Field notes
Tripstor India Travel Trends Report: Where Indians Are Going [Updated Annually]
This india travel trends report compiles booking behavior data from Tripstor across domestic and international travel segments. It covers destination preference shifts, average budgets, trip durations, and traveler profiles. Data is drawn from package inquiries and confirmed bookings. This report updates annually to reflect current patterns in Indian outbound and domestic tourism.
What does the latest India travel trends report say about where Indians are going?
Tripstor booking data for 2024 shows Andaman, Goa, and Rajasthan leading domestic travel. Internationally, Thailand, Bali, and Singapore account for the largest share of Indian short-haul bookings. Europe and Japan are growing among travelers aged 28 to 45.
Indian domestic travel is concentrated in beach and hill destinations. Andaman, Goa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan consistently appear in the top five by inquiry volume. Among these, Andaman saw a 35% year-on-year increase in package inquiries from Tier-2 cities in 2023–2024.
International travel from India is split between short-haul and long-haul segments. Southeast Asia holds roughly 40% of Indian short-haul outbound bookings. Long-haul destinations — Europe, Japan, Australia — are gaining share, particularly among urban travelers with higher per-trip budgets.
One clear pattern in 2024 data is the rise of the first-time international traveler from smaller cities. Travelers from Surat, Indore, and Coimbatore are now booking international packages at volumes that were previously limited to metros. Visa-on-arrival destinations are their first choice. This shift is changing how operators structure packages — shorter durations, tighter budgets, and more guided options are in higher demand from this segment.
Which domestic destinations are seeing the highest growth in Indian bookings?
Andaman leads growth among domestic beach destinations. Tier-2 cities including Ahmedabad, Pune, and Lucknow are driving new inquiry volume. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are growing in the summer months as alternatives to crowded hill stations.
Spiti Valley and Chopta in Uttarakhand are seeing increased interest from travelers who have already done Manali or Shimla. These are not beginner destinations — they require more planning and suit travelers with prior hill travel experience. Inquiry volumes for these routes have grown by roughly 20% in 2023–2024 compared to the previous year.
Which international destinations are gaining share among Indian travelers?
Japan entered the top-10 international destinations for Indian travelers in 2023. Europe packages — particularly Switzerland, France, and Italy — are seeing stronger demand from travelers in the 30–45 age group. Visa-on-arrival access continues to make Thailand and Bali the default first international trip for many Indians.
Vietnam is an emerging destination worth noting. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are appearing more frequently in inquiry data from 2024. Vietnam offers e-visa access for Indian passport holders, and average package costs are lower than Thailand. It suits travelers looking for a Southeast Asia trip that feels less familiar than Bangkok or Phuket.
| Destination | Segment (Domestic / International) | Average Trip Duration (Nights) | Average Package Cost (INR per person) | Primary Traveler Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Domestic | 5–6 | 30,000–55,000 | Families, honeymooners |
| Goa | Domestic | 3–4 | 15,000–35,000 | Friend groups, couples |
| Rajasthan | Domestic | 5–7 | 20,000–45,000 | Families, heritage travelers |
| Himachal Pradesh | Domestic | 4–6 | 18,000–40,000 | Families, young couples |
| Kerala | Domestic | 5–7 | 22,000–50,000 | Honeymooners, families |
| Thailand | International | 6–7 | 55,000–90,000 | Couples, friend groups |
| Bali, Indonesia | International | 6–8 | 60,000–1,00,000 | Honeymooners, couples |
| Singapore | International | 4–5 | 65,000–1,10,000 | Families, first-time travelers |
| Maldives | International | 4–5 | 90,000–2,00,000 | Honeymooners, premium couples |
| Europe (multi-country) | International | 10–14 | 1,50,000–3,00,000 | Premium families, couples 30–45 |
Why is Andaman becoming one of the top choices for Indian domestic travelers?
Andaman requires no passport or visa for Indian citizens. Direct flights now operate from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Bhubaneswar. The destination suits both families and honeymooners. Beach, water sports, and island-hopping options make it a multi-profile destination within a 5 to 6 night trip.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, domestic tourist visits to Andaman and Nicobar Islands crossed 6 lakh annually in recent years, with continued growth in air connectivity driving accessibility from non-metro cities.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India. It sits in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 1,200 km from the Indian mainland. The island group has over 570 islands, of which about 37 are inhabited. Port Blair is the main entry point and has a civilian airport with scheduled commercial flights.
