Whether you’re looking for the best-value getaways, inspiration from pop culture, or tips to make stress-free bookings, The Pioneer is your go-to source for travel intelligence in 2025. We bring to you the latest insights into how Indian travelers are planning their 2025 holidays, from emerging trends and budget-friendly destinations to smart travel hacks that simplify decision-making with expert insights
Tejal Sinha
As the new year begins, Indian travelers are eagerly setting their sights on their next big adventure. According to Skyscanner’s latest Wanderlust Report, January is a crucial month for decision-making, with 89% of Indians making important choices for the year ahead. Among these, travel plans take center stage, with 49% already planning their holidays for 2025 to set the tone for the year.
Mohit Joshi, Travel & Destinations Expert at Skyscanner, in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer explains this trend, stating, “New Year represents a fresh beginning. There’s enthusiasm and excitement to plan ahead. Interestingly, when compared to last year, nearly half of Indians (45%) ended up taking more holidays than originally planned in 2024. This suggests a growing eagerness to explore and make the most of travel opportunities.”
With 62% of Indians making life decisions at the start of the year, it’s no surprise that travel planning aligns with this mindset. The report highlights that over one in five (22%) Indian travelers take up to a month to finalize their holiday plans, similar to the time taken for decisions like higher education or career choices.
“Indians tend to be extra cautious when booking their trips. They revisit options multiple times—whether it’s flights (41%), hotels (35%), or activities (30%)—to ensure everything is perfect before confirming their plans,” says Joshi.
Despite the excitement, planning a trip can be daunting. A striking 75% of Indian travelers find the process overwhelming, primarily due to the vast amount of information available online.
“Too many flight and hotel choices are a major deterrent, with four in ten travelers saying it stops them from making bookings,” Joshi points out. He suggests that using meta-search platforms can simplify the process by aggregating results from over 1,200 travel partners worldwide.
To ease the stress of decision-making, Joshi recommends prioritizing travel goals and using tools, such as:
• ‘Whole Month’ & ‘Cheapest Month’ Tool – Helps travelers identify the most budget-friendly time to fly.
• ‘Explore Everywhere’ Feature – Offers inspiration by suggesting destinations based on budget and availability.
How Indians Can Overcome Travel Anxiety
Financial concerns play a crucial role in travel decisions, with 95% of Indians citing cost as a major factor. The Wanderlust Report also found that one in three (31%) travelers are inspired by affordable destinations, while 23% are motivated by knowing the cheapest places to visit.
For those worried about missing out on deals, Joshi highlights a widespread fear of imperfection among Indian travelers. “A staggering 96% of Indians hesitate to book due to fear of making a less-than-perfect choice, while 94% overthink their plans. However, despite the stress, nearly half (45%) of Indians still ended up traveling more than expected in 2024.”
Best Value-for-Money Destinations for 2025
With budget-friendly travel in mind, they have curated a list of destinations offering the best value for money in 2025. Based on an analysis of millions of flights, some of the top budget-friendly destinations include:
1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – Flights starting from ₹8,390, driven by growing spiritual tourism and improved connectivity.
2. Kochi, Kerala – A cultural hotspot featuring historic sites, serene backwaters, and rich heritage.
3. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – Known for its golden deserts, camel safaris, and vibrant folk culture.
4. New Delhi – A major travel hub with excellent connectivity to domestic and international locations.
5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia – A historically rich yet affordable destination with attractions like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
Other affordable destinations include Srinagar, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Davao in the Philippines.
Balancing Budget and Perfection in Travel Planning
Indian travelers often strive to balance affordability with quality, making travel planning an intricate process. “We know that price-savvy Indians want both a great deal and a top-notch travel experience. That’s why tools like Skyscanner’s ‘Saved’ feature allow users to compare flights and hotels in one place, making decisions easier,” Joshi explains.
He suggests reflecting on travel priorities and using planning tools to ensure a smooth experience.
The Influence of Social Media and Pop Culture on Travel
Social media and influencers play a significant role in shaping travel choices. “Travelers are drawn to destinations featured in celebrity posts, influencer itineraries, and even popular movies and TV shows,” Joshi notes.
