Indian Travellers Balance Local Escapes with Global Getaways: Booking.com

For many Indians, travel in first half of 2025 was less about escape and more about feeling renewed. According to Booking.com 66 per cent of travellers are seeking trips to lift their mood, while 58 per cent are choosing quick domestic breaks before heading abroad. It’s a mix of wellness, convenience and curiosity that’s shaping journeys this year.

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said, “The evolving mindset of Indian travellers highlights a fascinating mix of global curiosity and local pride. Whether it's a short-haul international break closer to home or a quick domestic escape, we’re seeing Indians choose destinations that align with their lifestyle aspirations, wellness goals and cultural curiosity. This shift underlines the opportunity ahead, with 84 per cent of Indian travellers feeling optimistic about travel in 2025, we at Booking.com remain committed to supporting this momentum by making it easier for travellers to book every element of their journey, from stays and flights to attractions and transport, all in one seamless experience.”

Domestic favourites

Closer to home, Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi top the most-searched Indian destinations. These city hubs are attracting both business travellers and those seeking family visits or quick weekend breaks. But it’s not just urban life drawing attention – leisure favourites such as Ooty, Rishikesh, Lonavala, Jaipur and Puducherry continue to see demand. In fact, Rishikesh and Puducherry recorded a 25 per cent year-on-year growth in searches, pointing to growing interest in wellness, nature and cultural immersion.

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International hotspots

When it comes to international travel, Dubai takes the crown with a 62 per cent jump in searches. Tokyo also made waves, breaking into the top five with a 90 per cent surge – reflecting India’s appetite for cultural depth and seasonal attractions. Classic favourites such as Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Bali remain strong, thanks to their proximity, visa ease and balance of relaxation with adventure. London and Paris also secured places in the top 10, highlighting that long-haul travel is still firmly on the radar.

The APAC picture

These patterns echo broader Asia-Pacific trends. Within the region, Japan continues to draw both local and international travellers, while South Korea and Thailand also remain highly popular. For most APAC markets, eight or nine of the top 10 destinations searched were regional, showing that proximity and cultural familiarity are still strong motivators.

As 2025 unfolds, Indian travellers are proving they want the best of both worlds – the comfort of familiar local retreats and the excitement of global adventures. With optimism running high, the year looks set to be one of exploration, balance and memorable journeys.