This festive season, Indian travellers are breaking away from tradition. According to Atlys, a leading visa processing platform, a remarkable 71.5% of visa applications between September and October 2025 were from solo travellers, signaling a dramatic shift from India’s historically family-oriented holiday patterns.
Millennials Lead the Charge
The report shows that millennials dominate festive travel, making up 53.5% of all visa applicants, followed by Gen Z at 29.7% and Gen X at 14.6%. Solo travel is increasingly appealing to younger travellers seeking freedom, flexibility, and unique cultural experiences abroad.
“Festive travel in India has always revolved around family reunions, but this year we’re witnessing something different,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder & CEO of Atlys. “Travellers are using long weekends to explore new destinations and experiences abroad, turning traditional holidays into opportunities for cultural discovery.”
Short-Haul Destinations Dominate
The data highlights a preference for accessible and affordable short-haul destinations. The UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka accounted for the majority of visa applications. Interestingly, men led the surge with 75.9% of applications, while women accounted for 21.6%, reflecting a trend of solo male travellers embracing independent travel.
Oktoberfest Boosts Germany’s Appeal
Beyond Asia, Germany is emerging as the most popular Schengen destination, largely driven by Oktoberfest. Nearly two-thirds of Schengen visas issued during this period were for Germany, with millennials and solo travellers forming the bulk. Cultural festivals abroad are becoming a major draw for Indian tourists seeking immersive, independent experiences.
A New Era of Festive Travel
Atlys notes that 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most favourable years for Indian outbound tourism, thanks to:
- A rare alignment of long weekends.
- Rising disposable incomes.
- Growing interest in global cultural experiences.
“With back-to-back long weekends, people are transforming festivals into opportunities for international travel,” added Nahta. “This marks a behavioural shift in how Indians travel. They’re planning smarter, exploring more confidently, and increasingly weaving global experiences into their festive calendar.”
The data underscores a larger cultural shift in India’s festive travel patterns, from family reunions at home to solo adventures abroad, driven by millennials eager to explore the world on their own terms.
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