travel (2+ nights)
B. Data Used
Only trips that were booked, paid for, and travelled are included.
The analysis uses:
- Multi-day tour bookings
- Destination-level booking trends
- Traveller group composition (families, couples, Gen Z, luxury, wellness)
- Trip structure (duration, number of destinations, hotel category)
C. How Trends Are Measured
All insights are expressed as:
- Year-on-year growth or decline (%)
- Trends in destination rankings
This allows us to clearly state, for example:
- Which destinations grew faster in 2025
- Which traveller segments expanded or slowed
- How trip design preferences shifted
D. What Is Excluded
To avoid distortion, the index does not include:
- Search or browsing data
- Standalone flights or hotel bookings
- Activities booked independently
- Business or corporate travel
Note: Only multi-day leisure trips that actually happened are analysed.
E. Why This Approach Works
By comparing real travel in 2024 vs 2025, this index reflects revealed traveller behaviour, not intent or aspiration.
1.3 How to Read the Rankings
All rankings in this report reflect actual multi-day leisure trips booked and travelled during the comparison period. They are designed to show relative preference and travel momentum, not absolute market size.
A. What “Top 10” Means
- Destinations are ranked out of 10, based on overall booking share in 2025
- Only multi-day leisure trips are considered
- Rankings indicate where Indians travelled the most, not where they searched the most
B. What “Fastest Growing” Means
- Destinations showing the highest year-on-year growth from 2024 to 2025
- Growth is measured on actual bookings, not listings or page views
- A destination can be fast-growing even if it is not yet among the largest
C. What “Loved by” a Traveller Segment Means
- Reflects destinations that saw disproportionate growth within a specific traveller group
- For example: Gen Z, families, honeymooners, luxury or wellness travellers
- Indicates increasing preference, not just popularity
D. Why Rankings Are Used Instead of Raw Numbers
- Rankings allow clean comparison across destinations
- Avoid distortion caused by base size differences
- Make trends easier to interpret for readers
E. What Rankings Do Not Represent
- They are not tourism arrival statistics
- They do not reflect search interest or online browsing
- They are not endorsements or recommendations
Section 2: The Big Shifts In Indian Leisure Travel
2.1 How Indian Leisure Travel Has Changed Since 2023
Indian leisure travel between 2023 and 2025 did not merely rebound in volume, it changed in character.
Across multi-day trips booked and travelled, three clear behavioural shifts stand out.
A. From Checklist Travel to Experience-Led Travel
Till 2023, a large share of itineraries were designed to cover maximum places in minimum time.
By 2025, travellers increasingly chose to do less, but experience more.
Observed patterns (2024 - 2025):
- Fewer destinations per trip, but longer stays in each
- Decline in rushed, landmark-heavy itineraries
- Rise in experience clusters (nature, culture, food, adventure)
- Increase in trips designed around experiences rather than city counts
- Growth in itineraries with one primary base instead of frequent hotel changes
- Higher acceptance of itineraries that deliberately include downtime or buffer days
What this signals:
Indian travellers are no longer optimising for “how many places we can see”, but for how meaningful and comfortable the journey feels.
B. From Group-Heavy to Personalised & Semi-Custom Itineraries
Group travel still exists, but it is no longer the default choice. Travellers increasingly moved towards personalised or semi-custom multi-day tours in 2024 and 2025.
Observed patterns:
- Higher demand for itineraries tailored especially around:
- Family composition
- Pace preferences
- Hotel comfort levels
- Reducing daily travel time
- Adjusting sightseeing density
- Decline in large, rigid group schedules
- Faster growth in custom and semi-custom tours compared to fixed group departures
- Group tours increasingly concentrated in budget-sensitive segments only
What this signals:
Indian travellers now expect trips to adapt to them, not the other way around.
C. From Price-Led to Outcome-Led Decisions
While price remains important, it is no longer the primary decision driver in multi-day travel. Since 2023, travellers increasingly prioritised final outcome and experience over the lowest visible cost.
Observed patterns:
- Higher willingness to accept price differences in exchange for:
- Better hotels
- More realistic itineraries
- Clear on-ground support
- A sharp decline in bookings driven purely by discounts
- Increased acceptance of higher-priced itineraries when execution clarity was higher
- Fewer cancellations on well-defined, slower-paced trips
- Shift in customer queries from “Can this be cheaper?” to “How will this be executed?”
What this signals:
Travellers are optimising for peace of mind, not just savings, especially for family and international travel.
2.2 What Stayed the Same
While Indian leisure travel evolved in meaningful ways after 2023, not everything changed. Several foundational patterns remained stable and continue to anchor multi-day travel demand. These constants provide context to the shifts outlined earlier and explain why certain destinations and formats continue to perform as strongly.
A. Core Domestic Demand Remained Strong
Domestic travel continued to form the backbone of Indian multi-day leisure trips.
Observed patterns:
- A significant share of multi-day trips remained within India
- Domestic destinations continued to attract first-time travellers and repeat visitors equally
- Seasonal peaks (summer, festive periods) remained unchanged
- Continued preference for destinations that allow easy logistics and shorter travel times
- Stable demand for hill stations, heritage circuits, and nature-led regions
Why this matters:
Domestic travel remains a major section of multi-day trips and acts as the stabilising force during global uncertainty.
B. Seasonal Family Travel Persisted
Despite changes in trip design and spend behaviour, seasonal families travel patterns did not change significantly.
Observed patterns:
- Booking volumes peaked around predictable calendar periods
- Summer and festive windows remained the highest-demand periods
- Advance planning cycles for families remained longer than other segments
- Families continued to avoid shoulder seasons unless trips were short-haul
- Trip duration during school holidays remained longer than off-season travel
Why this matters:
Family travel is still calendar-driven, even though the manner and nature of travel has evolved.
C. Short-Haul Asia Tours Continued to Dominate Outbound Travel
Short-haul Asian destinations retained their position as the most accessible and reliable outbound choices for Indian travellers.
Observed patterns:
- Southeast Asia and nearby short-haul international destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali and neighbouring regions remained top preferences
- Visa simplicity and flight duration continued to influence decisions
- Repeat travel to familiar short-haul destinations remained high
- Strong family and Gen Z preference for short-haul international trips
- Shorter decision cycles compared to long-haul destinations
Why this matters:
Short-haul Asia continues to offer the best balance of affordability, convenience, and experience density for Indian travellers.
Section 3: The Traveller Segments Redefining Indian Leisure Travel
3.1 Gen Z & Young Professionals (Ages ~23–35)
This segment showed the sharpest behavioural change between 2024 and 2025. The shift is not about where Gen Z travels alone, but how frequently, how intensely, and why.
