As the festive season kicks off, Indian travellers are swapping the cobblestoned streets of Europe for the tropical allure of Southeast Asia. Short-haul, visa-friendly destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam have emerged as this year’s hottest picks—offering a perfect blend of affordability, luxury, and adventure.
Travel platforms and tour operators are witnessing a significant surge in bookings across Asian hotspots, reflecting a marked shift in post-pandemic travel trends. Rajesh Magow, co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, reportedly said that in terms of international travel, short-haul destinations, such as the UAE, Singapore, Thailand and an emerging favourite, Vietnam, have become the go-to choices this festive season for Indians.
According to industry estimates, outbound travel from India during October–December has spiked by nearly 25 per cent compared to last year, with Thailand and Vietnam leading the pack. Singapore and Malaysia continue to attract families and luxury travellers, while Bali and Phuket are magnets for young couples and solo explorers.
Travel demand is projected to stay robust well into 2025. According to Deloitte’s annual 'Travel Industry Outlook', companies in the sector are poised to benefit from this momentum—provided they can adapt to evolving dynamics. The report identifies four major trends that will shape the travel landscape in the year ahead, ranging from the growing adoption of AI-driven tools to the potential impact of a new global political administration.
Ease of travel has become a major driver. With e-visas, direct flights from tier-1 cities, and a wide range of budget-to-luxury stays, Southeast Asia offers a hassle-free getaway that Europe currently struggles to match—especially with long visa processing times and rising airfares.
“Many families are looking for destinations that offer good weather, beaches, and cultural experiences without the stress of planning complex itineraries or waiting for Schengen visas,” said a Mumbai-based travel agent. “Vietnam is the new darling of Indian tourists—it’s exotic, inexpensive, and still relatively unexplored.”
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Social media has also amplified the appeal. The scenic Ha Long Bay, Bali’s rice terraces, and Singapore’s futuristic skyline are dominating Instagram feeds, turning these destinations into aspirational yet accessible choices.
Luxury resorts across Thailand and Indonesia are seeing occupancy rates close to pre-pandemic levels, while budget-conscious travellers are opting for boutique hotels and Airbnb stays in Vietnam and Malaysia. Airlines too are ramping up connectivity—VietJet, Thai Airways, and AirAsia have all added more flights to cater to the festive rush.
The pattern is clear: Indian travellers are prioritising experience over extravagance. Instead of multi-country European tours, many are choosing single-destination immersive holidays—snorkelling in Krabi, café-hopping in Hanoi, or sky dining in Singapore.
As Magow summed it up, Southeast Asia isn’t just a convenient choice anymore—it’s a compelling one. And this festive season, the region is set to sparkle with the colours, cuisines, and curiosity of Indian tourists.
