2025 to be an year of shared experiences

Shillong in India takes the lead among the most buzzing destinations list while
Almaty in Kazakhstan ranks first among the best-value destinations

Team L&M

Leading global travel app Skyscanner has released its Travel Trends 2025 Report, revealing that the upcoming year is all about collective travel experiences. From stargazing beneath the night skies to exploring immersive art galleries, Indians are increasingly drawn to adventures that offer a sense of community. Moreover, with 66 per cent Indians plan to travel more in 2025, and global exploration is a top priority for them as they seek destinations that offer enriching experiences. The report further offers insights into the pulse of Indian travellers in the coming year, their evolving travel preferences, and the top 10 trending and best-value destinations.
Data from the report also reveals that Indian travellers are increasingly seeking deeper connections. Among those aged 25 to 34, 44 per cent are excited to attend live sports events, eager to support their favourite teams alongside fellow fans. Meanwhile, 47 per cent are on the lookout for immersive art experiences that invite active participation. This growing interest in collective travel highlights a trend where shared moments and a sense of belonging transform how people explore the world.
Says Skyscanner Travel and Destinations Expert Mohit Joshi, “Indian travellers are not just exploring new destinations; they’re seeking meaningful and collective travel experiences. With 86 per cent budgeting to spend the same or more on flights and 80 per cent on accommodations in 2025, their desire to explore is stronger than ever. Cost remains a crucial factor in decision-making as travellers choose their next adventure.”
Using a comprehensive analysis of Skyscanner’s proprietary global travel data, consumer surveys from 20,000 travellers including Indian travellers, and industry insights, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report spotlights seven key trends for 2025. The report reveals an exciting shift towards shared experiences and immersive adventures—inviting travellers to discover the world together in new and inspiring ways.

Sport Mode
In 2025, Indian travellers are swapping couches for seats at the stadiums, with 53 per cent eager to dive into the electrifying atmosphere of live sports, at home or abroad. Whether it’s cricket, football, F1, or other global tournaments, sports tourism is hitting an all-time high, with nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of Indians planning to soak in the experience for entertainment purposes. And for half (50 per cent) of Indian fans, the chance to see their favourite sporting celebrities in action is a motivator to witness these grand spectacles in person.
Interestingly, Skyscanner has captured this growing excitement, showing a spike in flight bookings ahead of major sporting events like Formula 1. According to the data, Abu Dhabi (Dec 6–8) shows a 188 per cent rise in bookings on December 2, ahead of the race. Previously, Singapore (September 20-22) also witnessed a remarkable 189 per cent increase in flight bookings on September 18. compared to the previous day.

ART-Venture
ART-Venture is making waves as Indian travellers embrace immersive art experiences like never before. Nearly 79 per cent plan to participate in these multisensory journeys on their holiday in 2025. Art is no longer just for viewing, it’s about experiencing with 51 per cent of Indian travellers mesmerised by its unique appeal and an equal number eager to share it on social media, turning creativity into connection.
Notably, Skyscanner’s list of trending and best-value destinations for Indians in 2025, also feature the cities of Tokyo in Japan, Seoul in South Korea, Singapore, and London in UK, among others, each offering immersive art experiences. For an ideal ART-venture, explore the captivating TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum located at Azab Udai Hills in Tokyo, Japan, one of the trending cities for Indian travellers in 2025. TeamLab Borderless opened to public in February this year but has already surpassed one million visitors as of last month, signifying the growing interest in travellers seeking immersive art experiences.

Astro Adventurers
The alluring night skies and cosmic wonders are drawing Indian travellers with a captivating 53 per cent expressing their desire to sleep under the Milky Way and 56% keen on embracing night photography to capture the beauty of the cosmos. The Northern Lights have become a bucket-list item for 44 per cent of Indian travellers, who are all yearning for an out-of-the-world experience- on their trips.
Skyscanner checked in with Preston Dyches from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who shared these tips on how to stargaze like a pro:
Find dark skies: Move away from city lights, as human-made light pollution makes it much harder to see stars. 
Seek open landscapes: Choose a location with unobstructed views, such as a lake shore or meadow, to increase your visibility of the night sky.
Check the weather: Make sure the skies are clear by checking the weather for clouds and wildfire smoke, ensure the winds won’t be too gusty, and be prepared for the forecast temperatures.
Reach higher altitudes: Higher locations, above dense air and haze, give you clearer skies and better views.
Scout safely: Visit your stargazing spot during the day to identify and avoid any potential hazards like rocks and branches. And be aware of local wildlife.

Other trends that are inspiring Indian travellers to embark on adventures in 2025:
Horti-Culture: Garden lovers are on the rise with a whopping 90 per cent of Indians sharing that they enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday. The allure of nature is undeniable, with over half (56 per cent) of travellers eager to experience the breathtaking cherry blossom season, 53 per cent having their sights set on sunflower fields, and 52 per cent keen to wander through lavender fields next year.
Reset Jetters: Holistic living is becoming increasingly popular among travellers, with 70 per cent actively seeking to be more mindful of their health and well-being. Moving beyond the traditional “treat yourself” holiday mentality, over half (57 per cent) of travellers prioritise maintaining their wellness while away. An impressive 91 per cent believe that vacations help them build resilience and cope better with daily pressures.
Gami-Vacation: Gaming is a huge hit with Gen Z, with nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) saying it’s their go-to leisure activity and 57 per cent feeling inspired to book a trip based on a location featured in a video game. Indian gamers can’t resist the allure of their consoles, even on vacation as 67 per cent admit to packing their gaming gear to get their fix on the go.
Cowboy Core: Inspired to experience the great outdoors, travellers are gearing up for countryside escapes in 2025. With 53 per cent excited about immersive experiences like campfire dining and 50 per cent eager for tranquil farmhouse stays, these trips beautifully blend relaxation with outdoor adventure. Travellers are opting for destinations like Dubai, where luxury ranch-style resorts and desert experiences offer the perfect setting to channel their inner cowboy.

India’s Top Trending and Best Value Destinations
In 2025, Indians are expanding their horizons and exploring unique and lesser-known destinations. The most popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2025 are Shillong in India, loved for its stunning landscapes and lush hills, Baku in Azerbaijan located at the boundary between Europe and Asia and celebrated for its rich culture, and Langkawi in Malaysia, known for its pearl-white sand beaches. On the other hand, Almaty in Kazakhstan came out top overall, securing the highest spot for the Best Value Destinations category, followed by Jakarta in Indonesia, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia (full overview in appendix).

AI is taking centre stage
As travellers embark on new adventures, AI is becoming their go-to tool for inspiration and comparison, empowering them to turn travel dreams into reality. A remarkable 84 per cent of Indian travellers feel confident using AI tools for planning and booking their travels, with 52 per cent using them for destination research, 50 per cent for flight bookings, 48 per cent for comparing flight and hotel options, and 46 per cent seeking destination inspiration.