A. Trip Structure & Timing Preferences (2025 vs 2024)
| Behaviour Metric |
Change |
What It Signals |
| Weekend-heavy & short-break travel (4–6 nights) | +43% | Trips planned around work schedules |
| Long annual vacations (10+ nights) | –12% | Decline of once-a-year long holidays |
| Multiple trips per year | +51% | Higher travel frequency |
| Off-season travel | +39% | Greater flexibility and price awareness |
| Remote-work enabled itineraries | +34% | Travel combined with working days |
What this shows:
Gen Z is travelling more frequently but for shorter durations, structuring trips around work schedules, flexibility, and the ability to travel outside peak seasons rather than committing to one long annual holiday.
B. Experience & Itinerary Design Preferences
| Behaviour Metric |
Change |
What It Signals |
| Adventure & experience-led itineraries | +58% | Experiences driving destination choice |
| Nightlife, events & after-dark experiences | +47% | Demand for curated evenings |
| Cultural immersion & food-led travel | +42% | Shift away from tourist-only circuits |
| Landmark-heavy sightseeing | –14% | Declining appeal of checklist travel |
| Flexible daily pacing | +49% | Clear rejection of overpacked days |
What this shows:
Gen Z prioritises experience quality per day over sightseeing volume, favouring flexible pacing, cultural experiences, and curated activities over landmark-heavy itineraries.
C. Spending & Value Perception
| Behaviour Metric |
Change |
What It Signals |
| Value-for-money optimisation | +52% | Willingness to pay for better outcomes |
| Budget-only travel | –9% | Lower focus on cheapest options |
| Mid-premium hotels / hostels | +38% | Comfort preferred over low cost |
| Shared accommodations | –16% | Declining tolerance for inconvenience |
What this shows:
Gen Z remains cost-aware but is increasingly willing to spend for comfort, better planning, and smoother execution, signalling a shift away from purely budget-driven travel.
D. Destination Behaviour Patterns*
| Behaviour Metric |
Change |
What It Signals |
| Southeast Asia travel | +54% | High experience density and accessibility |
| First-time destination experimentation | +48% | Openness to newer destinations |
| Repeat visits to the same destination | –24% | Preference for novelty |
| Long-haul aspiration travel | +12% | Present, but limited |
What this shows:
Gen Z outbound travel growth is centred on short-haul destinations with high experience value. Interest in new destinations is rising, while repeat travel is declining. Long-haul travel remains aspirational and selective.
*Repeat travel remains skewed toward a few destinations such as Goa, Thailand, and Himachal.
E. Top Domestic Destinations Loved by Gen Z (India, 2025)
(Ranked by booking preference & growth momentum)
| Rank |
Destination |
YoY Growth |
Why It Grew |
| 1 | Himachal Pradesh (beyond Shimla–Manali)
| +41% | Road trips, treks, offbeat stays |
| 2 | Uttarakhand | +38% | Adventure, wellness, short breaks |
| 3 | Goa (experience-led) | +34% | Cafés, surf, slow travel |
| 4 | Meghalaya | +46% | Nature-led, first-time exploration |
| 5 | Sikkim | +32% | Clean destinations, calm itineraries |
| 6 | Ladakh | +29% | Landscape-led adventure |
| 7 | Kashmir | +27% | Improved confidence and scenery |
| 8 | Coorg & Western Ghats | +25% | Nature stays and slow weekends |
| 9 | Rajasthan | +22% | Festivals and culture |
| 10 | Andaman Islands | +19% | Island novelty and water activities |
What this shows:
Gen Z domestic travel growth is concentrated in mountain, nature-led, and offbeat regions that support short trips, flexible pacing, and experience-driven itineraries rather than metro-centric tourism.
F. Top International Destinations Loved by Gen Z
Short-Haul International (Highest Volume)
Year-on-Year Change: 2025 vs 2024
| Rank |
Destination |
YoY Growth |
Why It Grew |
| 1 | Thailand | +44% | High experience density, nightlife + adventure |
| 2 | Indonesia (Bali) | +39% | Culture, surf, wellness, flexible trip lengths |
| 3 | Vietnam | +51% | First-time exploration, value, food culture |
| 4 | Singapore | +28% | Events, concerts, short structured trips |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | +33% | Compact itineraries, surf + culture |
| 6 | Malaysia | +26% | Easy logistics, urban + nature mix |
| 7 | Philippines | +48% | Visa tailwinds, island hopping, novelty |
| 8 | Hong Kong | +21% | Events, nightlife revival, short breaks |
| 9 | Georgia | +36% | Visa-free access, culture + nightlife |
| 10 | Japan | +24% | Culture, safety, aspirational short trips |
What this shows
Gen Z travel growth follows clear patterns rather than broad trends. Momentum is strongest in destinations with short flight times, high experience value per day, and strong first-time appeal. Destinations such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Georgia represent a new wave of Gen Z travel interest, while repeat-heavy destinations continue to grow at a slower pace where novelty is limited.
Long-Haul Gen-Z Travel Destinations (Lower Volume, Higher Spend)
Year-on-Year Change: 2025 vs 2024
| Rank |
Destination Country |
YoY Growth |
Why It Grew |
| 1 | Europe (multi-country trips) | +24% | Culture-rich cities, rail travel, café culture, festivals, social media appeal |
| 2 | Kenya | +18% | Safari experiences, nature travel, bucket-list adventure |
| 3 | Australia | +16% | Beach lifestyle, adventure sports, English-speaking ease |
| 4 | South Korea | +19% | K-pop, beauty culture, street food, youth trends |
| 5 | Iceland | +21% | Northern Lights, road trips, dramatic landscapes |
What this shows:
Long-haul Gen Z travel remains lower in volume but higher in spend and intent, driven by culture, pop influence, and unique experiences rather than frequency.
G. Preferred Gen-Z Trip Formats
| Trip Format |
YoY Trend |
| Hybrid (adventure + culture + leisure) | Strong growth |
| Adventure-led trips | High growth |
| Culture & lifestyle trips | Steady growth |
| Landmark-only sightseeing | Declining |
What this shows:
Hybrid itineraries that combine adventure, culture, and leisure have become the default for Gen Z, while landmark-only sightseeing formats continue to lose relevance.
3.2 Families (Ages ~35–55)
Between 2024 and 2025, families emerged as the most stable and fastest-growing contributor to multi-day travel. Unlike Gen Z, family travel is not driven by experimentation, it is driven by risk management, comfort, and predictability.
3.2.1 How Families Plan & Decide
A. Planning Behaviour (2025 vs 2024)
A. Planning Behaviour (2025 vs 2024)
| Behaviour Metric | Change | What It Signals |
|---|
| Advance planning (30–90 days) | +16% | Families plan earlier to reduce uncertainty |
| Custom or semi-custom itineraries | +21% | One-size-fits-all trips increasingly rejected |
| Itinerary revisions before booking | +18% | Active involvement in pacing & comfort decisions |
| Last-minute bookings | –11% | Lower tolerance for uncertainty |
| Fixed large group tours | –18% | Declining relevance for families |
What this shows:
Family travel plans are increasingly well thought out, with longer planning cycles, higher involvement in itinerary design, and a clear preference for certainty over spontaneity.
