Europe is no longer India's favourite, we are up for experiences now, says Skyscanner report

Skyscanner has recently launched its annual "Travel Trends 2025 Report" and it shows that Indian travellers are eager to explore destinations other than Europe. The report also shows a change in travel preferences, shedding light on the fact that many Indian travellers want shared experiences. It also reveals that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in 2025, looking for adventures that help build community connections.

For the unversed, Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps you find and compare prices for flights, hotels and car rentals, making it easier to plan and save money on your trips.

Spending for experiences

No matter the economic situation, Indian travellers are eager to invest in experiences. Recent data shows a significant increase in spending, with 58% planning to spend more on flights, 45% on accommodation and 34% on car rentals.

While people are willing to spend, budget still plays a crucial role in choosing a holiday destination. The top considerations are: 65% look at hotel costs, 62% prioritise flight expenses and 54% consider food and drink prices. This focus on budget has led to lower airfares for destinations like Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Singapore, making travel more affordable.

The rise of lesser-known destinations

The report also says that travellers are exploring options beyond the usual European destinations.

Shillong, India, is currently the most searched destination, with an impressive 828% increase in searches over the past year.

Baku, Azerbaijan, follows closely with a 744% rise, and Langkawi, Malaysia, has seen a 433% increase.

Embracing nature and tangible experiences

There’s also a noticeable shift towards experiences that connect travellers with nature and offer a break from our tech-heavy lives.

The report mentions that 90% of travellers enjoy visiting gardens and activities like dining around a campfire, sleeping under the stars and horse trekking are becoming more popular.

Rise of sports tourism and other adventures

The data also reveals a strong preference for shared experiences and immersive adventures. Trends include a growing interest in live sports events, immersive art experiences, stargazing and holistic wellness.

Sports tourism is also on the rise, with 63% of respondents travelling for entertainment, 59% motivated by excitement and 50% hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite sports stars.

Astro-adventure tourism is also gaining traction, with 56% of travellers interested in night sky photography, 53% wanting to sleep under the stars and 44% hoping to see the Northern Lights. This shift shows that many are looking for meaningful experiences.

Another interesting trend is game-themed travel, with 88% of travellers inspired to visit locations from their favourite video games. Leisure travel and art-focused trips are also becoming popular.

Apart from this, health and wellness tourism is also growing, especially among older generations. The data shows that 71% of those aged 45-54 prioritise health-conscious choices while travelling, compared to 54% of younger travellers (18-24 years old). Overall, 70% of Indian travellers report being more mindful about their health and well-being than ever before.

This report thus highlights an exciting year ahead for Indian travellers, marked by a strong focus on shared experiences, immersive adventures, and wellness. As travel preferences evolve, destinations offering unique cultural experiences and good value are likely to attract more interest. Plus, the use of AI tools in travel planning is making it easier for travellers to fulfil their dreams of exploration and connection.