A New Era of Intentional Travel

Indian travellers are rewriting their summer plans in 2025. According to Skyscanner’s latest Smarter Summer Report, the focus is shifting from crowded hotspots to quiet, meaningful, and budget-conscious travel experiences. As the summer season approaches, a major behavioural trend emerges — one rooted in thoughtful travel choices that prioritise calm, savings, and flexibility.

Travel Intentions Stronger Than Ever

96% of Indian travellers plan to take as many or more trips than they did in 2024. But the approach is different this time — less about ticking off touristy checklists and more about curating immersive experiences.

95% of respondents want to avoid tourist chaos, while a growing number are booking lesser-known getaways. Authenticity and experience have become the new currency of value.

Offbeat Destinations Take Centre Stage

More than half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer quiet, lesser-explored destinations over popular ones. There’s a rising curiosity to discover new places, with 58% open to travelling to locations they hadn’t considered before.

Multi-stop journeys are trending too — 51% are opting for itineraries that include two or more destinations. This shift reflects the demand for deeper exploration, away from overhyped tourist zones.

Shoulder Season Travel Gains Popularity

50% of respondents are actively considering off-season or shoulder-season travel to escape crowds and inflated peak-season prices. This trend is also being driven by affordability and the desire for more relaxed, unhurried holidays.

As a result, lesser-visited regions — both domestic and international — are becoming attractive options for those seeking a balance between cost and experience.

Flexibility is the New Smart Travel Strategy

84% of Indian travellers are willing to shift their travel dates for better fares. 47% are open to flying on off-peak days. This flexible mindset reflects a smarter, value-first approach to travel planning.

Digital tools like flight comparison platforms are playing a critical role here — 56% use them to evaluate flights, hotels, and car rentals. B2B agents can leverage these insights to tailor offerings that resonate with flexible and budget-conscious clients.

Demand for Guidance & Travel Inspiration

Despite strong intent, 49% of travellers are still undecided on their summer destinations. Another 38% are unsure where to go at all. This signals a major opportunity for B2B travel professionals to step in as trusted advisors.

Platforms like Skyscanner are helping travellers narrow down their choices through cost-efficient search tools and data-backed recommendations. Travel agents can enhance their value by providing curated options aligned with these preferences.

Escaping the Heat: A Shift Toward Cooler Getaways

50% of travellers want to beat the heat by heading to cooler, high-altitude destinations like hill stations and mountain towns. These locales offer both climate relief and scenic calm, ideal for travellers looking to unplug and reset.

This trend is especially strong among families and solo professionals seeking tranquillity, nature immersion, and a slower pace of life.

The Rise of Slow Travel

From young digital nomads to older couples, the “slow travel” trend is making waves. Indian travellers are gravitating toward extended stays, culturally immersive activities, and homestays or boutique properties.

Rather than packing multiple destinations into a tight itinerary, the focus is on quality time spent in one place, allowing deeper connections with local communities and culture.

Cost-Conscious Planning Without Compromise

With rising travel costs, 2025 sees a stronger push toward affordable alternatives, both domestic and overseas. Price-savvy travellers are using tools like Skyscanner’s multi-city search to build cost-efficient, multi-stop itineraries.

This enables B2B planners to promote bundled packages and under-the-radar destinations that maximise ROI for every traveller — whether corporate or leisure-focused.

Takeaway for Travel Professionals

Indian summer travel behaviour is evolving fast, toward more peaceful, experience-rich, and affordable holidays. This shift gives B2B travel agents, tour operators, and consolidators a golden opportunity to offer:

Quiet, offbeat, and cool-climate destinations
Custom multi-city trips with flexible dates
Shoulder-season options with strong value
Curated experiences that reflect traveller intent

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