The travel scenario in India has changed a lot in the last few years. New rules and trends have emerged and re -defined the idea of ​​traveling completely. It is not just about a regular holiday that occurs once or twice a year. It is not just about the beach or mountains. Indian passengers, in 2025, are all traveling for more, spending more, going for mini and major holidays, etc.

Also, in addition to traveling, what is becoming increasingly important is ‘who is’. With whom are you traveling with? And the emerging trend is a travel tribe called ‘Frolleagues’- Chio Misiere, who also travels as friends as doubling and friends. In a survey released by Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, around 28 percent of people preferred ‘Frlyguz’ as their journey partners.

Who would have thought that your coffee-break friend will also become your trekking partner? But here, we are living in the age of office besties, work wives or work in the husband’s era, so the trend is justified.

But, even though you are close to your work friends, 65 percent of Indians still prefer to travel with multilevel families, 60 percent with your partners, and 10 percent options for single trips, the report states.

Rajiv Kel, Chairman and Chief of the country – holidays, mice, visas, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Indians are not only traveling more, but also increasing expenses – traditional philosophy to select depth, discovery and spirit on tourism.

The survey includes insights of over 2,500 respondents recorded on digital platforms in a month’s time. And it comes at a time when there is an increasing demand for experienced journey and it is for 75 percent, further said in the survey. The increasing aspirational value of the journey is also combined with the rise of experienced, phenomena-based and event-based journey.

2025 rising journey trends

As mentioned earlier, there is a growing demand for experienced journey, including pursuing pursuing northern lights during the Cherry Blossom season or visiting Japan-based trips. The tourism led by the event has also seen a sudden jump. All Swifts, Diljit Dosanjh fans, and coldplay followers are will for this trend. Powered by global concerts, sports events, festivals and more, an increase of about 20 percent has been observed.

Apart from these, wellness tourism and gastronomical experiences have also greatly influenced the journey.

Minimum, luxury stay, smart scheme

In this digital-first scene, social media, OTT, and AI are catalysts for travel and plan. The survey said, “60% of the respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and films are rapidly shaping their travel decisions.”

Since 85% of their travel is planned to increase frequency and 84% are ready to spend 20–50% more, both mini-verse and long gateways are on the card. Passengers are ready to take advantage of long weekends, public holidays, and mini-moon. On the other hand, 36 per cent are ready to expand the stay and select premium experiences like cruise, Upskale Hotel, Heritage Property etc.

New age travelers are ready to increase their journey in 2025, and Europe tops the list of favorite international destinations. In India, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have topped the Indian travel bucket list.