Why Slow Travel Is the New Indian Trend: 85% Ready to Spend More for Deeper Experiences in 2025

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Indians are redefining the way they travel in 2025, choosing slow travel and immersive experiences over rushed sightseeing. A recent comprehensive holiday survey reveals that a staggering 85 percent of Indian travelers are willing to spend up to 50 percent more on vacations that offer depth, discovery, and emotional connections. This emerging trend marks a shift from quantity to quality, with more Indians planning longer holidays, more trips per year, and a stronger focus on unique, meaningful adventures.

More than three-quarters of respondents expressed a preference for experiential travel, opting for bucket-list destinations like the Northern Lights in Norway or Japan’s cherry blossom season. Safaris, self-driven road trips, and outdoor adventures are gaining ground, while gastronomical journeys and event tourism—such as music festivals and sporting events—are drawing in growing audiences. The survey also highlights a significant increase in family-focused travel, including special mother-daughter getaways and sibling or cousin trips, signaling that travel is increasingly becoming a way to deepen personal bonds.

This travel revolution is also reflected in Indians’ holiday planning. Many are taking advantage of long weekends and public holidays to sneak in short breaks, yet the overall preference is shifting toward extended vacations averaging 8 to 15 days. Slow travel options like river cruises, sustainable rail journeys, and spiritual pilgrimages are particularly popular among millennials and Gen Z travelers. Premium experiences—ranging from luxury cruises and supercar rentals to private island dining and heritage stays—are being embraced by more than a third of travelers, indicating a growing appetite for exclusivity and indulgence.

Europe remains the top international choice, while domestic destinations like the hills and the North-East attract a large share of vacationers. Together, these trends paint a picture of a bold, experience-first traveler mindset emerging in India—one that values authentic, personalized travel over the traditional checklist approach.

Slow Travel Gains Ground: Why Indians Are Saying Yes to Quality Over Quantity

The travel landscape in India is undergoing a fascinating transformation. No longer content with whirlwind tours and packed itineraries, Indian travelers are opting for slow travel — the art of savoring every moment of the journey rather than rushing from one landmark to the next. The recent survey highlights that 85 percent of Indian holidaymakers are ready to increase their travel budget by up to 50 percent, a clear indication that spending on meaningful experiences is a priority.

Longer trips are becoming the norm, with over half of respondents planning holidays lasting 8 to 15 days. This allows travelers to explore destinations more thoroughly, connect with local cultures, and create lasting memories. With the growing interest in experiential travel, many Indians are ticking off bucket-list adventures such as witnessing the Northern Lights or enjoying Japan’s cherry blossoms—trips that require patience, timing, and a slower pace.

In addition, the survey reveals a shift toward self-driven and outdoor adventures. Safaris, road trips, hiking, and other nature-based activities appeal to the growing number of travelers seeking both thrill and tranquility. This trend aligns with global travel patterns where tourists prioritize wellness, sustainability, and personalized journeys.

The Rise of Experiential and Event Travel

Besides the scenic wonders and natural adventures, Indians are also eager to indulge their senses through gastronomical experiences. Around 26 percent of travelers expressed a desire to explore local cuisines as a central part of their holiday. This surge in food-focused tourism reflects an increasing appreciation for culinary traditions and authentic tastes.

Meanwhile, event tourism—encompassing music concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals—has gained popularity, attracting about 22 percent of respondents. These events offer unique opportunities to blend travel with entertainment, creating memories that last far beyond the trip itself.

Family and Group Travel Remain Central

Travel remains a social experience for most Indians. About 90 percent of respondents prefer traveling in company, with multi-generational family trips topping the list. Sixty-five percent favor journeys that include grandparents, parents, and children together, underscoring the importance of family bonding through travel.

Couples form the second-largest group at 60 percent, while a new and interesting category—‘frolleagues’ (friends who work together)—accounts for 28 percent. Solo travel, however, remains less popular, comprising only 10 percent of respondents.

Premium Travel Experiences on the Rise

Luxury and exclusivity are increasingly influencing Indian travelers’ choices. More than a third of respondents are willing to splurge on premium experiences such as luxury cruises, boutique hotels, supercar rentals, private island dining, heritage properties, and even glacier landings. This signals a growing appetite for indulgence and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Such preferences are shaping travel businesses to innovate with unique offerings that combine comfort, adventure, and exclusivity.

Popular Destinations: Europe and Domestic Hills Lead the Pack

Europe continues to captivate Indian travelers, with half of the survey respondents choosing it as their preferred international holiday destination. Southeast Asia and major UAE cities follow closely, reflecting the appeal of accessible, culturally rich, and diverse locations.

On the domestic front, hill stations remain favorites, attracting 55 percent of travelers. The scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and opportunities for adventure in India’s hill regions continue to draw large crowds. The North-East is the next most popular domestic destination, appealing to those looking for offbeat experiences and cultural immersion.

How This Trend Impacts the Travel Industry

The shift to slow, experiential, and premium travel is reshaping the tourism market in India. Travel operators and service providers are adapting by offering tailored packages, longer itineraries, and more authentic cultural engagements. Hospitality businesses are responding by enhancing luxury and experiential options, while transportation sectors explore sustainable and leisurely travel modes like cruises and trains.

The emphasis on family and group travel is encouraging customized services catering to multiple generations. Meanwhile, the focus on events and gastronomy is fostering partnerships between travel companies, local chefs, event organizers, and cultural institutions.

Conclusion: The New Indian Traveler Mindset

Indian travelers in 2025 are bold and experience-driven, prioritizing emotional connection, discovery, and quality over mere sightseeing. With 85 percent ready to increase travel budgets and embrace slow travel, the market is poised for growth in premium and experiential tourism. Destinations and businesses that align with these evolving preferences stand to benefit immensely.

Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights, embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage, or simply savoring family moments in the hills, India’s travel narrative is changing. This new mindset promises a richer, more meaningful journey for all.

If you’re a traveler or a business in the travel sector, this is the moment to tap into India’s evolving travel psyche—where spending more means experiencing more.