Where India travelled in 2025 reveals a new appetite for slower, community-led journeys

Indian international travel in 2025 has undergone a subtle but significant transformation, moving away from fast-paced sightseeing towards slower, more immersive journeys shaped by community and shared discovery, according to new insights released by Zo World, the global travel arm of Zostel.

Drawing on data from its curated travel vertical, Zo Trips, the company said the year was marked less by headline-grabbing destination numbers and more by a shift in how Indian travellers chose to experience the world. Travellers increasingly prioritised depth over breadth, favouring longer stays, neighbourhood-level exploration and locally rooted experiences rather than checklist-style tourism.

While established international favourites such as Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, the UAE and parts of Europe continued to see strong interest, Zo World noted a clear change in travel behaviour. Indian travellers showed a growing inclination towards intentional travel, combining cultural immersion, food-led exploration and adventure-based activities. This shift was especially pronounced among younger and repeat travellers, who demonstrated greater confidence in navigating destinations beyond traditional tourist centres.

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The trend has unfolded alongside a sharp rise in outbound travel from both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Indian cities. Improved air connectivity and competitive international airfares, particularly across Southeast Asia where overseas flights are sometimes cheaper than domestic routes, have made foreign travel more accessible and encouraged travellers to venture beyond conventional itineraries.

Zo World’s data also highlighted increasing interest in lesser-known international destinations. Countries such as Georgia and Azerbaijan, quieter routes within Southeast Asia, parts of Central Asia, and underexplored European and Asian cities gained popularity during the year. These destinations appealed to Indian travellers for their cultural richness, scenic landscapes and better value for money compared with traditional European circuits, reflecting a growing preference for authentic experiences without excessive costs.

This behavioural shift is reflected in the rapid growth of Zo Trips, which focuses on community-led, curated travel experiences. The platform recorded international participation growth of more than 2,500 per cent over the past two years, driven by demand for structured yet socially driven journeys across destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Annapurna and Bali.

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According to Zo World, experience quality has now overtaken destination popularity as the primary driver of international travel decisions. Social discovery, peer recommendations and community narratives increasingly influence travel intent, while slower travel rhythms and meaningful engagement shape itineraries. Millennials and Gen Z travellers, particularly solo travellers and couples, have emerged as key drivers of this change, seeking journeys that balance independence with connection.

Looking ahead, Zo World expects this discovery-first, community-driven approach to continue shaping Indian outbound travel in 2026. With improving flight connectivity and easing visa access, the company plans to expand Zo Trips’ international circuits across Europe, Southeast Asia and Central Asia, alongside themed journeys centred on culture, food and adventure.

The data suggests that while Indians may still be travelling to familiar parts of the world, the way they travel has evolved. In 2025, global exploration increasingly became less about consumption and more about intention, immersion and shared experience.