New Delhi: Indian travellers showed no signs of slowing down in 2025, especially during the year-end holiday window. As Christmas celebrations gathered
pace and New Year plans were locked in, millions packed their bags for short breaks, beach holidays, cultural escapes, and spiritual journeys. The festive travel season once again emerged as the busiest period, reflecting a strong appetite for both domestic and international trips. Fresh data from MakeMyTrip’s year-end booking trends report reveals a clear shift in destination choices this season.
Thailand emerged as the most-booked international destination for Indian travellers in 2025, pushing the UAE off the top spot, while Goa continued to dominate as the country’s most popular domestic leisure destination. Read further to know what the data revealed and why Indians opted for these destinations.
Why did Indians opt for Thailand and Goa
1. What year-end travel data reveals
The report is based on bookings for travel between December 20, 2025, and January 5, 2026, offering a snapshot of how Indians planned their holidays during the festive rush. The trends reflect changing preferences, not just in destinations, but also in how travellers choose to spend on accommodation and the kind of trips they prioritise.
Thailand’s rise points to growing interest in short-haul international destinations that offer beaches, nightlife, food, and value-for-money experiences. Meanwhile, Goa’s continued popularity confirms its status as India’s go-to destination for year-end celebrations, drawing travellers for its beaches, parties, and relaxed holiday vibe.
2. Indian travellers spend more on comfort in 2025
One of the most noticeable shifts this year was in accommodation choices. MakeMyTrip data shows a clear rise in bookings for hotels and homestays priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,500 per night. At the same time, demand for stays in the Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 range saw a slight dip.
This trend suggests that travellers are increasingly willing to spend more for better amenities, improved comfort, and an overall upgraded stay experience, especially during peak holiday periods.
3. Leisure travel still dominates, and spiritual trips grow steadily
Leisure travel continued to lead year-end bookings in 2025, though its share dipped slightly compared to last year. Leisure trips accounted for 75.3 per cent of bookings, down from 77.1 per cent in 2024.
At the same time, spiritual travel saw steady growth. Faith-driven journeys made up 24.8 per cent of bookings in 2025, up from 22.9 per cent the previous year. The rise highlights how more travellers are using the New Year break not only for vacations, but also for pilgrimages and spiritual retreats.
The year-end travel trends of 2025 underline a clear shift in how Indians plan their holidays. With Thailand emerging as the top international choice, Goa holding its domestic stronghold, and travellers spending more on comfort while balancing leisure with spiritual journeys, festive travel continues to evolve, reflecting changing priorities and a growing appetite for meaningful experiences.
