Indians choose slower, longer trips in 2025: Thrillophilia report

JAIPUR: Indian travellers are pressing pause, not play. In 2025, holidays became less about ticking off cities and more about settling in, slowing down and actually enjoying the journey, according to the Thrillophilia 2025 Multi-Day Travel Index.

Based on completed trips rather than wishful searches, the index paints a picture of a travel market growing up. Indians across ages and budgets chose longer stays, calmer itineraries and well-planned experiences over rushed schedules and bargain hunting.

“Travellers stopped asking how many places they could squeeze in and started asking how smoothly a trip would run,” said Thrillophilia co-founder Abhishek Daga. “Peace of mind became the new definition of value.”

The clearest change came in how trips were designed. Single-base holidays with day outings jumped 36 percent, while four-city-and-more tours fell sharply. Medium-length trips of six to nine nights emerged as the sweet spot, giving travellers room to breathe.

Overpacked itineraries lost favour, replaced by realistic schedules, downtime and flexibility. Custom and semi-custom trips became mainstream, while large group tours quietly slipped out of fashion.

Domestic travel remained the backbone of Indian leisure trips. Kerala and Rajasthan stayed popular, while Kashmir, Ladakh and the North East saw strong growth as travellers looked for nature, adventure and fewer logistical headaches.

Destinations with reliable infrastructure and easy pacing consistently outperformed, underlining a comfort-first approach to holiday planning.

International travel bounced back strongly, led by destinations within easy flying distance. Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines attracted travellers with simple visas, compact routes and plenty to do without hopping cities.

Long-haul trips were fewer but more meaningful. Places like Japan, Kenya and Iceland drew travellers planning once-in-a-while journeys focused on standout experiences rather than frequency.

Gen Z and young professionals travelled more often, taking advantage of flexible work and long weekends. Short breaks, adventure-led trips and off-season travel surged, with offbeat destinations stealing the spotlight.

Families, meanwhile, doubled down on planning and comfort. Custom itineraries, advance bookings and dependable destinations drove growth, while hectic multi-city tours lost appeal.

Couples reimagined romance too. Honeymoons became more personal, with private stays, shorter minimoons and lesser-known destinations gaining ground.

Luxury travel shifted quietly but decisively. Precision replaced excess, with fewer destinations, tailored plans and wellness-led journeys defining high-end travel in 2025.

Across the board, well-paced and well-executed trips delivered higher satisfaction and fewer cancellations. The message was clear. Indian travellers no longer measure holidays by how much they cover, but by how confidently the experience is delivered.

In 2025, travel was not about going faster. It was about going better.