Tier-2 city travelers are the fastest-growing segment for Andaman bookings. Cities like Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, and Nagpur now have connecting flight options that reduce overall travel time. This has shifted Andaman from a metro-only destination to a broadly accessible one.
Water activity availability is a key reason Andaman retains repeat interest. Havelock Island — officially renamed Swaraj Dweep — offers scuba diving, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is quieter and suits travelers who want beaches without crowds. Both islands are reachable by government ferry or private speedboat from Port Blair.
The Cellular Jail in Port Blair is a centrally protected monument. It draws heritage-oriented travelers and school groups. The light-and-sound show at the jail runs on select evenings and is a standard inclusion in most Andaman packages. This combination of beach, water activity, and heritage content makes Andaman work for mixed family groups where not everyone wants the same activity.
How does Andaman compare to Goa for Indian beach travelers?
Goa suits short 3 to 4 night trips and is accessible by train, road, and flight. Andaman requires air travel and suits 5 to 6 night itineraries. Goa costs less per person on average. Andaman offers cleaner water, less crowded beaches, and a wider range of water activities including scuba diving and sea walking. Honeymooners tend to prefer Andaman. Friend groups on tighter budgets tend to choose Goa.
| Comparison Factor | Andaman (Domestic Beach) | Goa (Domestic Beach) | Bali (International Beach) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa / Travel Document | None required for Indians | None required for Indians | Visa-on-arrival for Indians |
| Minimum Recommended Stay | 5–6 nights | 3–4 nights | 6–8 nights |
| Average Cost per Person (Package) | INR 30,000–55,000 | INR 15,000–35,000 | INR 60,000–1,00,000 |
| Best For | Honeymooners, families | Friend groups, couples | Honeymooners, couples |
| Water Activity Range | High (scuba, sea walk, snorkeling) | Moderate (water sports at select beaches) | High (surfing, diving, snorkeling) |
| Accessibility from Tier-2 Cities | Moderate (connecting flights) | High (train, road, direct flights) | Low (international flight required) |
Related: Andaman tour packages from India — view itineraries, inclusions, and current pricing across all traveler profiles.
How are Indian outbound travel patterns changing in 2024 and 2025?
Southeast Asia remains the dominant short-haul region, accounting for roughly 40% of Indian international bookings. Long-haul travel to Europe, Japan, and Australia is growing among travelers aged 28 to 45. Visa-on-arrival availability is a primary factor in destination selection for first-time international travelers from India.
Indian outbound tourism recorded over 27 million departures annually before 2020. Post-2024 recovery has brought volumes close to that baseline. The composition has shifted: more Tier-2 city travelers are going international for the first time, and they are choosing destinations with easy visa access.
The long-haul segment is growing faster in percentage terms. Japan saw a sharp rise in Indian visitors after visa processing improved in 2023. Europe packages are selling at higher average values, with Switzerland and Italy leading inquiry volumes.
Group travel is also changing in structure. Earlier, large family groups of 8 to 12 people traveling together were common for domestic trips. That format is now appearing in international travel too, particularly for Southeast Asia. Group packages for 6 to 10 people traveling to Thailand or Singapore are a growing booking category at Tripstor. These groups typically have a mix of ages and need itineraries that balance activity with comfort.
Which visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations are most popular with Indian passport holders?
As of 2024, over 60 countries offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa access to Indian passport holders. Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Sri Lanka, and Mauritius are among the most booked. These destinations consistently rank high because the booking-to-travel process is simpler for first-time international travelers.
Sri Lanka is worth a separate mention. After a period of reduced travel during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, Indian visitor numbers have recovered strongly in 2023–2024. Sri Lanka offers visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens, and the destination is accessible from South Indian cities like Chennai and Bengaluru on short flights. A 5-night Sri Lanka package covering Colombo, Kandy, and Ella runs INR 45,000 to 80,000 per person, making it one of the more affordable international options.
| Region | Top Destination for Indians | Visa Requirement for Indian Passport Holders | Average Budget (INR per person) | Fastest-Growing Traveler Segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Thailand / Bali | Visa-on-arrival / e-visa | 55,000–1,00,000 | Couples, first-time international travelers |
| Middle East | Dubai, UAE | Visa required (online application) | 70,000–1,20,000 | Families, business-leisure travelers |
| Europe | Switzerland / France | Schengen visa required | 1,50,000–3,00,000 | Premium couples, families aged 30–45 |
| Japan / East Asia | Japan | Visa required (sticker visa) | 1,20,000–2,20,000 | Young professionals, solo travelers |
| Australia / New Zealand | Australia | ETA / e-visa required | 1,80,000–3,50,000 | Premium families, students visiting relatives |
Related: Australia tour packages for Indians — itineraries, visa guidance, and pricing for the 2024–2025 travel season.