B. Comfort vs Coverage
| Preference Shift | Change | What It Signals |
|---|
| Comfort-first itineraries | +19% | Comfort outweighs destination count |
| Fewer destinations per trip | +14% | Preference for depth over coverage |
| Multi-city rushed itineraries | –18% | Clear rejection of fast pacing |
| Day trips from a single base | +22% | Reduced fatigue for children & elders |
What this shows:
Families no longer measure trip value by how much they cover, but by how smoothly the trip runs. Families increasingly prioritise comfort over coverage, choosing fewer destinations, slower pacing, and day trips from a single base to reduce fatigue for children and elders. Multi-city rushed itineraries continue to decline, showing that smooth execution and manageable days matter more than packing in more stops.
C. Core Decision Hierarchy for Family Travel
(Ranked by importance based on booking behaviour)
- Predictability of execution
- Pace suitable for children & elders
- Hotel quality & room comfort
- On-ground support availability
- Price (only after the above are satisfied)
This hierarchy is consistently reflected in itinerary acceptance, modification requests, and cancellations avoided.
3.2.2 Family Preference Patterns (2025 vs 2024)
| Preference Pattern | Change | What It Signals |
|---|
| Slower pacing & realistic routing | +17% | Families reject over-packed itineraries |
| Premium & trusted hotel categories | +19% | Comfort outweighs marginal savings |
| Child- & elder-friendly experiences | +23% | Multi-generation suitability matters |
| Private / semi-private transfers | +11% | Safety & reduced fatigue prioritised |
| Single-city or limited-city trips | +14% | Depth preferred over coverage |
| Multi-city rush itineraries | –18% | Clear decline in appeal |
What this shows:
Families clearly prefer comfort, safety, and low-fatigue travel, with stronger preference for slower pacing, trusted hotels, and child- and elder-friendly experiences. Demand also shifts towards private logistics and limited-city routing that reduces transitions, while fast, multi-city rush itineraries see a clear decline as families prioritise depth and smooth execution over maximum coverage.
3.2.3 Outcomes of Trip Structure Observed
Fewer Transitions, Longer Stays
Families increasingly design trips with:
- Fewer hotel changes
- Longer stays per city
- Day trips instead of overnight hops
- Built-in rest buffers
Resulting outcomes (2025 vs 2024):
- Increase in average trip duration
- Higher per-night hotel spend
- Fewer on-trip escalations and complaints
Hotels Became Non-Negotiable
Higher acceptance for:
- Larger room categories
- Central or well-connected locations
- Known hotel brands or trusted properties
Strong resistance observed to:
- Unbranded budget hotels
- Location-compromised stays
- Frequent hotel switching
Hotels are now viewed as a risk-management choice, not a discretionary upgrade.
Safety & Support Trump Everything
Family travellers increasingly ask:
- “Who do we contact if something goes wrong?”
- “Is this transfer reliable with kids?”
- “What happens if flights are delayed?”
Observed correlation:
- Higher booking conversion is associated with clearer support communication.
- Lower cancellation rates on well-explained itineraries
This reinforces the shift toward accountability-led trip selection.
3.2.4 Top Domestic Destinations for Family Travel (India, 2025)
Ranked by booking preference, consistency & YoY growth — 2025 vs 2024
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why Families Chose It |
|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan | +28% | Heritage hotels, easy logistics, multi-generation appeal |
| 2 | Kerala | +31% | Wellness, backwaters, slower pacing, safe travel |
| 3 | North East India (multi-state) | +42% | Nature-led, longer stays, rising confidence for families |
| 4 | Himachal Pradesh | +26% | Hill stations, road accessibility, predictable itineraries |
| 5 | Uttarakhand | +24% | Spiritual + leisure mix, short-break friendly |
| 6 | Ladakh (family-friendly itineraries) | +33% | Shift from adventure to comfort-led family travel |
| 7 | Andaman Islands | +22% | Island novelty, safe water activities, compact plans |
| 8 | Sikkim | +19% | Clean destinations, calm pace, scenic stays |
| 9 | Kashmir | +37% | Improving confidence, scenic stays, and family-paced itineraries |
| 10 | Goa (leisure-led) | +18% | Resorts, relaxed itineraries, not nightlife-driven |
What this shows:
Families increasingly favour comfort-first, low-friction destinations with predictable routing and better stays. North East India and Ladakh emerge as structural risers as family confidence improves, while Kashmir shows late but sharp recovery-led momentum.
3.2.5 Top International Family Destinations
Short-Haul International
Year-on-Year Growth: 2025 vs 2024 ( no order)
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why It Works for Families |
|---|
| 1 | Singapore | +34% | Theme parks, safety, short flight time |
| 2 | Thailand | +29% | Family resorts, flexible itineraries |
| 3 | Abu Dhabi | +41% | Theme parks, clean infrastructure, predictable ops |
| 4 | Malaysia | +23% | Easy logistics, urban + nature mix |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | +27% | Compact routes, nature + culture |
| 6 | Dubai | +6% | Shopping, resorts, familiarity |
| 7 | Indonesia (Bali) | +19% | Villa stays, slower family pacing |
| 8 | Hong Kong | +27% | Events, Disneyland, short city breaks |
What this shows:
Short-haul family travel clusters around destinations that reduce disruption risk through short flights, strong infrastructure, and highly structured experiences like theme parks and resort-led stays, while familiarity-driven demand remains steady but grows slower.
Long-Haul International (Lower Volume, Higher Spend)
Year-on-Year Growth: 2025 vs 2024
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why Families Chose It |
|---|
| 1 | Europe (selective, slower circuits) | +32% | Fewer countries, longer stays, comfort-led touring |
| 2 | Japan | +39% | Safety, cleanliness, cultural depth |
| 3 | Australia | +14% | English-speaking ease, nature + cities |
| 4 | Kenya & South Africa | +35% | Safari-led, once-in-a-lifetime family trips |
| 5 | United States (West Coast & National Parks) | +21% | Road trips, theme parks, multi-gen suitability |
Key insight:
Long-haul family travel in 2025 grew not in frequency, but in confidence — fewer trips, higher spend, deeper planning.
