Year-end wanderlust: Indians flock to Thailand, Bali, and beyond
International travel is surging for year-end holidays. Southeast Asia and short-haul destinations are popular choices. Emerging destinations like Azerbaijan and the Philippines are attracting Indian travelers. Airlines are offering competitive fa...
Mumbai: Foreign destinations seem to be the flavour of the season. With year-end holidays round the corner, international travel is poised to grow exponentially with short-haul destinations Thailand, Vietnam and Bali among the top picks. Indian travellers are also starting to explore emerging destinations such as Azerbaijan and Philippines.
Online platform Ixigo reported an 80-100% year-on-year (YoY) increase in bookings to destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and London. Agoda supported this trend, noting a 53% surge in international accommodation searches. Cleartrip observed a 1.2x jump in international leisure travel, with Southeast Asia and the Middle East emerging as key regions.
Emerging destinations are a highlight this year. MakeMyTrip recorded 248% growth in searches for Azerbaijan and 100% growth for Malaysia. Similarly, Cleartrip observed spikes in bookings for Manila (2.5x) and Tbilisi (1.7x), alongside strong growth for Bali (2.6x) and Phuket (2.3x).
To capitalise on the trend, airlines like IndiGo are offering international fares starting at ₹4,499, making travel more accessible.
Airfares have dropped on New Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City (-18%), Mumbai-Bangkok (-23%), New Delhi-London (-23%), and Mumbai-London (-46%), according to data from Ixigo. Meanwhile, fares have risen on New Delhi/Mumbai to Phuket (+12%), Mumbai-Singapore (+14%), and Mumbai-Bali (+47%), with New Delhi-Bangkok seeing the highest surge (+51%).
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Short-haul international travel is particularly dominant, driven by proximity and affordability. MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip have identified Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the UAE as leading choices, supported by increased connectivity and budget-friendly airfares. "Destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali are top picks, reflecting a preference for culturally rich cities that offer a mix of beaches, nightlife, and culture," said Ixigo Group CEO Aloke Bajpai.
Luxury and personalised experiences are on the rise. Ixigo reported an 80% jump in international business-class bookings and a 27% rise for domestic routes, reflecting growing demand for premium travel. MakeMyTrip highlighted a 7% increase in average holiday package spending, with luxury hotel bookings priced above Rs 10,000 growing from 20% to 22%.
Solo travel is booming too, with Ixigo seeing a 34% on-year rise in international solo trips and Cleartrip noting a 30% rise compared to the summer season. This underscores the growing trend of individual exploration over group vacations.
Among local destinations, Goa continues to reign supreme. MakeMyTrip identified it as the most searched New Year's Eve destination, while Agoda noted significant inbound interest from the US, Singapore, and the UAE. Despite a 1.3x rise in airfares to Goa, as per Cleartrip, the destination remains a perennial favourite among Indian travellers.
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"Despite changes in airfares and hotel prices, the desire to experience new cultures, cuisines and landscapes remains undeterred. It's particularly interesting to note that while costs are rising, travellers are increasingly seeking value-driven experiences," said a spokesperson for Cleartrip.
The best loyalty programs for Indian tourists & how you can maximize your travel rewards
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For Indian travelers seeking value and rewards, loyalty programs offer a way to enhance their journeys, whether through discounted flights, complimentary stays, or exclusive perks.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular global loyalty programs suited to Indian tourists, spanning airlines, hotels, and credit cards.
For Indian travelers seeking value and rewards, loyalty programs offer a way to enhance their journeys, whether through discounted flights, complimentary stays, or exclusive perks. Here’s a look at s..
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Airline loyalty programs reward frequent travelers with benefits like free flights, upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access.
These programs enhance the travel experience, offering savings and exclusive perks for frequent flyers worldwide.
Airline loyalty programs reward frequent travelers with benefits like free flights, upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access. These programs enhance the travel experience, offering savings and ..
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Emirates Skywards is highly favored by Indian travelers flying to the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
Members earn miles on flights, retail partners, and credit card transactions. Rewards include upgrades, free flights, and lounge access.
Emirates Skywards is highly favored by Indian travelers flying to the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Members earn miles on flights, retail partners, and credit card transactions. Rewards incl..
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KrisFlyer is a top choice for those traveling to Southeast Asia and beyond.
The program allows travelers to redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and even luxury experiences through its partner network.
KrisFlyer is a top choice for those traveling to Southeast Asia and beyond. The program allows travelers to redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and even luxury experiences through its partner network
Indians traveling to the UK and Europe often benefit from British Airways' loyalty program.
Avios points earned can be redeemed for discounted flights or cabin upgrades. The program's flexibility in partner airline redemptions is an added advantage.
Indians traveling to the UK and Europe often benefit from British Airways' loyalty program. Avios points earned can be redeemed for discounted flights or cabin upgrades. The program's flexibility in ..
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With its frequent connections to the Middle East and Europe, Etihad Guest is popular among Indian tourists.
Members enjoy tier-based benefits, including priority boarding and access to premium lounges.
With its frequent connections to the Middle East and Europe, Etihad Guest is popular among Indian tourists. Members enjoy tier-based benefits, including priority boarding and access to premium lounge..
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Hotel loyalty programs reward frequent guests with benefits such as free nights, room upgrades, early check-in, and dining discounts.
These programs enhance stays, providing cost savings and exclusive perks for travelers across destinations.
Hotel loyalty programs reward frequent guests with benefits such as free nights, room upgrades, early check-in, and dining discounts. These programs enhance stays, providing cost savings and exclusiv..
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Marriott Bonvoy offers Indian tourists a chance to earn points across 8,000+ properties worldwide.
Points can be redeemed for free nights, dining, and experiences. The program also offers unique perks like late checkout and room upgrades.
Marriott Bonvoy offers Indian tourists a chance to earn points across 8,000+ properties worldwide. Points can be redeemed for free nights, dining, and experiences. The program also offers unique perk..
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This program provides flexibility in earning and redeeming points across 6,000+ properties globally.
Hilton Honors members can also benefit from the Points & Money feature, allowing a mix of cash and points for bookings.
This program provides flexibility in earning and redeeming points across 6,000+ properties globally. Hilton Honors members can also benefit from the Points & Money feature, allowing a mix of cash and..
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With properties in key tourist destinations, World of Hyatt allows Indian travelers to earn rewards for stays, dining, and spa services.
Members also get exclusive discounts and early check-in options.
With properties in key tourist destinations, World of Hyatt allows Indian travelers to earn rewards for stays, dining, and spa services. Members also get exclusive discounts and early check-in option..
