New Travel Trend, Cool, Curated Holidays Are Fueling India’s Outbound Boom Prefering Cozy Chalets and Tropical Breezes Over Tourist Crowds

As December approaches, a growing number of Indian travellers are actively booking what industry insiders call “cool‑cations” — escapes defined by chill climates, festive atmospheres or culturally rich experiences — as part of a broader shift in how people plan to wrap up 2025. According to recent data shared by leading travel platform Klook, this year-end season is seeing renewed enthusiasm for destinations offering snow‑capped landscapes, holiday lights and vibrant celebrations.

The change in mindset reflects a deeper evolution: travel is no longer just about ticking off bucket‑list spots. Instead, travellers — especially younger, experience‑oriented Indians — are seeking journeys that blend atmosphere, novelty, and emotional resonance. It’s a trend that aligns with projections that India’s outbound tourism will grow significantly in coming years.

More than ever, Indian holidaymakers are gravitating toward destinations offering a mix of snowy landscapes and festive activities, from the frosty slopes of the Alps to Christmas markets in Europe, and vibrant, warm retreats in Southeast Asia. These so-called “cool‑cations” combine the best of both worlds: escape from the sweltering Indian heat and the opportunity to embrace new cultures, festive traditions, and memorable experiences that last a lifetime.

What’s Changing in Travel Behaviour: More Than Just Holidays

Recent reports underscore this shift: in 2025 Indians are moving away from long, fixed itineraries and embracing “short‑haul winter travel,” prioritising convenience, value and memorable experiences.

Meanwhile, data from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (MoT) confirms growing outbound mobility: by mid‑2025, India had registered 84.4 lakh outbound travellers.

As domestic and global connectivity improves — thanks to wider air routes and more tourism‑friendly visa regimes — Indian travellers are increasingly able to realise spontaneous, experience‑driven holidays.

Importantly, many travellers say they now view accommodation itself as a destination. According to one major 2025 survey, around 80% of Indian holiday‑makers plan to spend most of their time at the property — favouring resorts, homestays and boutique stays that offer curated experiences like wellness, events or in‑house F&B rather than just a room.

Where Indians Are Heading: Snow, Chill or Celebration

According to Klook’s internal data comparing Q3 2024 and Q3 2025, the top “cool‑cation” pick among Indian outbound travellers is the winter‑ready landscapes of Europe and East Asia. Destinations with ski slopes, frosty panoramas, Christmas markets or festive street‑lights are seeing sharp growth in interest.

But “cool” doesn’t always mean cold. For some, it’s about escaping Indian heat in tropical climes — trading monsoon humidity for gentle breezes, riverside cruises or misty mountain retreats. Southeast Asian mountain towns, tropical island getaways and culturally rich hubs are gaining interest as “cool‑er” alternatives.

At the same time, experiential and wellness‑focused travel — from spa resorts to heritage‑stay retreats — is emerging as an important part of outbound demand, as travellers seek comfort, rejuvenation and immersive cultural moments over traditional sightseeing.

What Travel Industry and Stakeholders Should Know

For travel agents, tour operators and hospitality businesses — including hotels, resorts and experience‑based stays — this shift offers a major opportunity. The demand for curated, flexible, emotionally engaging travel experiences is rising fast.

• Hotel & Resort Sector: Properties must go beyond rooms — offering wellness, nightlife, cultural programming, festive events or curated experiences can attract travellers keen on immersive holidays.
• Tour Operators & Travel Platforms: Customised travel packages centred around “cool‑cations” (winter sports, festive city breaks, tropical retreats) will likely see high demand.
• Content & Media (like your work): Trend‑driven stories, destination guides, winter vs. tropical getaway comparisons, experiential travel features — all will resonate with this new traveller mindset.
• Infrastructure & Policy: As outbound flow increases, calls grow louder for streamlined visas, better connectivity, and sustainable tourism frameworks — areas where government intervention (national or destination‑level) can shape growth.

Why This Shift Matters

For Indian travellers — increasingly time‑poor, experience‑hungry and globally curious — this new wave of holiday‑making signals more than just a changing travel itinerary. It reflects a deeper change in how travel is valued: as a source of rest, joy, transformation and memories.

Where earlier a holiday meant ticking off monuments or beaches, today it means cozy chalets under snowfall, laughter over a tropical deck at dusk, or quiet mornings in wellness resorts far from routine. It’s about giving time, emotions and stories to loved ones and to oneself.

What makes this trend stand out is its emphasis on experiential travel. It’s not just about sightseeing anymore — it’s about having a true connection to the place. From serene wellness retreats in tropical resorts to snow‑dusted ski chalets in the Swiss Alps, this new wave of travel is all about creating meaningful memories in carefully selected, authentic destinations.

As younger Indians, especially from smaller cities, explore more diverse and offbeat destinations, the outbound travel industry is booming. According to travel experts, this influx of demand is transforming how both international and domestic tourism markets are designed. Travel agencies and hospitality brands are now tailoring packages to meet this growing demand for cultural immersion, adventure, and well-being — all packed into one unforgettable getaway.

For many, 2025’s year‑end break may not just be another holiday — but a memory that shapes how they value travel going forward.

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