3.2.6 Preferred Family Trip Formats
| Trip Format | YoY Trend | Notes |
|---|
| Leisure & sightseeing-led trips | Strong growth | Slower pacing, fewer transitions |
| Theme park-centric trips | High growth | Especially Singapore & Abu Dhabi |
| Nature & slow travel | Strong growth | Kerala, Kashmir, Europe, NZ |
| Fast-paced multi-city tours | Declining | Fatigue & risk concerns |
What this shows:
The fastest-growing family formats are the ones that reduce execution risk, which is why single-base leisure, theme-park breaks, and slow nature itineraries outperform multi-city touring.
3.3 Honeymooners & Couples
Honeymoon and couple travel remains one of the most emotionally driven segments, but between 2024 and 2025, it became far more intentional and differentiated. This cohort moved decisively away from cliché destinations and rushed sightseeing, towards privacy, pacing, and memorable experiences.
3.3.1 What Defines Honeymoon Travel Today
A. Structural Shifts in Honeymoon Travel (2025 vs 2024)
| Behaviour Shift | YoY Change | What It Indicates |
|---|
| Custom & semi-custom honeymoon itineraries | +47% | Couples want trips built around them, not templates |
| Privacy-led accommodation choices | +42% | Villas, boutique hotels, unique stays preferred |
| Landmark-heavy sightseeing | –19% | Declining appeal of checklist honeymoons |
| Slower pacing & fewer destinations | +38% | Depth over coverage |
| Shorter honeymoons (5–7 nights) | +29% | Minimoons + later long trips |
| Ultra-luxury, high-cost honeymoons | –8% | Value & experience > pure opulence |
What this shows:
Honeymoon travel shifts towards personalised, privacy-first trips built around couples, not templates. Villas and boutique stays rise, while landmark-heavy sightseeing declines. Couples prefer fewer destinations with slower pacing, and they lean more towards 5–7 night minimoons. Ultra-luxury softens slightly as experience value outweighs pure opulence.
B. What Couples Optimise For (Observed Booking Behaviour)
| Priority | YoY Change | What Matters Most |
|---|
| Privacy & exclusivity | +24% | Less crowding, more personal space |
| Experience-led days (sunset cruises, safaris, slow travel) | +21% | Shared memories > sightseeing |
| Romantic accommodation upgrades | +36% | Better rooms, views, locations |
| Nightlife-centric travel | –11% | Losing relevance for honeymoons |
| Discount-driven choices | –14% | Emotional value outweighs savings |
What this shows:
Couples increasingly optimise for privacy, personal space, and experience-led days that create shared memories rather than packed sightseeing. Romantic stay upgrades see the strongest lift, showing higher willingness to pay for better rooms, views, and locations. Nightlife-first plans and discount-driven choices decline, signalling that emotional value now outweighs savings.
3.3.2 Top Honeymoon Destinations — India
Ranked by booking preference & YoY growth (2025 vs 2024)
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why It Resonates |
|---|
| 1 | Kerala | +39% | Backwaters, wellness, slow pace |
| 2 | Kashmir | +31% | Scenic beauty, romantic stays, recovery in confidence |
| 3 | Andaman Islands | +34% | Seclusion, beaches, water experiences |
| 4 | Himachal Pradesh | +26% | Mountain stays, boutique hotels |
| 5 | Meghalaya | +44% | Offbeat romance, nature & novelty |
| 6 | Rajasthan | +22% | Palace stays, heritage romance |
| 7 | Sikkim | +24% | Calm pace, scenic intimacy |
| 8 | Goa (leisure-led) | +19% | Boutique resorts, relaxed itineraries |
| 9 | Ladakh | +21% | Adventure-romance hybrids |
| 10 | Uttarakhand | +18% | Hill escapes, short romantic breaks |
What this shows:
Honeymoon demand clusters around destinations that naturally support privacy, scenic stays, and slower pacing, with strong momentum in nature-first and offbeat choices like Meghalaya and the islands. Kerala and Andaman remain consistent anchors for calm, stay-led romance, while Kashmir’s rise reflects improving confidence and growing preference for romantic, comfort-led itineraries over rushed sightseeing.
3.3.3 Top Honeymoon Destinations — International
Overall Top International Honeymoon Destinations
(Ranked by booking preference & YoY growth, 2025 vs 2024)
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why Couples Choose It |
|---|
| 1 | Thailand | +33% | Romantic resorts, privacy, affordability |
| 2 | Indonesia (Bali) | +36% | Villas, wellness, slow romance |
| 3 | Maldives | +27% | Privacy, overwater villas, milestone honeymoons |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | +29% | Compact routes, culture + beaches |
| 5 | Vietnam | +41% | Novelty, scenic cruises, value |
| 6 | Switzerland | +24% | Classic romance, scenic rail journeys |
| 7 | Italy | +21% | Culture, food, slow city stays |
| 8 | Japan | +26% | Clean, safe, culturally rich |
| 9 | South Africa | +31% | Safari + wine + coastline |
| 10 | Greece | +19% | Island romance, boutique stays |
What this shows:
International honeymoon demand clusters around destinations that offer privacy-led stays and experience-rich days with predictable execution. Short-haul leaders combine resort or villa formats with compact routing, while long-haul picks skew towards milestone romance built on scenic journeys, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Short-Haul vs Long-Haul Honeymoon Split
| Category | YoY Trend | Insight |
|---|
| Short-haul international | Strong growth | Preferred for quicker, flexible honeymoons |
| Long-haul international | Moderate growth | Chosen for milestone or once-in-a-lifetime trips |
| Domestic honeymoons | Steady growth | Increasing quality & privacy appeal |
What this shows:
Honeymoon growth is strongest in short-haul trips that allow quicker, flexible breaks with lower travel fatigue. Long-haul remains a milestone choice, taken less frequently but with higher intent, longer planning, and deeper stay-led experiences, while domestic demand stays steady as privacy and trip quality improve.
3.4 Luxury & Premium Leisure Travellers
Luxury travel remains a smaller-volume but high-impact segment within Indian multi-day travel. Between 2024 and 2025, luxury demand did not expand through extravagance, it expanded through precision, privacy, and control.
3.4.1 What Luxury Means Now (Not Just Hotels)
Luxury travel in 2025 is no longer defined primarily by:
- Hotel star ratings
- Brand names alone
- Excessive itinerary coverage
Instead, it is defined by how well a trip fits the traveller’s intent.
Key Behavioural Shifts (2025 vs 2024)
| Luxury Behaviour Shift | YoY Change | What It Indicates |
|---|
| Custom-built itineraries | +26% | Luxury travellers reject templates |
| Privacy-led accommodations | +21% | Villas, lodges, boutique stays preferred |
| Fewer destinations per trip | +28% | Depth over coverage |
| Landmark-heavy sightseeing | –17% | Experiences valued over checklists |
| Private guides & transfers | +4% | Control and comfort prioritised |
| Price-led decision making | –13% | Outcome matters more than cost |
What this shows:
Luxury travel is increasingly defined by control and fit, with stronger preference for custom-built itineraries, privacy-led stays, and fewer destinations per trip. Checklist sightseeing and price-led decision making decline, showing that time efficiency, comfort, and execution certainty matter more than visible extravagance.
