The Indian traveller in 2025 is no longer confined to fixed itineraries or familiar companions. Gone are the days when holidays revolved exclusively around family outings or romantic escapes. In their place, a new circle of explorers has emerged—one formed not at home, but at the office.
Forget conventional group tours. The rise of the frolleague—a colleague who doubles as a close friend—is quietly reshaping how Indian professionals approach travel. From post-quarter breathers to impulsive weekend escapes, this growing cohort of workday allies is taking to the road together, reshuffling the boundaries between leisure, team bonding, and personal downtime.
The Numbers Behind the Trend
The shift is no longer anecdotal. According to the India Holiday Report 2025 by Thomas Cook India and SOTC, a notable 28% of Indian travellers now prefer to holiday with their frolleagues. This trend is not limited to major metros; it’s gaining ground in tier-2 cities as well.
These trips often align with long weekends, festive breaks, or project completion cycles, prompting a surge in demand for group stays, customisable itineraries, and road trips that blend rest with connection.
What Exactly Is Frolleague Travel?
A portmanteau of “friends” and “colleagues,” frolleague travel captures a cultural shift: in the wake of hybrid work models and digital collaboration, the lines between professional and personal life have softened.
Where older generations compartmentalised the workplace and leisure, millennials and Gen Z now blur the two—heading out for treks with teammates, sharing Airbnb stays with co-workers, and planning international holidays with those they once only met over coffee breaks.
Why It’s Gaining Ground
Frolleague travel isn’t just convenient—it’s emotionally and socially rewarding. Today’s professionals are increasingly opting for shared experiences that foster deeper friendships, reduce post-work stress, and create meaningful memories outside the boardroom.
Four Key Drivers of the Trend:
As this travel trend gains traction, some destinations are standing out—not just for their scenic beauty, but for the unique experiences they offer. From nature-filled escapes and adrenaline-pumping adventures to immersive cultural retreats, these spots reflect the changing travel preferences of India’s young professionals. According to a recent report by Thomas Cook and SOTC, here are the top destinations catching their attention:
Domestic Hotspots
1. Coorg – Surrounded by emerald hills and fragrant coffee plantations, Coorg offers frolleague groups the perfect balance of quiet trails and communal bonfire evenings.
2. Ooty – Tucked into the Western Ghats, Ooty remains a timeless choice. Its misty mornings, colonial-era charm, and winding roads set the stage for unhurried bonding.
3. Goa – Goa’s perennial appeal lies in its ability to merge relaxation with revelry. With its golden beaches, eclectic bars, and late-night conversations under open skies, it remains unmatched.
4. Himachal Pradesh (especially Manali) – For groups seeking a blend of adventure and stillness, Manali offers scenic road trips, riverside cafés, and the kind of silence that invites storytelling.
5. Andamans – A haven for underwater discovery and digital detox, the Andamans lure teams toward coral reefs, empty beaches, and a pace of life rarely found on the mainland.
6. Rajasthan – Heritage walks, candlelit courtyards, and dunes that echo with music—Rajasthan is the ideal retreat for frolleagues who lean towards art, architecture, and quiet grandeur.
7. Kashmir – In Kashmir, every view feels earned. From shikara rides on Dal Lake to treks in Gulmarg, it offers both beauty and introspection—perfect for groups seeking meaning with their escape.
International Picks
1. Sri Lanka – Compact, diverse, and culturally rich, Sri Lanka offers everything from tea trails and temples to surf spots—ideal for groups looking for a condensed, immersive journey.
2. Thailand – With its vibrant street food, island-hopping potential, and nightlife options, Thailand suits those looking to trade deadlines for dive sites and tuk-tuk rides.
3. Bali – Equal parts spiritual and playful, Bali’s lush interiors and beach clubs appeal to teams looking to balance wellness retreats with laid-back indulgence.
4. Singapore – Efficient yet full of character, Singapore is a city for curious travellers—offering botanical gardens by day and rooftop cocktails by night, all within clean, seamless infrastructure.
5. Abu Dhabi – For travellers who prefer curated sophistication, Abu Dhabi pairs cultural experiences—like the Louvre or Sheikh Zayed Mosque—with a contemporary cosmopolitan edge.
6. Dubai – The scale of Dubai’s ambition continues to impress. From desert safaris to Michelin-starred dining, it’s a destination for frolleagues who like their escapes polished yet playful.
7. Vietnam – From the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An to the rolling hills of Sapa, Vietnam delivers colour, culture, and comfort—often with a modest price tag and unforgettable meals.
The Future of Group Travel
As hybrid workplaces become the norm and team dynamics grow increasingly personal, frolleague travel is poised to become more than a passing fad. It reflects a deeper shift in how Indian professionals value time, relationships, and shared experiences.
In 2025, the out-of-office reply carries new meaning. It might come from a beachside café in Galle, a treehouse in Coorg, or a hot air balloon over the Rajasthani dunes—with your closest colleague-turned-confidante right beside you.
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