This summer, Indian travellers are choosing Asia. While the allure of the West used to dominate our travel mood boards, Indian globetrotters are now looking much closer to home, trading long-haul fatigue
for the energy of Asian metropolises. This shift is being fueled largely by a generation that doesn’t just watch Korean dramas or scroll through Japanese street style (we’re talking about you, GenZ) but live it. From the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo to the spicy street food stalls of Busan, the magnetic pull of Asian pop culture has turned these cities into the ultimate summer playgrounds.
According to Airbnb search data, Gen Z led this charge, accounting for over 40% of Airbnb’s summer searches this year and growing faster than any other generation at approximately 60% year-on-year. This generation tends to travel more frequently and is increasingly planning trips around experiences, from concerts and festivals to cultural events and culinary exploration.
Asian Getaways Dominate The Charts
Airbnb data reveals growing interest in destinations across Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. Osaka (over 85% growth in searches), Tokyo (over 90%) and Busan (over 95%) recorded some of the strongest increases in search interest among Indian travellers. This aligns with broader travel trends pointing to rising interest driven by pop culture fandom, culinary appeal and ease of travel. Kuala Lumpur (over 50%) and Bangkok (over 35%) continued to see steady demand, reflecting their strong connectivity and familiarity among Indian travellers.
Travel also remains a shared experience, with nearly 60% of searches driven by group and family travel, followed by over 30% from duo travellers, highlighting the importance of spending time together while exploring new destinations.
Offbeat Local Destinations For The Win
Within India, travellers are increasingly looking beyond established hotspots and exploring destinations that offer nature, heritage and cultural richness. Thiruvananthapuram (over 90% growth in searches), Puri (over 30%), Jaipur (over 70%) and Meghalaya (over 70%) have all seen strong growth in interest.
“What we are seeing this summer is travel driven by curiosity and culture,” said Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Country Head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia. “Asia offers something rare: the familiarity of a culture Indian travellers love, and a chance to discover a new destination. That, paired with greater connectivity and the option to plan a meaningful yet short trip during a long weekend, makes Asia even more appealing to Indian travellers. It’s interesting to see that Indian travellers are slowly moving beyond the templatised and obvious, both internationally and within India, and proactively seeking destinations that feel more personal, not just popular.”
