Summer 2025 Travel: Indians Seek Cooler Climes, Curated Escapes And True Value
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This summer, Indian travellers are trading routine getaways for immersive, personalized journeys that promise comfort, culture, and adventure.
As temperatures soar across India, the summer of 2025 is revealing a new chapter in the nation's travel story. Far from simply fleeing the heat, Indian travelers are crafting journeys that blend adventure, heritage, comfort, and value—reshaping the landscape for hospitality providers and travel companies alike.
The Allure of Hills, Heritage, and Hidden Retreats
Hill stations remain the undisputed champions of Indian summer travel, but the motivations behind these trips are changing. Jayant Singh, Managing Partner, Treehouse Hotels and Resorts, observes, 'Indian travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful escapes from the heat, with hill destinations like Himachal Pradesh becoming top choices for families and professionals." Singh notes a trend toward longer, comfort-driven stays in resorts and boutique hotels, with guests gravitating toward properties that offer space, nature, and personalized experiences.
Treehouse Chail Villas, for example, has seen a surge in interest for guided treks and visits to an ancient Shiv temple, while their riverside resort in Narmadapuram is attracting guests eager to explore the nearby UNESCO-listed Bhimbetka caves. Singh points out that even Goa—typically associated with winter tourism—is now drawing summer crowds who are 'transforming our coastal resorts into lush, scenic hideaways perfect for relaxed getaways" during the monsoon.
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Flexibility and Personalization Take Center Stage
The desire for flexibility is now front and center in travel planning. Singh emphasizes, 'Flexible booking choices, like easy rescheduling, free cancellations, and refundable packages, are now essential when making decisions." Travelers want the assurance that their money and experience will be safeguarded if plans change.
Personalization, too, is in high demand. Singh explains, 'Our guests no longer want one-size-fits-all vacations. Instead, they seek experiences tailored to their unique interests and preferences." Whether it's an adventure-filled trek around the beautiful Chail Villas, a spiritual journey to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, or a culinary class with local chefs, Singh's team is focused on creating 'meaningful experiences ensuring every trip feels unique, immersive, and memorable." He adds that the goal is to provide 'clean, comfortable, and safe accommodations at affordable prices, where quality truly meets value."
Southern Cool and International Aspirations
The search for cool escapes isn't limited to the north. Malini Gowrishankar, Founder of F5 Escapes, has noticed a shift in traveler preferences, 'Indian travelers typically favor the high mountains but recent political uncertainties have increased interest in cooler South Indian destinations like Kodaikanal, Ooty, Mudumalai, Coorg, and Chikmagalur."
Gowrishankar also notes a growing appetite for international destinations that offer relief from the heat without the price tag of Europe. 'The Caucasus region—Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan—and Bhutan are gaining popularity due to their perceived exotic nature and more affordable prices, as well as their cooler climates," she explains.
When it comes to expectations, Gowrishankar says, 'The topmost expectation in the minds of Indian travellers is value for the money spent." Travelers are asking detailed questions, doing their own research, and increasingly appreciating the service layer that companies like F5 Escapes provide. 'They love the fact that they can delegate the hassle of trip planning and execution," she adds, highlighting the importance of safety and detailed, research-backed itineraries.
The Rise of Bespoke and Last-Minute Travel
International aspirations are also on the rise, with customization emerging as a defining trend. Bharat Seth, Co-founder, OneLatitude, observes, 'Domestically, Indians—as each year—are looking to travel to cooler destinations in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir," with Spiti, Kashmir, and Ladakh remaining perennial favorites. Internationally, Seth notes, 'There is an uptake of places like Georgia, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, which have easy visa processes or are visa-free." He also points to a growing interest in South American destinations such as Bolivia, Peru, and the Galapagos, as well as African countries like Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.
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Simran, co-founder, OneLatitude, highlights the increasing demand for customized and last-minute travel arrangements. 'Many travellers are looking to book last-minute getaways for the summer, so there are requests pouring in for quick turnarounds and customised plans," she says. Simran welcomes this change, explaining, 'We are seeing a lot more people requesting really curated programs—which for us is an amazing change, as that's what we specialise in as a bespoke travel company. One size does not fit all in travel, and guests are recognising that." Even within large family groups, she notes, there is a desire for itineraries that cater to individual preferences.
A New Era of Indian Summer Travel
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This summer, Indian travelers are rewriting the rules of vacationing. Whether it's a tranquil riverside retreat, a monsoon-soaked Goan escape, a South Indian coffee estate, or an adventure in the Caucasus, the focus is on meaningful, flexible, and personalized experiences. As Jayant Singh puts it, the industry's mission is to create 'the kind of environment where guests can truly relax and recharge this summer"—a sentiment echoed by peers across the sector.
For the travel industry, success in 2025 will belong to those who can offer not just a place to stay, but a story to live—crafted with care, flexibility, and a personal touch.
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First Published:
May 19, 2025, 07:14 IST
News lifestyle » travel Summer 2025 Travel: Indians Seek Cooler Climes, Curated Escapes And True Value
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