3.4.2 Top Luxury Domestic Destinations (India)
Ranked by premium booking share & YoY growth — 2025 vs 2024
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why It Attracts Luxury Travellers |
|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan | +34% | Heritage palaces, experiential stays |
| 2 | Kerala | +29% | Wellness retreats, backwaters, privacy |
| 3 | Ladakh | +41% | Luxury camps, remote landscapes |
| 4 | Andaman Islands | +26% | Secluded beaches, premium resorts |
| 5 | Uttarakhand | +12% | Wellness & Himalayan luxury lodges |
| 6 | Sikkim | +14% | Boutique mountain stays, slow travel |
| 7 | Himachal Pradesh | +19% | Private hill retreats |
What this shows:
Luxury domestic demand clusters around destinations that naturally support seclusion and controlled experiences, including heritage stays, remote landscapes, and privacy-led retreats. The strongest performers align with slower pacing and high-comfort trip design rather than high-coverage touring.
3.4.3 Top Luxury International Destinations
Ranked by YoY growth in premium multi-day bookings (2025 vs 2024)
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why Luxury Demand Grew |
|---|
| 1 | Italy | +27% | Slow travel, food & culture immersion |
| 2 | Switzerland | +18% | Scenic rail, luxury alpine stays |
| 3 | Japan | +33% | Precision, safety, curated experiences |
| 4 | South Africa | +19% | Safari lodges, wine estates |
| 5 | Kenya | +42% | Ultra-premium safaris |
| 6 | France | +5% | Boutique hotels, culinary travel |
| 7 | Greece | +12% | Island villas, slow island hopping |
| 8 | Australia | +11% | Nature-led luxury, long stays |
| 9 | Maldives | +18% | Privacy-first, milestone travel |
| 10 | Scandinavia | +27% | Nature immersion, low-density luxury |
What this shows:
Luxury international growth concentrates in destinations that enable curated, experience-first travel such as scenic rail journeys, safari-led formats, and low-density, privacy-heavy stays. Demand rises where premium outcomes feel predictable and personalised, with strong momentum in milestone-style itineraries.
Short-Haul vs Long-Haul Luxury Split
| Category | YoY Trend | Insight |
|---|
| Short-haul luxury | Moderate growth | Chosen for quick, controlled indulgence |
| Long-haul luxury | Strong growth | Preferred for milestone & experiential travel |
What this shows:
Short-haul luxury grows through compact, controlled breaks that deliver comfort with minimal complexity. Long-haul luxury grows faster because it is treated as milestone travel, with fewer trips but higher intent, deeper itineraries, and more experiential formats.
3.4.4 Common Luxury Trip Characteristics
Observed Luxury Trip Design Patterns (2025)
| Trip Characteristic | YoY Change | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Custom itineraries only | +26% | Zero tolerance for generic plans |
| Private transfers & guides | +14% | Comfort, flexibility, control |
| Fewer destinations (1–3 max) | +28% | Time valued over coverage |
| Premium experiential activities | +21% | Safari, cruises, rail journeys |
| Longer stays per location | +25% | True immersion |
| Fast-paced touring | –22% | Explicitly rejected |
What this shows:
Luxury travel in current times is defined by control and precision, with strong preference for fully customised, low-transition itineraries that prioritise time, comfort, and premium experiences, while fast-paced coverage-led touring is consistently rejected.
3.5 Wellness & Slow-Travel Seekers
Wellness and slow travel moved from a niche category to a distinct planning mindset between 2024 and 2025. Travellers increasingly used multi-day trips for recovery, balance, and longevity, not just leisure.
This segment cuts across age groups but is especially strong among:
- Urban professionals
- Families seeking restorative breaks
- Luxury travellers prioritising health outcomes
3.5.1 Rise of Wellness-Led Travel
Key Behavioural Shifts (2025 vs 2024)
| Wellness Behaviour | YoY Change | What It Indicates |
|---|
| Wellness-led multi-day trips | +24% | Wellness is now a primary trip driver |
| Longer stays at a single location | +19% | Healing over sightseeing |
| Digital-detox & low-activity itineraries | +21% | Fatigue with hyper-packed travel |
| Spa & Ayurveda-centric itineraries | +16% | Preventive health focus |
| Landmark-heavy sightseeing | –21% | Clear rejection among wellness travellers |
| Multi-city fast travel | –26% | Slow travel preferred |
What this shows:
Wellness travel increasingly functions as an intentional recovery format, with higher preference for stay-led trips, longer single-location breaks, and lower-activity, digital-detox itineraries. Spa and Ayurveda-led programs gain share as preventive health becomes a key driver, while landmark-heavy sightseeing and fast multi-city routing decline sharply.
3.5.2 Top Wellness Destinations in India
Ranked by wellness-led booking growth & consistency (2025 vs 2024)
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why It Leads |
|---|
| 1 | Kerala | +27% | Ayurveda, retreats, water-led calm |
| 2 | Uttarakhand | +12% | Yoga hubs, Himalayan retreats |
| 3 | Coorg & Western Ghats | +13% | Forest stays, coffee estates |
| 4 | Himachal Pradesh (offbeat) | +9% | Mountain quietude, slow itineraries |
| 5 | Sikkim | +6% | Clean environments, scenic stillness |
| 6 | Rajasthan (heritage retreats) | +11% | Palace-based wellness, privacy |
What this shows:
Indian wellness travel clusters around nature, silence, and structured healing, not sightseeing hubs.
3.5.3 Top International Wellness Destinations
International Wellness Destinations (2025 vs 2024)
| Rank | Destination | YoY Growth | Why It Resonates |
|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka | +39% | Ayurveda, coastal calm, compact travel |
| 2 | Indonesia (Bali) | +14% | Yoga, retreats, spiritual tourism |
| 3 | Thailand | +18% | Wellness resorts, detox programs |
| 4 | Japan | +11% | Onsen culture, mindful living |
| 5 | Bhutan | +26% | Mindfulness, low-impact tourism |
| 6 | Italy (countryside) | +6% | Slow food, rural wellness |
| 7 | Switzerland | +19% | Alpine retreats, nature immersion |
| 8 | Austria | +3% | Stable demand, spa towns, thermal wellness |
What this shows:
International wellness growth in 2024-2025 clusters around destinations that offer compact routing or stay-led recovery formats, with strong wellness infrastructure and low-friction execution, rather than sightseeing-heavy travel.
Section 4: Destination League Tables — Where Indians Travelled Between 2024–2025
While traveller segments and trip formats explain how Indians travelled, destination rankings show where demand actually concentrated in 2025.
