The Indian travel landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years. In 2025, travel is no longer just about moving from one destination to another—it is about smarter choices, personalized experiences, and seamless technology integration. With smartphones, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable preferences shaping journeys, the way India is travelling in 2025 is more dynamic than ever before.

Rise of Mobile Bookings

Gone are the days when travelers relied on desktop websites or offline agents for planning their trips. Today, mobile apps dominate travel bookings in India. A significant majority of travelers prefer to browse, compare, and book flights, hotels, and experiences right from their smartphones. The convenience of instant confirmations, digital payment options, and easy modifications has made mobile-first travel planning the new norm.

Apps like PlanetGo and other booking platforms are integrating intuitive interfaces, local language support, and AI-driven suggestions that make booking not just fast but also personalized. Travelers want control at their fingertips—and mobile is delivering it.

Artificial Intelligence in Travel

If 2024 was the year AI started making waves, 2025 has seen it completely reshape travel planning. AI-powered recommendations are no longer generic—they are hyper-personalized. Based on user preferences, past bookings, and even browsing patterns, AI can now suggest the perfect beach resort, the most scenic hill station, or the best time to fly at the lowest cost.

Chatbots, virtual assistants, and smart itineraries have become part of everyday travel. Imagine landing in Kochi and receiving real-time notifications about traffic updates, nearby food options, and cultural events—AI ensures that every moment of travel is optimized.

Experience Over Sightseeing

Another key trend in how India is travelling in 2025 is the shift toward experience-driven tourism. Travelers are seeking more than sightseeing tours. They want authentic interactions, wellness retreats, and immersive cultural activities. From yoga sessions in Rishikesh and tea plantation walks in Munnar to culinary trails in Jaipur, experiences are becoming the centerpiece of Indian travel.

Sustainable & Conscious Choices

Environmental awareness is influencing travel decisions like never before. Indian travelers in 2025 are prioritizing eco-friendly stays, electric transfers, and low-carbon experiences. Resorts that use renewable energy, hotels that ban single-use plastics, and curated tours that promote local artisans are seeing higher demand. This shift shows how Indian travelers are blending wanderlust with responsibility.

The Rise of Micro-Vacations

Weekend getaways and short breaks are becoming extremely popular. With remote and hybrid work models still in play, many travelers are choosing to escape frequently for 2–4 day trips rather than saving up for one long vacation. Hill stations near metros, coastal escapes, and rural retreats are witnessing higher traffic as travelers seek quick doses of relaxation and adventure.

Popular Destinations in 2025

While traditional hotspots like Goa, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh remain strong, new favorites are emerging. Offbeat destinations like Araku Valley, Doodhpathri in Kashmir, Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, and Hampi in Karnataka are attracting modern explorers looking for unique stories and photo-worthy landscapes. Internationally, Southeast Asia continues to be a go-to region, with Vietnam, Bali, and Singapore high on Indian travelers’ lists.

Digital Payments & Smart Travel

Another defining aspect of travel in 2025 is the seamless use of UPI and digital wallets across destinations. Whether paying for a houseboat in Alleppey or a street snack in Bangkok, Indian travelers are relying on digital-first payments. Smart check-ins using facial recognition and e-boarding passes have made travel smoother than ever before.

Conclusion

The story of how India is travelling in 2025 is one of evolution, driven by technology, experiences, and conscious choices. Indian travelers are embracing mobile bookings, relying on AI for smarter journeys, and seeking sustainable, authentic, and memorable experiences. As the travel industry adapts, it is clear that the Indian traveler of today values flexibility, personalization, and responsibility more than ever.

For those planning their next trip, the message is clear: the future of travel is already here, and it fits right in your pocket.

Published on Planet Earth Holidays Blog