The idea of ​​travel has evolved over time, and by now you all know, it is beyond family holidays. International journey used to be something that was seen as a luxury that could only bear the urban aristocracy. The posh society of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other Tier 1 cities was at the forefront.

But no one else.

A change is happening, and it is not just coming from the metros. A fresh bounce of Indian tourists from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is re -shaping the global travel landscape. Thanks to the convenience of digital visa applications and increase in disposable income, cities like Chandigarh, Surat, Pune, Lucknow and Jaipur are breaking up in the international travel market.

Increase in visa applications

The new -age travelers aspire to indulge in experienced journey – concerts, sports tourism, chasing northern lights, etc. In 2025, #Wanderlust is running minimoon in Bali, a graduate in Fuket, a single trip to Vietnam, a bang for Dubai, and more.

According to data from a digital visa processing firm, Atlies, 32 percent spikes in international visa applications from passengers for the first time within the previous year are notable. Interestingly, more than 56 percent of this growth is credited to people from small cities (as mentioned above), marks a change in the dynamics of travel outside India’s large metro hub.

“The journey is no longer seen as a luxury, it has become an essential part of life,” says the founder and CEO of Atalis seductive Nahta. “We are looking for an annual growth in international travelers for the first time. This trend is inspired by cost-affect international flights, direct digital visa processes and rising income levels. The nation which is meant to streamline entry and approval procedures to gain the most benefits in this upcoming wave of Indian outbound tourism.”

Who are these new age travelers? Young adults below 35 are at the top of this journey growth according to adults, newlyweds, and family data.

And where are they really going?

UAE and South East Asia are leading the pack. Dubai remains a popular choice, but thanks to the growing trend of South -East nations.

Convenience of this travel boom is a more accessible passport system, which has more than 10.09 crore passports issued from 2014 to 2023, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. The number of passport service Kendras has increased from 153 in 2014 to 523 in 2023, thus the reach for people eager to travel abroad has increased.

However, despite such expansion, only 8.71 percent of India’s population is currently an active passport, indicating sufficiently for the first time passengers in the future.

This new journey ease indicates more than just a trend; This is a fundamental social change, as residents of small Indian cities embrace international travels as a solid step in their personal and cultural journey. In addition, the role of social media is important, impresses these new travelers. From Instagrammable Cafe to Hidden Gems, the Internet is practically helping them cure travel programs.

Cities where international dreams were a myth, are now taking steps with the world. Gradually and continuously and on your terms.