-
The report also points to a gradual premiumisation of travel choices
-
While mid-range hotel bookings showed some moderation, higher-priced accommodation segments gained traction, indicating that Indian travellers are increasingly willing to spend more for comfort and quality during their holidays
As the countdown to 2026 begins, new travel insights reveal a shift in how Indians are planning their year-end getaways. According to recent booking data released by MakeMyTrip, Thailand has emerged as the most preferred international destination for Indian travellers during the New Year holiday period, overtaking the UAE, which had traditionally dominated this space.
The report analyses bookings made for travel between December 20, 2025, and January 6, 2026, offering a snapshot of evolving travel preferences. Thailand’s rise to the top reflects Indians’ growing inclination toward short-haul international destinations that combine affordability, cultural familiarity, and relaxed visa norms. The UAE now ranks second, followed by Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Malaysia in the top five overseas choices.
Among these, Vietnam stands out as the fastest-growing destination. It jumped from seventh position last year to fourth place, signalling a sharp increase in interest. This surge highlights a broader trend of Indian travellers exploring emerging, budget-friendly international markets that offer diverse experiences within manageable travel distances. Other popular global destinations during the period include Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, and the US.
-
Industry experts attribute this momentum to improved air connectivity and easier visa or visa-free access
-
Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, noted that familiar short-haul regions continue to drive outbound travel, while newer destinations are steadily gaining attention, reinforcing India’s expanding global travel appetite
On the domestic front, tourism remained robust during the year-end holidays. Goa once again topped the list, followed closely by Jaipur, Udaipur, Manali, and Jaisalmer. Hill stations such as Munnar, Darjeeling, Ooty, and Mussoorie also recorded strong demand. For curated domestic travel packages, Kerala led the charts, with Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, the Andaman Islands, and Tamil Nadu close behind.
A notable trend highlighted in the report is the growing blend of leisure and spiritual travel. Pilgrimage journeys accounted for nearly a quarter of all bookings in 2025, marking an increase from the previous year. Destinations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Tirupati, Puri, Amritsar, and Rameshwaram continued to attract travellers seeking spiritually enriching experiences alongside leisure breaks.
