Indian outbound travel patterns this winter are showing a marked evolution, with travellers increasingly favouring shorter, value-conscious international trips over long-haul holidays. According to new insights from Cox & Kings, destinations offering strong air connectivity, streamlined visa access, and predictable on-ground costs are emerging as clear winners amid currency volatility and rising festive-season expenses.
Rather than dampening demand, a weaker rupee is reshaping how Indians travel—prompting faster decision-making, later bookings and a sharper focus on experience density.
Shorter Trips, Later Planning Define the Season
Data from Cox & Kings indicates a nearly 30 per cent year-on-year increase in last-minute international bookings made within 15 to 20 days of departure. Notably, more than 65 per cent of these bookings are for holidays of fewer than five days, signalling a shift toward compact, high-impact itineraries rather than extended overseas travel.
Travellers are increasingly opting for destinations that allow them to maximise experiences within a limited timeframe, supported by reliable infrastructure and efficient flight schedules.
“Instead of postponing travel, consumers are recalibrating,” the company noted. “They are choosing destinations where costs are transparent, and logistics are seamless, enabling shorter but richer holidays.”
Dubai and Vietnam Lead Festive-Season Demand
Within this evolving landscape, Dubai and Vietnam have emerged as the most sought-after international destinations for the Christmas and New Year period. Both markets have outperformed several traditional winter favourites despite operating at peak-season pricing.
Strong connectivity from multiple Indian cities, straightforward visa processes and the ability to deliver diverse experiences within three to five days have positioned both destinations as ideal choices for spontaneous festive travel.
Changing Traveller Profiles
“What’s changed most this winter is who is travelling at short notice,” “Nearly 45 per cent of our last-minute winter bookings are from families travelling with children and senior members—especially for destinations like Dubai, where safety, healthcare infrastructure and indoor attractions are important.”
At the same time, Vietnam is witnessing a surge in bookings from young adults, first-time international travellers and Gen Z holidaymakers. The company has also observed growing participation from travellers aged 55 and above, particularly on short-haul routes where ease of travel and reliability play a decisive role.
Dubai: A Dependable Short-Break Favourite
Dubai continues to command the largest share of last-minute winter bookings, driven primarily by family and multi-generational travel. Cox & Kings attributes the destination’s resilience to its safety standards, world-class healthcare facilities and wide range of indoor attractions.
Direct flights from across India, combined with a packed winter events calendar, have reinforced Dubai’s appeal even during peak crowd periods. Travellers are increasingly choosing three- to four-night stays, blending traditional sightseeing with experiences such as indoor ski parks, curated desert safaris, theme parks, aquariums and leisure-focused city tours.
Vietnam’s Rise as a High-Value Alternative
Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for last-minute winter travel, particularly among millennials, young couples and first-time outbound travellers. While winter is Vietnam’s peak season, clarity around e-visa procedures and improving air connectivity have supported continued late-stage bookings.
The destination’s ability to offer varied experiences within a single itinerary has broadened its appeal beyond backpackers. Demand is being shaped by overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay, heritage stays in Hoi An, Hanoi’s café and culinary scene, and nature-led experiences in northern Vietnam.
Experience Density Drives Decision-Making
Beyond individual destinations, Cox & Kings highlights a broader behavioural shift among Indian outbound travellers. Consumers are making faster decisions, prioritising shorter holidays and placing greater emphasis on experience-rich itineraries over trip length.
Destinations offering visa-on-arrival or simplified e-visa access—including Oman, Sri Lanka and Bali—are also seeing steady growth in last-minute searches. However, Dubai and Vietnam remain the clear leaders this winter.
Outlook for the Season Ahead
As Indian travellers continue to balance accessibility, affordability and immersive experiences, Dubai and Vietnam are expected to sustain strong momentum through the remainder of the winter season. Cox & Kings anticipates that last-minute international bookings will continue to rise, pointing to a structural shift in how Indian consumers approach winter travel.
The trend underscores a new reality for destinations and airlines alike: flexibility, connectivity and value are now as critical as aspiration in capturing India’s winter travel demand.
