Indian travel preferences are undergoing a visible shift, with Asia and domestic destinations gaining traction as global disruptions continue to impact long-haul travel, according to ixigo.
Data shared
by the travel booking platform indicates that travellers are increasingly steering away from regions affected by airspace restrictions and operational uncertainties, particularly across parts of the Middle East. Instead, there is a growing preference for destinations that offer shorter travel times, smoother connectivity, and greater predictability.
As per ixigo, short-haul international travel within Asia has seen a notable uptick. Vietnam has emerged as a leading choice among Indian travellers, witnessing a sharp surge in bookings. Other nearby destinations such as Nepal and Sri Lanka are also seeing increased interest, alongside Southeast Asian hubs like Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, which continue to remain strong performers.
The trend is equally pronounced within India. ixigo’s data highlights rising demand for domestic destinations such as Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bagdogra, and Srinagar. Meanwhile, established leisure markets like Goa and Dehradun continue to see steady traction, underscoring a broader shift towards shorter, more convenient travel plans.
According to ixigo, this evolving preference reflects a more cautious and pragmatic approach among Indian travellers, who are prioritising reliability and flexibility in their plans. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and travel-related uncertainties, regional and domestic tourism is increasingly being viewed not just as a fallback, but as a preferred mode of travel.
The data signals a larger behavioural shift, one where proximity, ease, and overall experience are beginning to outweigh long-haul aspirations.