These league tables are based on confirmed multi-day leisure trips and reflect relative preference and momentum rather than absolute tourist arrivals.
The rankings below should be read as indicators of sustained demand, recovery, or acceleration across destinations, shaped by accessibility,
trip design suitability, and traveller confidence.
Top 15 Domestic Destinations — Overall Demand
| Rank |
Destination |
YoY Growth |
Why It Continues to Perform |
| 1 |
Kerala |
+19% |
Strong appeal across families, wellness travellers, and couples |
| 2 |
Rajasthan |
+17% |
Depth of heritage experiences and a strong hotel ecosystem |
| 3 |
Himachal Pradesh |
+14% |
Year-round demand and road-trip friendly circuits |
| 4 |
North East India |
+31% |
Breakout growth driven by first-time and experience-led travel |
| 5 |
Uttarakhand |
+13% |
Combination of spiritual, leisure, and short-break travel |
| 6 |
Kashmir |
+35% |
Strong recovery supported by rising traveller confidence |
| 7 |
Goa |
+21% |
Shift towards leisure-led, resort-based travel |
| 8 |
Ladakh |
+31% |
Transition from adventure-only to family and luxury formats |
| 9 |
Andaman Islands |
+11% |
Island novelty with controlled, consistent demand |
| 10 |
Sikkim |
+12% |
Clean destinations and calm, well-paced itineraries |
| 11 |
Coorg & Western Ghats |
+11% |
Nature-led slow travel demand |
| 12 |
Tamil Nadu |
+18% |
Temple circuits combined with leisure travel |
| 13 |
Maharashtra |
+16% |
Short breaks, hill stations, and weekend travel |
| 14 |
Karnataka |
+17% |
Mix of heritage, hills, and wildlife |
What this shows:
Domestic demand in 2025 increased for destinations that support slower pacing, diverse trip formats, and provided reliable on-ground experiences.
Regions offering versatility across traveller segments continued to perform consistently.
4.2 Top Short-Haul International Destinations
(Destinations under ~6–7 hours flight time from India. Ranked by overall multi-day travel demand; year-on-year change shown for context)
Short-haul international destinations continued to account for the largest share of outbound multi-day travel in 2025.
Ease of access, visa clarity, and compact itineraries played a major role in sustaining demand.
Top Short-Haul International Destinations (2025)
| Rank |
Destination |
YoY Growth |
Why It Performs |
| 1 | Thailand | +21% | Versatile across Gen Z, families & couples |
| 2 | Singapore | +24% | Family-friendly, events & theme parks |
| 3 | Abu Dhabi | +36% | Experience clustering, premium infrastructure |
| 4 | Malaysia | +16% | Urban + nature mix, easy logistics |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | +25% | Compact routes, culture + beaches |
| 6 | Dubai | +2% | Largely stable demand, familiarity, shopping, resorts |
| 7 | Indonesia (Bali) | +6% | Wellness, villas, slow travel |
| 8 | Hong Kong | +18% | Events, Disneyland, short city breaks |
| 9 | Vietnam | +31% | First-time exploration, strong momentum |
| 10 | Philippines | +39% | Visa tailwinds, island experiences |
| 11 | Georgia | +14% | Visa-free access, culture + nightlife |
| 12 | Nepal | +17% | Short spiritual & nature breaks |
| 13 | Bhutan | +21% | Wellness & low-impact travel |
| 14 | Japan (short-duration itineraries) | +36% | Safety, culture, selective demand |
| 15 | France | 5% | Selective city trips driven by culture and repeat travel |
What this shows:
Short-haul demand remains driven by predictability, experience density, and manageable trip durations rather than price alone.
4.3 Top Long-Haul International Destinations
(7+ hours flight; Ranked by overall multi-day demand across all traveller segments)
Long-haul travel remained lower in volume but higher in intent and average spend.
Growth was concentrated in destinations that support slower pacing, experiential depth, and longer stays.
Top 15 Long-Haul International Destinations (2025)
| Rank |
Destination |
YoY Growth |
Why It Attracts Demand |
| 1 | Europe (selective multi-country) | +27% | Custom pacing and cultural depth |
| 2 | Switzerland | +23% | Scenic rail journeys and family appeal |
| 3 | Italy | +16% | Food, culture, and slow city travel |
| 4 | Spain | +11% | Boutique stays and countryside travel |
| 5 | Japan | +39% | Safety, cleanliness, and cultural depth |
| 6 | South Africa | +23% | Safari, wine, and coastal combinations |
| 7 | Kenya | +35% | High-end safari-led experiences |
| 8 | Australia | +12% | Nature-led travel and English-speaking ease |
| 9 | New Zealand | +14% | Scenic road trips and slow travel |
| 10 | United States | +10% | National parks and West Coast itineraries |
| 11 | Greece | +18% | Island hopping and boutique stays |
| 12 | Spain | +17% | Culture and leisure mix |
| 13 | Scandinavia | +25% | Nature immersion experiences and summer demand |
| 14 | Iceland | +39% | Landscape-driven experiential travel |
| 15 | Austria | +16% | Alpine slow travel and lakeside stays |
What this shows:
Long-haul growth in 2025 was driven by experience-led and well-paced itineraries rather than high-frequency travel.
4.4 Fastest-Climbing Destinations
(Relative movement based on year-on-year demand acceleration. No absolute numbers; directional pattern only)
Domestic – Fastest Climbers
- North East India and Sikkim
- Ladakh
- Kashmir
International – Fastest Climbers
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Iceland
- Japan
- Kenya
- Scandinavia
Section 5: Trip Format Index — How People Are Travelling
While destinations explain where Indians travelled, trip formats explain how those journeys were planned and executed.
Between 2024 and 2025, the most meaningful shifts in multi-day travel were structural rather than geographic.
Changes in customisation, duration, and pacing played a larger role in shaping travel outcomes than destination choice alone.
This section outlines how Indian travellers structured their trips in 2025 and how those structures evolved year-on-year.
5.1 Custom vs Group Travel
Relative Preference Shift (2025 vs 2024)
| Trip Format |
YoY Change |
What Changed |
| Custom / Tailor-made tours |
+18% |
Became the most preferred format across families, luxury travellers, and honeymooners, driven by the need for control and flexibility
|
| Semi-custom tours |
+16% |
Chosen by travellers seeking flexibility while keeping costs predictable
|
| Fixed small-group tours |
+11% |
Continued relevance, largely within more price-sensitive traveller segments
|
| Large group / bus tours |
–21% |
Sharp decline due to rigid schedules, fatigue, and limited personalisation
|
What This Means:
Custom travel formats are no longer restricted to premium or niche travellers.
They are increasingly the default choice across multiple segments.
Group tours continue to exist, but are largely sustained where price sensitivity is high and traveller expectations are limited.