This trend, known as ‘set-jetting’, has gained momentum in India. The Travel Trends 2024 report found that:
• Manali became a top travel destination after being featured in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
• Ladakh saw a 47% increase in interest due to 3 Idiots.
Another emerging trend is ‘gig-tripping’, where travelers plan trips around music concerts. “One-third (37%) of Indian travelers are willing to take short-haul flights to see their favorite artists live, while 79% would consider attending a concert overseas if it saves money,” Joshi reveals.
Additionally, sports events are a major travel motivator, with 63% of Indians planning trips around major tournaments like Formula 1, cricket, and football.
As Indians gear up for their 2025 adventures, prioritization, flexibility, and smart travel hacks can make the planning process seamless. Whether leveraging tools like Price Alerts, exploring budget-friendly destinations, or drawing inspiration from pop culture and social media, Indian travelers are set for an exciting year ahead.
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How to Tackle Travel Overwhelm and Conserve Mental Energy
Travel planning is meant to be exciting, but for many, it can feel overwhelming. The sheer number of choices—destinations, flights, accommodations, activities—can lead to decision fatigue, making it harder to commit to plans. Dr. Faye Begeti, a neurology doctor and neuroscientist, explains how travelers can ease this mental burden, conserve energy, and make planning stress-free.
Complex decision-making and thinking rely on the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s command center for processing choices. However, the prefrontal cortex can become fatigued after handling too many decisions, leading to a sense of overwhelm. To prevent this, Dr. Begeti suggests spreading out travel decisions over time rather than making them all at once. “Start planning early so decisions aren’t rushed, and you can distribute them over several days or weeks,” she advises.
Rest and sleep also play a crucial role in mental energy. A well-rested brain is more efficient at handling decisions, so it’s best to tackle major travel choices—such as booking flights and accommodations—when mental energy is highest, such as in the morning. For less significant decisions, like picking restaurants or excursions, Dr. Begeti recommends a “good enough” approach: “Pick an option that meets your basic criteria and move on. Overthinking minor details can drain both time and mental energy.”
To simplify decision-making, narrowing down choices early can help. Instead of browsing multiple tabs and comparing endless options, using Skyscanner filters can streamline the process, making it easier to focus on the best-suited options.
Choosing the Right Holiday for Your Mental State
Not all holidays serve the same purpose. Some travelers seek relaxation, while others crave adventure and stimulation. Dr. Begeti suggests using the cognitive overload/underload framework to determine what type of holiday best suits your mental state.
• Cognitive Overload (Stress & Overwhelm): If you’re feeling mentally drained, a relaxing holiday in nature—such as a beach retreat or a mountain getaway—can help restore balance. “Nature has been shown to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, making it an excellent choice for travelers experiencing burnout,” says Dr. Begeti.
• Cognitive Underload (Boredom & Disengagement): If you’re feeling uninspired or stuck in a routine, an experience-rich holiday, such as a cultural city break or an activity-based trip, can provide the stimulation your brain craves. “New experiences, like learning a skill or exploring a vibrant city, can boost cognitive engagement,” she adds.
For those unsure of where to go, tools like Skyscanner’s Savvy Search feature can help. Powered by AI, it allows travellers to describe their ideal getaway and generates a curated list of destinations with details and images, making it easier to find the perfect trip.
Dopamine, often called the “pleasure molecule,” is actually more about anticipation than pleasure itself. “It motivates us by creating excitement when we look forward to something,” explains Dr. Begeti. This is why some people start planning their next trip as soon as their current one ends—having something to look forward to keeps motivation high.
To make travel planning more enjoyable, Dr. Begeti recommends incorporating dopamine-boosting habits into the process. “If planning feels stressful, pair it with enjoyable activities—like having a hot drink, lighting a candle, or playing music. These small pleasures can trigger a dopamine release, making the process feel more rewarding,” she suggests.
By understanding how the brain processes decision-making, stress, and anticipation, travelers can approach trip planning with a clearer mind and greater ease. Whether it’s narrowing down choices, selecting the right type of holiday, or making planning more enjoyable with dopamine, small changes can transform an overwhelming process into an exciting and seamless experience.
