12 best short-haul international destinations for Indian travellers in 2025
Discover the top 12 short-haul international destinations for Indian travellers in 2025. From visa-free escapes to cultural gems across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, explore convenient, immersive getaways perfect for quick vacations and long weekends.
The year is far from over, but for Indian travellers, 2025 has already brought a notable change in how and why they travel. Lengthy, once-a-year vacations are giving way to shorter, more frequent escapes. According to the India Holiday Report by Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, a remarkable 85% of respondents now intend to double or even triple their travel frequency—expanding from two trips a year to anywhere between four and six. (Image: Canva)
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What’s driving this shift is not impulse, but strategy. Today’s travel plans are smarter, more adaptable. Nearly half of those surveyed—47%—are actively reworking their calendars to align with long weekends and public holidays, particularly during the monsoon stretch. The result is a surge in quick, well-timed getaways, planned not months in advance but weeks—or even days—before departure. (Image: Canva)
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This recalibrated rhythm is powering a sharp rise in short-haul international journeys. Travellers are drawn to destinations that require less flight time, demand fewer entry formalities, and deliver immersive experiences without dragging on the pocketbook or patience. Countries across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East have emerged as the new favourites—not merely for their proximity, but for their promise of access, variety, and simplicity. Many of these countries now offer visa-free entry or streamlined application procedures, removing one of the last hurdles for the late-planning traveller. Drawing from the Holiday Readiness Report, these 12 nearby international getaways have firmly established themselves among the top choices for Indian travellers in 2025. (Image: Canva)
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1. Vietnam – Phu Quoc: The New-Age Island Alternative Far removed from the crowds of Thailand or Bali, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s quieter island gem. With its clear waters, boutique resorts, and relaxed pace, it offers a more contemplative tropical escape—perfect for travellers seeking rest without routine. (Image: Canva)
2. Thailand – Phuket & Krabi Return to the Fore Phuket and Krabi are no longer the overdone clichés they once seemed. With refreshed infrastructure and a conscious push toward sustainable tourism, these coastal enclaves are regaining favour with Indian tourists who crave the familiar with a dash of new. (Image: Canva)
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3. Indonesia – Romance, Rituals, and Rejuvenation Whether it's a spiritual walk through Ubud’s temples or a beachside wellness retreat in Lombok, Indonesia now caters to more than just honeymooners. The country has become a diverse sanctuary for travellers blending leisure with inner recalibration. (Image: Canva)
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4. Malaysia – Where Monsoon Isn’t a Barrier With its excellent road networks, multilingual ease, and all-weather offerings, Malaysia continues to appeal. Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang are ready-made for travellers who want it all—without watching the skies. (Image: Canva)
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5. Singapore – Polished, Predictable, and Always Ready Singapore isn’t trying to surprise anyone—but that’s its strength. A haven of clean streets, efficient transport, and child-friendly spaces, it’s the go-to for those who value smooth logistics and structured fun. (Image: Canva)
6. Japan – Autumn’s Visual Feast Becomes a Lure Once a distant dream for most Indian travellers, Japan has quietly climbed the preference list—especially during the autumn months. The foliage, the orderliness, and the unmistakable charm of seasonal rituals offer a unique, poetic counterbalance to daily life. (Image: Canva)
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7. South Korea – The K-Wave’s Subtle Cultural Pull Fueled by the global appetite for Korean drama and music, South Korea is now entering Indian travel conversations—not just for Seoul’s cosmopolitan buzz but also for its deeper traditions, cuisine, and contemporary art scenes. (Image: Canva)
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8. Kazakhstan – Central Asia’s Quiet Rise Kazakhstan offers something few other destinations do: scale, silence, and scenery. From futuristic cities like Astana to wide, meditative landscapes, the country invites the traveller who enjoys space—both physical and mental. (Image: Canva)
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9. Uzbekistan – Storybook Architecture and Stillness With its blue-tiled madrasas and timeworn caravanserais, Uzbekistan evokes another era. For history lovers, this is more than a destination—it’s a dialogue with time, conducted in minarets and mosaic. (Image: Canva)
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10. Sri Lanka – Spirituality Meets Soft Adventure Short cruises, yoga retreats, and ancient ruins—Sri Lanka remains compelling not because it reinvents itself, but because it continues to offer what the modern traveller seeks: authenticity in a compact format. (Image: Canva)
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11. UAE – From Transit Stop to Prime Destination No longer just a layover, the UAE has redefined itself as a standalone attraction. From Sharjah’s cultural districts to Ras Al Khaimah’s rugged mountains, the emirates offer more than malls and skylines. (Image: Canva)
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12. Philippines – A Visa-Free Gateway to Island Time The Philippines has long been underexplored by Indian tourists, but that is changing. With visa-free access and countless islands still untouched by mass tourism, it may just be the most generous invitation of all. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
