Indian travellers are rethinking how they holiday abroad this winter, with currency pressure and peak-season costs reshaping travel choices. According to a new report by Cox & Kings, international travel demand remains strong—but is increasingly skewed towards shorter, value-driven trips planned closer to departure.
Instead of long-haul vacations booked months in advance, Indians are opting for compact international getaways that offer easy visa access, predictable expenses, and strong flight connectivity. The trend is particularly visible during the Christmas and New Year period, when travellers are prioritising experience density over trip duration.
Last-Minute International Bookings Surge
The report's data reveals that last-minute international bookings made within 15–20 days of departure have risen by nearly 30% compared to last winter. More notably, over 65% of these bookings are for trips lasting under five days, signalling a clear shift in travel behaviour.
Rather than curbing travel appetite, the weaker rupee has encouraged a more measured approach. Travellers are choosing destinations where costs are easier to manage and experiences can be packed into shorter itineraries.
Dubai and Vietnam Lead Winter Travel Choices
Against this backdrop, Dubai and Vietnam have emerged as the most preferred international destinations for Indian travellers this winter, outperforming several traditional long-haul favourites despite being in peak season.
Strong air connectivity from Indian cities, streamlined visa processes, and the ability to deliver diverse experiences within limited timeframes have made both destinations particularly attractive for spontaneous travellers.
The report also notes a growing presence of travellers aged 55 and above in short-haul winter bookings, with seniors favouring destinations known for reliable infrastructure, safety, and minimal travel complexity.
Why Dubai Remains India’s Instant Winter Escape
Dubai continues to dominate last-minute winter bookings, especially among families with children and senior travellers. The report has observed a clear rise in multi-generational travel to the emirate this season.
Key factors driving Dubai’s popularity include:
- Direct flights from multiple Indian cities.
- High standards of safety and medical infrastructure.
- A packed winter events calendar.
- Weather-independent indoor attractions.
Travellers are increasingly opting for three- to four-night itineraries, combining classic sightseeing with curated experiences such as indoor ski parks, desert safaris with private dining, theme parks and aquariums for children, and leisure-focused city tours suited to seniors. The ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival has further strengthened demand during the festive period.
Vietnam’s Rapid Rise as a Value Destination
If Dubai is India’s go-to luxury escape, Vietnam has emerged as the season’s fastest-growing value destination, particularly among millennials, Gen Z travellers, and young couples, according to the report.
Despite winter being Vietnam’s peak travel season, improved air connectivity and clarity around e-visa procedures have supported strong last-minute demand. Importantly, the traveller profile is evolving. Beyond backpackers, Vietnam is now attracting first-time international travellers, young professionals, and groups of friends.
Experiences driving bookings include:
- Overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay.
- Cultural stays in Hoi An and central Vietnam.
- Hanoi’s café culture and food trails.
- Scenic motorbike routes and nature-led experiences in northern Vietnam.
Social media visibility around Vietnam’s food, nightlife, and landscapes has played a significant role in influencing spontaneous travel decisions among younger Indians.
Shorter, Experience-Led Holidays Define the Season
Beyond individual destinations, the report highlights a broader shift in mindset among Indian travellers this winter. Holidays are becoming shorter, sharper, and more experience-led, with quicker decision-making and a clear preference for countries offering visa-on-arrival or simplified e-visa processes.
Destinations such as Oman, Sri Lanka, and Bali are also seeing a steady rise in last-minute interest, though Dubai and Vietnam continue to lead by a significant margin.
With Indian travellers balancing access, affordability, and rich on-ground experiences, the report expects the trend of last-minute international travel to strengthen further through the winter season—marking a fundamental change in how Indians plan festive getaways.
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