Indians seek shared travel experiences and unique destinations in 2025, says Skyscanner Report

Global travel app Skyscanner has released its “Travel Trends 2025 Report,” highlighting a significant shift in travel preferences among Indian travellers. The report reveals that 2025 is set to be a year of shared experiences, with a focus on adventures such as stargazing, immersive art events, and live sports. A notable 66 per cent of Indians are planning to travel more next year, seeking enriching global experiences that foster a sense of community.

The report provides insights into the changing travel behaviour of Indians, showing a growing interest in deeper connections during trips. Among travellers aged 25 to 34, 44 per cent are excited to attend live sports events, while 47 per cent are eager to engage in interactive art experiences. This trend highlights a desire for shared moments and a sense of belonging, transforming the way Indians explore the world.

"Indian travellers are not just exploring new destinations; they’re seeking meaningful and collective experiences," said Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel and Destinations Expert. He noted that 86 per cent of Indians plan to maintain or increase their budgets for flights, while 80 per cent will do the same for accommodations in 2025, emphasising a strong desire to explore. "Cost remains a crucial factor in decision-making as travellers choose their next adventure. At Skyscanner, we help travellers discover incredible travel options that help them make savvy choices. Our Search features on Skyscanner like setting up ‘Price Alerts’ or the ‘Cheapest Month’ tool can help travellers snag the best deals, making those unforgettable journeys more accessible," he added.

The report, based on Skyscanner’s proprietary global travel data and surveys from 20,000 travellers, spotlights several key trends for 2025:

Sports Tourism on the Rise: A major trend for 2025 is the surge in sports tourism. Over half of Indian travellers (53 per cent) are eager to experience the atmosphere of live sports events, whether at home or abroad. This includes global tournaments like Formula 1, with significant spikes in flight bookings around major events. For example, Abu Dhabi saw a 188 per cent increase in bookings ahead of its December race, while Singapore witnessed a similar trend in September.

Immersive art experiences: The "ART-Venture" trend is also gaining attraction, with 79 per cent of Indians planning to explore multisensory art experiences during their trips. travellers are drawn to destinations like Tokyo's "TeamLab Borderless" Digital Art Museum, which has quickly become a favourite among those seeking creative and interactive experiences.

Stargazing and astro adventures: Indian travellers are increasingly captivated by the night sky, with 53 per cent expressing a desire to sleep under the Milky Way and 44 per cent eager to witness the Northern Lights. These cosmic experiences are becoming essential for those looking to connect with nature in new ways.

The report also highlights trending and best-value destinations for Indian travellers in 2025, including Shillong in India, Baku in Azerbaijan, and Langkawi in Malaysia. Almaty, Kazakhstan, emerged as a top-value destination, thanks to a significant drop in flight prices. The increasing use of AI in travel planning, with 84 per cent of Indians confident in using AI tools, further supports this shift towards more personalised and meaningful travel experiences.

As travel patterns evolve, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where Indians prioritise both community-oriented adventures and unique, culturally rich destinations, making each trip more meaningful and memorable.