From Solo Trips To Big Fat Weddings: How Indian Parents Are Travelling In 2025

NDTV

4 hours ago

Travelling with family is not just about flights, hotels and ticking off places on a list. It is a way to pause everyday life, bond with loved ones, and gather stories that become lifelong memories. For Indian parents, travel in 2025 has become a non-negotiable. According to a Booking.com study, 75% of Indian parents rank travel as a top priority every year. That is significantly higher than 58% in the Asia-Pacific region and 53% globally.
The top reasons? Spending quality time as a family (72%), lifting one's mood (71%), relaxation (68%) and mental clarity (63%).
Where Indian Parents Are Heading This Year
Asia tops the wishlist for Indian parents in 2025, with 62% choosing destinations across the continent. Europe follows closely at 55%, and North America at 26%. Domestic travel remains strong too-98% plan to travel within India, while 90% have international trips lined up.
Why Desi Parents Are Travelling For Weddings, Reunions And Big Fat Gatherings
Holiday? Not always. For many Indian parents, the reason to travel is often rooted in family obligations and emotional connections. Weddings are still a major driver-73% of parents are planning travel around wedding functions. Reunions are not far behind, with 63% planning trips to meet loved ones and 41% heading out to visit extended family and friends.
Travel As A Cultural Classroom
For Indian parents, travel is also a way to introduce children to a larger world, both theirs and others'. A striking 92% say it is important that their children experience diverse cultures, and 90% prioritise reinforcing their own cultural roots while travelling. Trips are no longer just about sightseeing-they are a hands-on lesson in values and identity.
Solo Travel Is Not Just For The Young Anymore
Solo travel is not just a Gen Z thing anymore. Indian parents are increasingly choosing to travel alone, too. Whether it is to recharge, reflect or simply do something for themselves, 79% of parents said they plan to take solo trips this year. The shift reflects a broader move towards self-prioritisation, even within deeply family-oriented setups.
How Indian Parents Are Rethinking Travel Budgets
Contrary to assumptions, Indian parents are not just saving-they are spending smart. Here is what the numbers say about their travel behaviour in 2025:
70% are open to travelling off-season or taking longer transport routes to cut costs.
47% are ready to take longer trips and stretch their travel budget.
65% will spend more on eating out, 68% on shopping, and 58% on better stays.
63% are planning more last-minute travel to bag deals, and 58% say they will splurge if it means the experience is worth it.
The Role Of Technology In Family Travel Planning
Tech is not just for the kids anymore. Indian parents are relying heavily on technology to streamline their travel. A massive 88% use digital tools to find the best discounts and rates. Artificial Intelligence is also becoming a trusted travel companion - 91% say it helps them access more authentic experiences, while 88% use AI confidently to plan better, and 87% feel it makes the process faster and more accurate.
Methodology Behind The Travel Trends 2025 Report
The research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among adults who had taken a leisure trip involving an overnight stay in the past year, intended to travel in 2025, and were involved in trip planning. The sample included 32,106 participants from 32 global markets, surveyed in January 2025.