Indian millennials are reshaping travel trends; focus not on exotic locales

Indian millennials are altering the dynamics of travel, and it has nothing to do with pursuing 'exotic' locales. As per Booking.com's Travel Trends 2025 report, 62 per cent of Indian millennials opt for vacationing with their close family members. The figure is significantly higher than the Asia-Pacific (APAC) average of 53 per cent, which reflects a definite cultural drift.

The rise of connection-focused travel

The study polled over 32,000 adults globally, including 1,800 in India and the news is clear as day: the new Indian vacation is one of togetherness. Millennials are spending their money and time on trips that unite them with their family. Whether a quick-weekend getaway, a religious pilgrimage, family bonding is now at the center of planning.

Gen Z extends the circle

While millennials are shifting the focus to family, Gen Z travellers are expanding the concept of group travel. A noteworthy 88 per cent will pay for a friend's, parent's or child's vacation. Even better, 83 per cent of Gen Z will gladly pay for friends' holidays vs. 75 per cent for millennials and just 58 per cent for Gen X. This implies that Gen Z considers traveling not only about individual pleasure but as a social experience with others.

Changing group travel dynamics

The research brings to light the ways in which conventional concepts of group travel are being transformed in India. Earlier, family holidays used to be arranged by parents. Now, millennials and Gen Z are filling in, taking the financial reins and redefining what it means to travel as a group. Millennials are giving top priority to families, but Gen Z is carving out space for friends and chosen communities, in effect merging family values with peer culture.

Why it matters to the travel industry

For India's thriving tourism industry, this change has significant ramifications. Travel companies, hotels and airlines will have to adjust by making more family-oriented packages available, group rates and convenient payment plans. Activities such as multi-generational tours, villa accommodations or family-and-friends packages will increasingly be in demand. The need for substantive connection will lead providers to go beyond mere sightseeing and concentrate on designed, relationship-building experiences.

A new holiday era

The Travel Trends 2025 report indicates that Indian Gen Z and millennials are redefining the way holidays are planned and experienced. Millennials are focusing on family ties, whereas Gen Z is redefining group travel by inviting their friends along, which also evens out the budget. Together, they are driving Indian tourism into a new age where the pleasure of social experiences is more important than the destination itself.

As this attitude increases, the new Indian vacation is no longer a question of “where are we going?” but "who are we going with?”