5.2 Trip Duration Trends
Trip Length Distribution (2025 vs 2024)
| Trip Duration |
YoY Change |
Who Drives This |
| Short trips (3–5 nights) |
+24% |
Gen Z and working professionals managing limited leave
|
| Medium trips (6–9 nights) |
+19% |
Families, couples, and wellness travellers seeking balanced itineraries
|
| Long trips (10–14 nights) |
+14% |
Long-haul travel and milestone trips planned with intent
|
| Very long trips (15+ nights) |
–9% |
Decline outside a small set of luxury or extended-stay travellers
|
What This Means:
Travel frequency increased between 2024-2025, but average trip length compressed.
Medium-length trips of 6 to 9 nights emerged as the most preferred format, balancing time availability with meaningful travel experiences.
Longer trips are now planned purposefully with better experiences rather than occurring by default.
5.3 Pacing & Itinerary Design Trends
A. Slower vs Rushed Itineraries
| Pacing Preference |
YoY Change |
Behavioural Insight |
| Slower, realistic pacing |
+21% |
Preference for reduced fatigue and more comfortable daily schedules
|
| Balanced pacing |
+19% |
Viewed as an acceptable middle ground across traveller segments
|
| Rushed, over-packed itineraries |
–17% |
Increasingly rejected due to physical and mental fatigue
|
What This Means:
Travellers increasingly questioned long daily travel times, early-morning starts, late finishes,
and tightly packed sightseeing schedules. Comfort and realism now play a central role in itinerary acceptance.
B. Single-Base vs Multi-City Trips
| Trip Structure |
YoY Change |
Why It Changed |
| Single-base trips with day excursions |
+36% |
Fewer transitions, less packing, and more rest
|
| Two-city trips |
+21% |
Limited variety without excessive movement
|
| Multi-city (4+ stops) itineraries |
–24% |
Higher fatigue, greater logistical risk, and lower comfort
|
What This Means:
Trips with fewer hotel changes and longer stays per location consistently delivered higher satisfaction
and fewer on-trip issues. Travellers increasingly preferred depth over coverage when designing multi-day journeys.
Section 6: Domestic India — Regional Deep Dive
India’s domestic multi-day travel growth since 2023 has not been uniform.
Different regions are evolving at different speeds based on access, traveller confidence,
trip formats, and the type of experiences they support.
This section highlights what is structurally growing and what has stabilised across major domestic regions.
6.1 North India
Key States & Regions:
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajasthan
What’s Growing
-
Kashmir:
Strong recovery-led growth, particularly among families and honeymooners,
driven by improved confidence and comfort-led itineraries
-
Ladakh:
Clear shift from adventure-only travel to family-friendly and luxury formats
-
Offbeat Himachal & Uttarakhand:
Villages, road trips, and slower itineraries gaining preference over mass hill stations
-
Rajasthan (heritage circuits):
Premium, experience-led travel replacing checklist sightseeing
Why:
- Improved traveller confidence and on-ground infrastructure
- Strong appeal across families, couples, and luxury travellers
-
Destinations that support slower pacing and depth consistently outperform rushed formats
What’s Stabilising
- Shimla–Manali mass circuits
- Rushed, multi-city hill itineraries
- Budget group tours concentrated in peak summer months
Regional Insight:
North India remains the backbone of domestic multi-day travel,
but growth has clearly shifted from volume-driven travel to quality-led experiences.
6.2 Northeast India
Key States & Regions:
Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland (select circuits)
What’s Growing
-
Meghalaya:
Among the fastest-climbing destinations nationally, driven by nature-led and first-time travel
-
Sikkim:
Clean, calm, and well-paced itineraries seeing steady traction
-
Multi-state Northeast circuits: Longer stays with fewer destinations replacing short sampler trips
-
Strong demand for nature-led and first-time exploration
Why
- Rising traveller confidence
- Strong interest from Gen Z and families
-
Preference for offbeat, less crowded destinations with depth
What’s Stabilising
- Short, rushed “Northeast sampler” trips
- Single-city visits without sufficient depth
Regional Insight:
The Northeast has moved from experimental travel to intentional travel,
making it the highest-momentum region in domestic India.
6.3 West & Central India
Key States & Regions:
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
What’s Growing
-
Rajasthan:
Heritage stays, cultural experiences and slower circuits gaining preference
-
Madhya Pradesh:
Wildlife, heritage, and offbeat central India itineraries
-
Maharashtra (Western Ghats, Konkan):
Short leisure breaks and slow travel itineraries
Why:
- Improved accommodation quality across regions
- Rising interest in culture and nature combinations
- Increased demand for weekend and short-break travel
What’s Stabilising
- High-frequency business-leisure overlap travel
- Large group heritage tours with fixed routing
Regional Insight:
West and Central India are benefiting from rediscovery rather than novelty,
with travellers returning to familiar regions but with more experience-led expectations.
6.4 South India
Key States & Regions:
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Coorg & Western Ghats
What’s Growing
-
Kerala:
Strong demand driven by wellness, slow travel, family, and luxury segments
-
Coorg & Western Ghats:
Nature-embedded stays and digital detox trips
-
Tamil Nadu:
Temple circuits combined with leisure stays
-
Boutique resorts and wellness retreats across the region
Why
- Strong alignment with wellness, family, and premium travel preferences
- Destinations support longer stays with fewer transitions
- Perception of safety, predictability, and reliable infrastructure
What’s Stabilising
- Fast-paced sightseeing circuits
- City-heavy itineraries without nature or leisure elements
Regional Insight:
South India has emerged as the anchor region for wellness and slow travel,
supported by steady, high-quality demand rather than sharp volatility.
Section 7: International Travel — Regional Deep Dive
Indian outbound multi-day travel since 2023 has not expanded evenly across regions.
Growth has concentrated in regions that offer ease, experience density, and predictable execution,
while others have stabilised into slower, more deliberate demand patterns.
7.1 Southeast Asia
Key Destinations:
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore
What’s Growing
-
Vietnam & Philippines:
Fastest momentum due to first-time travel curiosity
-
Thailand & Bali:
Continued dominance across Gen Z, families, and honeymoons
-
Experience-led itineraries: food, nightlife, beaches, wellness
-
Shorter, repeat international trips
What’s Stabilising
- Pure sightseeing-only city circuits
- Budget group tours without experiential layering
Regional Insight:
Southeast Asia remains the volume engine of Indian outbound travel,
driven by high experience-per-day value and low friction.
7.2 Middle East
Key Destinations:
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman
What’s Growing
-
Abu Dhabi:
Theme parks, family-centric experiences, cultural attractions
- Resort-led leisure travel
- Short, high-comfort international breaks
What’s Stabilising
- Shopping-only Dubai trips
- High-frequency repeat visits without new experiences
Regional Insight:
The Middle East has shifted from transactional travel (shopping)
to experience-designed leisure, especially for families.