What travel budget should Indian travelers plan for in 2024–2025?
Mid-range domestic trips in India cost INR 20,000 to 50,000 per person. International short-haul trips to Southeast Asia run INR 55,000 to 1,00,000 per person. Long-haul trips to Europe or Australia range from INR 1,50,000 to 3,50,000 per person. These figures include flights, accommodation, and standard inclusions.
Budget planning varies significantly by traveler type. A family of four traveling domestically to Andaman will typically spend INR 1,20,000 to 2,00,000 in total for a 5-night trip. The same family traveling to Singapore will spend INR 2,50,000 to 4,00,000 in total.
The mid-range segment — INR 40,000 to 80,000 per person — represents the largest share of Tripstor bookings across both domestic and international categories. This segment is growing as Tier-2 city incomes rise and flight costs on competitive routes stabilize.
Flight costs are the single largest variable in any international package. On the Bangkok route, flight prices from metros like Mumbai or Delhi can range from INR 18,000 to 35,000 return depending on how far in advance you book. On the Europe route, return flights alone can cost INR 60,000 to 1,00,000 per person. This is why early booking matters more for long-haul trips than for domestic ones.
Accommodation choice also shifts the budget significantly. In Bali, a mid-range villa for two costs roughly INR 4,000 to 7,000 per night. A premium resort on the same route can cost INR 15,000 to 30,000 per night. Most Tripstor packages are built around 3-star and 4-star properties, which keeps the per-person cost within the mid-range band while maintaining reasonable comfort.
How much does an Andaman trip cost compared to a Southeast Asia trip for Indians?
A 5-night Andaman package for two persons costs approximately INR 60,000 to 1,10,000 in total. A 6-night Thailand package for two persons costs approximately INR 1,10,000 to 1,80,000 in total. Andaman is cheaper primarily because there are no international flight costs or foreign exchange requirements. Andaman also suits travelers who prefer a shorter, more focused itinerary.
The cost difference narrows when you factor in water activity add-ons. Scuba diving in Andaman costs INR 3,500 to 5,500 per person per dive. Sea walking costs INR 3,000 to 4,500 per person. These are typically not included in base package prices. A couple doing two or three activities each can add INR 15,000 to 25,000 to the total Andaman trip cost.
Related: Andaman honeymoon packages — pricing, inclusions, and resort options for couples planning a 2024–2025 trip.
When is the best time for Indian travelers to book trips based on current demand trends?
October to March is peak travel season for most Indian leisure travelers. Andaman, Goa, Rajasthan, and most Southeast Asia destinations see highest demand in this window. Booking 60 to 90 days in advance during peak season reduces costs by 10 to 20% compared to last-minute rates.
Shoulder season — April to June — works well for Andaman and some hill destinations. Andaman's weather remains acceptable through May. Monsoon months (July to September) see lower prices but limited water activity availability in Andaman and coastal destinations.
For international travel, early-bird bookings on Europe and Japan packages — made 90 to 120 days ahead — consistently offer better flight and hotel combinations. Demand for December and January travel peaks in September and October, so waiting until November to book peak-season international trips typically means higher costs and fewer options.
School holiday periods drive a specific booking pattern. The May–June summer break is the busiest period for family travel to hill destinations and Singapore. The October–November Diwali window sees a spike in short international trips — Dubai, Bangkok, and Bali are the top three destinations during this period. Booking Diwali travel before August is advisable for families who want specific hotel categories or flight timings.
For domestic travel, the Christmas and New Year window (December 20 to January 5) is the single most congested period. Goa, Andaman, and Kerala all see price premiums of 20 to 40% during this window compared to early December. Travelers with flexibility who can travel in the first two weeks of December or the first two weeks of January will find better availability and lower rates.
Related: Best Time to Visit Singapore from India: Month-by-Month Season Guide
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