Exploring new destinations with evolving preferences

Travel has always been about discovering new horizons, but the way we explore the world is evolving. As the year rolled to 2025, the way people travel and explore the world kept changing. As wanderlust continues to inspire Indian and global travellers, the focus is shifting towards affordable and emerging destinations that promise unique experiences without breaking the bank. Whether it’s the landscapes of Gudauri in Georgia, the cultural vibrancy of Tromso in Norway, or budget-friendly escapes within India, the year 2025 is poised to redefine how we experience the joy of travel. Travellers, both from India and around the globe, are looking for more new interesting and personal experiences. 

To guide travellers on this exciting journey, Booking.com and Skyscanner have unveiled their 2025 travel trends. These insights delve into the preferences shaping modern travel, from the allure of offbeat locations to the growing appeal of cost-effective vacations. Booking.com highlights transformative travel experiences, while Skyscanner identifies affordable hotspots and introduces tools to make trip planning stress-free. Together, these platforms offer a roadmap for navigating the changing travel landscape, helping adventurers embrace both affordability and innovation.

Travel planning stress

Skyscanner’s latest “Wanderlost” report has shed light on the mental fatigue many Indians experience while planning trips. Overthinking (94 per cent), cost concerns (95 per cent), and the fear of making imperfect choices (96 per cent) are key barriers preventing travellers from booking their dream getaways. With nearly half (49 per cent) already planning their next trip, the report shows that Indians are eager yet hesitant, often revisiting options for flights (41 per cent), hotels (35 per cent), and activities (30 per cent) to ensure their plans are flawless.

To combat this indecision, Skyscanner has partnered with neuroscientist Dr. Faye Begeti to introduce brain hacks that simplify decision-making. From prioritising key choices early to leveraging anticipatory dopamine, these tools aim to transform the stress of planning into the joy of wanderlust.

Budget-friendly destinations for 2025

For cost-conscious travellers, Skyscanner has identified several affordable destinations. Domestic hotspots like Ayodhya (Rs. 8,390) and Kochi (Rs. 9,898) feature prominently, while international options such as Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Rs. 12,262), and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Rs. 17,425), offer great value. Skyscanner’s tools, such as the ‘Cheapest Month feature’ and Explore Everywhere search, empower users to plan holidays that align with their budgets.

Emerging global and domestic trends

Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2025 highlights a shift towards offbeat locations and transformative experiences. With 83 per cent of travellers favouring less crowded destinations and luxurious longevity retreats, there’s a growing demand for unique travel options. Nocturnal travel, exploring in the evenings or early mornings, has also gained traction, with 79 per cent citing it as a way to beat rising temperatures.

For Indian travellers, trending international destinations include:

• Gudauri, Georgia: Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, with stunning slopes and picturesque landscapes.

• Tromso, Norway: Renowned for the Northern Lights and adventurous activities like ice fishing and reindeer sledging.

• Gabala, Azerbaijan: A charming blend of ancient ruins and leisure, nestled in the Caucasus Mountains.

• Ahangama, Sri Lanka: Known for serene beaches and wellness retreats.

On the domestic front, cities like Tbilisi, Georgia, and Almaty, Kazakhstan, are gaining popularity for their cultural richness and natural beauty.

Affordability meets adventure

One in three Indian travellers (31 per cent) prioritise affordable destinations, while 23 per cent seek out the cheapest places to visit. Booking.com’s insights reveal that travel is no longer about ticking destinations off a list but about creating meaningful, transformative experiences. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of Gudauri’s ski slopes or the cultural immersion in Tbilisi, Indian travellers are redefining how and where they travel.

Travel planning 

Skyscanner and Booking.com are committed to easing the challenges of travel planning. Tools like Skyscanner’s Savings Generator and Price Alerts help travellers uncover the best deals, while Booking.com’s all-in-one platform simplifies the process of finding flights, accommodation, and activities. The focus is on making travel seamless and accessible, catering to both budget-conscious and luxury-seeking individuals.

Looking ahead to 2025

As the year unfolds, both platforms aim to inspire wanderlust and empower travellers to explore the world confidently. Whether it’s a budget-friendly escape to Kochi or a luxurious retreat in Tromso, the opportunities are endless.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, aptly summarises the sentiment, “In 2025, travel goes beyond ticking destinations off a list. It's about transformative experiences that ignite personal growth. Whether it's an adrenaline rush in Gudauri or a rejuvenating retreat in Ahangama, there's a growing desire for journeys that leave a lasting impact. Booking.com remains committed to making travel seamless and accessible for all. Our platform empowers travellers to discover unique accommodations, curate exciting activities, find flights and rental cars, all in one place.”