7.3 Europe
Key Destinations:
Switzerland, Italy, France, Greece, Scandinavia
What’s Growing
- Selective Europe: Fewer countries, longer stays
- Scenic rail journeys and countryside travel
- Family-friendly and luxury-led Europe itineraries
What’s Stabilising
- 6–8 country “Europe in 10 days” tours
- Landmark-only sightseeing routes
Regional Insight:
Europe is no longer about coverage, it is about curation, pacing, and immersion.
7.4 Africa
Key Destinations:
Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania
What’s Growing
- Safari-led luxury and family travel
- Once-in-a-lifetime, milestone trips
- Combinations of wildlife + wine + coast (South Africa)
What’s Stabilising
- Budget wildlife tours
- Short, rushed safari itineraries
Regional Insight:
Africa’s growth is high-intent, low-frequency, high-spend,
driven by experience depth, not volume.
7.5 Australia, New Zealand & the Americas
Key Destinations:
Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada
What’s Growing
- Australia & New Zealand: Nature-led, slow road-trip itineraries
- USA West Coast & National Parks
- Multi-generation family travel
What’s Stabilising
- City-only USA itineraries
- Business-leisure overlap travel
Regional Insight:
These regions attract deliberate, long-planning-cycle travellers
seeking space, nature, and familiarity.
Section 8: What This Means For The Travel Ecosystem
The data in this report suggests changes that extend beyond short-term fluctuations. It reflects a structural shift in how Indian leisure travel is being conceived, purchased, and consumed.
8.1 What This Signals About Indian Travellers
Across segments, destinations, and formats, Indian travellers are converging around a few consistent expectations.
Key Signals:
-
Intentional travel is replacing impulsive travel
Trips are planned with clearer objectives, rest, bonding, wellness, or experiences rather than generic sightseeing itineraries
-
Reliability now outweighs Novelty
Travellers are willing to try new destinations, but only when execution feels predictable.
-
Time has become the most important currency
Fewer places, better pacing, and smoother logistics consistently outperform packed itineraries.
-
Value is judged by outcomes, not prices
Satisfaction, comfort, and peace of mind matter more than absolute cost savings.
What this means:
Indian leisure travel is becoming more intentional and outcome-led, with travellers prioritising reliable execution,
smoother pacing, and time efficiency, while value is increasingly measured by comfort and peace of mind rather than
lowest price or maximum coverage.
8.2 What Destinations Should Pay Attention To
Destinations that grew consistently between 2023 and 2025 share common traits, not marketing budgets.
What Matters More Than Promotion
- Ease of movement within the destination
- Ability to support slower, single-base itineraries
- Quality and reliability of accommodation
- Experiences that work across age groups
What Is Losing Impact
- Landmark-heavy promotion without itinerary context
- Volume-led tourism strategies
- One-size-fits-all destination positioning
What this means:
Destination momentum increasingly comes from trip design readiness, not promotion, with stronger growth in places
that enable easy movement, slower single-base itineraries, reliable stays, and broad-appeal experiences, while
landmark-only messaging and volume-led, generic positioning steadily lose impact.
8.3 How Trip Design Is Changing
Trip design is no longer a backend activity, it is now the core differentiator.
Observed Design Shifts
- From multi-city rushing to depth-led routing
- From fixed schedules to adaptive pacing
- From generic inclusions to experience layering
- From hotel-first planning to itinerary-first planning
Trips that are more clearly structured tend to see better conversion and lower cancellation rates.
What this means:
The future of leisure travel belongs to well-designed journeys, not assembled packages.
The Indian travel market is not just growing , it is maturing.
Growth now rewards clarity, pacing, and accountability far more than scale or discounts.
Section 9: Methodology & Definitions
This section outlines how the India Multi-Day Tours Index 2024 was constructed and how it should be interpreted.
9.1 Data Coverage
Timeframe analysed:
- Calendar years 2024 and 2025 (with directional reference to 2023)
Trip type included:
- Leisure multi-day trips (2+ nights)
- Domestic (within India) and international outbound travel
Data sources:
- Confirmed multi-day bookings
- Itinerary design and modification patterns
- Traveller segmentation (family, Gen Z, couples, luxury, wellness)
- On-ground execution and fulfilment data
NOTE: All data is aggregated and anonymised.
9.2 Definitions
Multi-Day Trip:
A leisure journey involving two or more nights, designed and booked as part of a single itinerary.
Custom / Semi-Custom Trip:
An itinerary adapted to traveller preferences (pace, hotels, routing), even if based on a base template.
Short-Haul International:
Destinations typically within ~5–6 hours of flight time from India.
Long-Haul International:
Destinations requiring an extended flight duration (6+ hours) and longer planning cycles.
Growth / Decline:
Refers to year-on-year pattern in actual booked and travelled trips, not search or intent data.
9.3 Index Construction Logic
- All rankings and trends are derived from observed behaviour, not surveys or stated preferences.
- Growth indicators reflect relative movement between 2024 and 2025.
- “Fastest-climbing” designations indicate acceleration, not absolute volume.
- Segment-specific insights reflect disproportionate growth within that segment.
NOTE: This ensures that the index reflects revealed demand, not aspirational interest.
9.4 Limitations
- The index reflects multi-day leisure travel only and does not represent total tourism arrivals.
- Independent flight-only, hotel-only, or activity-only bookings are excluded.
- Business, corporate, MICE, and inbound foreign travel are not part of this analysis.
- Results indicate directional trends, not market share estimates.
Key Findings of the Report
The Thrillophilia Multi-Day Travel Index shows that Indian leisure travel is entering a more mature phase, where the
strongest demand is shaped less by hype and more by how a journey feels and runs on-ground. Across all traveller
segments, it is observed that visitors increasingly prioritise comfort, pacing, and predictability, choosing fewer
destinations, longer stays, and simpler routing over high-coverage itineraries. Custom and semi-custom travel has
also become mainstream, reflecting a clear expectation that trips should adapt to traveller needs rather than forcing
travellers into fixed formats.
Destination momentum follows the same logic. Regions and countries that support low-friction movement, reliable stays,
and experience-led days continue to rise, while rushed multi-city touring and landmark-only travel loses relevance.
Domestic demand remains the backbone of multi-day travel, while short-haul international destinations grow fastest
due to ease of access and more controllable execution.
Overall, the market is shifting from price-led decisions to outcome-led decisions, where value is measured by smooth
execution, support clarity, and how restorative or fulfilling the trip feels. For the travel ecosystem, this signals
a clear direction: the future belongs to destinations and operators that design journeys with intention, reduce travel
fatigue, and deliver consistent end-to-end experiences.
