Cleartrip’s 2025 reports Gen Z emerged as India’s fastest-growing travel segment, driving mobile bookings and experience-led destinations in 2025
Travel in 2025 was defined by a decisive shift towards smarter, value-led choices that did not compromise on experience. According to Cleartrip Unpacked 2025, the year-end travel report by Cleartrip, Indian travellers leaned into affordability, mobile-first bookings and flexible plans, signalling a more conscious yet enthusiastic approach to travel
Affordability, Gen Z and Value Take Centre Stage
At the heart of this transformation was Gen Z. Recording a remarkable 650% growth in travel bookings, the cohort emerged as the most influential travel segment of the year. Their travel behaviour was spontaneous, experience-led and driven by destinations that offered strong cultural and social appeal. International cities such as Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok emerged as popular choices, reflecting a preference for vibrant urban experiences, nightlife and street culture.
Millennials followed closely, adopting similar digital habits. Mobile-first behaviour became the norm, with 65% of all bookings made through the Cleartrip app. Budget and mid-range accommodation dominated demand, accounting for over 65% of hotel bookings, highlighting a strong preference for affordable and value-driven stays across India and overseas.
How India Travelled in 2025
Indian travellers broadened their travel horizons during the year. Vietnam emerged as a standout international destination, registering a 133% increase in interest. Domestically, spiritual and nature-focused travel continued its upward trajectory, with Varanasi and the Andaman Islands recording steady growth of around 20%.
Uttar Pradesh emerged as the most visited state in 2025, with significant rises in stay searches for Prayagraj, which saw a threefold increase, and Bareilly, which grew four times over. Solo travel gained traction, particularly from metro hubs. Delhi and Bengaluru led this trend, with travellers from Delhi favouring Himachal Pradesh, Jaipur and Agra, while Bengaluru travellers opted for Coorg, Ooty and Kodaikanal. Both cities continued to function as key business hubs while doubling up as leisure gateways.
Internationally, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok remained among the most sought-after destinations. A contributing factor to the rise in overseas travel confidence was Cleartrip’s Visa Rejection Cover, which helped mitigate travel uncertainty. Emerging niche travel segments also gained momentum. Calmcations saw travellers opting for destinations such as Rishikesh, Coorg and Alleppey, while workations were popular in Goa, Pondicherry and Darjeeling. Digital detox escapes drew visitors to Spiti, the Andaman Islands and Ladakh, while adventure enthusiasts gravitated towards Bir Billing, Lakshadweep and Auli.
Travel Behaviour at Its Extremes
The data from 2025 also highlighted striking contrasts in traveller behaviour. Some travellers planned well in advance, with hotel bookings made 361 days ahead in Chikkamagaluru and 350 days in advance in Ribandar, Goa. At the other end of the spectrum, spontaneity ruled, with 38 lakh flight bookings made within 48 hours of departure.
Late-night booking activity was notable, with around three lakh flight bookings made between 3 am and 4 am, a volume equivalent to filling 353 Airbus A380 aircraft. Extended stays also became more common, including a 30-day hotel booking in Bengaluru and a 29-day stay in Kolkata.
Pricing extremes underscored the diversity of travel choices. The cheapest flight booked during the year cost ₹0, while the lowest hotel night was priced at ₹48, reflecting strong deal-seeking behaviour. Conversely, premium travel saw significant spending, including ₹2.4 lakh for a Delhi–Guwahati flight, ₹4.43 lakh for a Paris–Mumbai journey and a ₹4.41 lakh hotel stay in the Maldives. One traveller also spent ₹65,000 on excess baggage on a Ghaziabad–Bengaluru flight.
Overall, 2025 marked a year in which Indian travellers displayed individuality and confidence, balancing spontaneity with planning, value with indulgence, and work with leisure. As travel patterns continue to evolve, the outlook for 2026 points towards a year that promises both challenges and renewed excitement for the industry.
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