Summary of this article
Gen Z bookings surged 650 percent, driven by mobile-first affordability.
Dubai Bangkok Kuala Lumpur top; Vietnam breakout; Varanasi Andamans grew.
Mobile bookings dominated; UPI and cards rose, shaping digital travel
In 2025, Indian travellers embraced new experiences like never before, with a growing number of people exploring both local gems and international hotspots. The desire fuelled travels to cities, beaches, and odd destinations through the year, from group retreats to brief solo vacations.
According to a report by Cleartrip Unpacked 2025, titled How India Flew, Stayed, And Searched For Chutti,” Gen Z dominated travel bookings in 2025, surging 650 per cent compared to the last few years. Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok emerged as the top international destinations, as young travellers explored various locations in search of cultural, social, and adventurous experiences.
Vietnam stood out as the breakout international destination in 2025, with traveller traffic increasing by 133 per cent. In India, visits to Varanasi and the Andaman Islands grew by 20 per cent, reflecting a rising interest in cultural and leisure travel. According to the report, Uttar Pradesh was the most visited state in 2025, with stay searches for Prayagraj increasing three times and for Bareilly increasing four times.
Solo travellers preferred toward major cities, with Delhi and Bengaluru emerging as the top picks, highlighting the increased inclination for independent, quick vacations. Goa, Pondicherry, and Darjeeling emerged as the top destinations for combining work and leisure.
According to a PTI report, which cited the Cleartrip report, convenience and digital payments also shaped travel behaviour in 2025. Bookings made mostly through mobile devices accounted for 66 per cent of total travel. Credit card usage increased by 8 per cent, while UPI payments increased by 6 per cent, indicating a shift towards easy, tech-driven vacation planning.
The report said the travel landscape in 2025 highlighted a clear shift in preferences. The younger generation of travellers sought flexibility, unique experiences, and value-driven options in their travel itineraries.
