Shillong and Almaty Lead the Way in Travel Trends 2025

Team L&M

Shillong in India has emerged as the leading trending destination for Indian travellers in 2025, while Almaty in Kazakhstan ranks first among the best-value destinations, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 Report. The report highlights a growing appetite among Indians for immersive, collective travel experiences—from stargazing under pristine night skies to exploring interactive art galleries.

With 66% of Indians planning to travel more in 2025, global exploration is a top priority, with destinations that offer enriching and community-focused experiences in high demand. The report identifies the evolving travel preferences of Indian tourists and lists the top trending and best-value destinations for the coming year.

Collective Travel Experiences on the Rise

Indian travellers, particularly aged 25–34, are seeking deeper connections while travelling. About 44% are excited to attend live sports events, and 47% look for immersive art experiences that encourage active participation. This shift towards shared experiences signals a growing trend where travellers value memorable, social adventures over solo visits.

Sports Tourism Gaining Momentum

In 2025, sports tourism is booming, with 53% of Indian travellers eager to experience live sports, from cricket and football to Formula 1 and international tournaments. Cities hosting major events, such as Abu Dhabi and Singapore, have seen spikes in flight bookings ahead of competitions, reflecting the rising enthusiasm for live sporting experiences.

Immersive ART-Ventures
Art tourism is taking off, with 79% of Indian travellers planning immersive art experiences on their holidays. Top destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, and London provide multisensory art adventures, including the TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum in Tokyo, attracting over a million visitors in its opening year.

Astro-Adventures and Stargazing

Cosmic travel experiences are also trending, with 53% eager to sleep under the Milky Way and 56% keen on night photography. The Northern Lights remain a bucket-list item for 44% of Indian travellers, seeking awe-inspiring stargazing adventures across the globe.

Other Key Travel Trends in 2025:

Horti-Culture: 90% of Indians enjoy visiting gardens, including cherry blossoms, sunflower fields, and lavender landscapes.

• Reset Jetters: 70% prioritize holistic wellness, with 57% maintaining health routines during vacations.
• Gami-Vacation: 62% of Gen Z travellers plan trips inspired by video games, bringing gaming into leisure travel.
• Cowboy Core: 53% are excited by countryside escapes, including campfire dining and tranquil farmhouse stays in destinations like Dubai.

Top Trending and Best-Value Destinations for Indians in 2025

• Trending Destinations: Shillong (India), Baku (Azerbaijan), Langkawi (Malaysia), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea)
• Best-Value Destinations: Almaty (Kazakhstan), Jakarta (Indonesia), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

AI in Travel Planning

Artificial intelligence is becoming an essential tool for Indian travellers. About 84% use AI to plan trips, 52% for destination research and 50% for flight bookings. Further, 48% use AI for hotel comparisons, and 46% for travel inspiration. AI empowers travellers to make informed, efficient, and personalized travel decisions.

The Skyscanner Travel Trends 2025 Report underscores a shift in Indian travel preferences—towards immersive experiences, meaningful connections, and budget-conscious choices—positioning destinations like Shillong and Almaty at the forefront of Indian travellers’ minds for the upcoming year.