Cleartrip’s Unpacked 2025 year-end travel report highlights a year defined by smarter, value-driven travel choices without sacrificing experiences. Travellers increasingly favoured affordable stays, mobile-first bookings and flexible plans, signalling a shift in how India approached travel through the year.
At the centre of this transformation was Gen Z, which recorded a remarkable 650% growth in travel bookings. This cohort embraced spontaneous, experience-first travel, choosing destinations driven by vibe and culture. Cities such as Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok emerged as favourites, while millennials followed close behind, adopting similar mobile habits. Over 65% of bookings in 2025 were made via the Cleartrip app, and a similar share went towards budget and mid-range hotels, reflecting a strong preference for value-led accommodation.
Indian travellers also broadened their destination map. Vietnam stood out as the fastest-growing international destination with a 133% rise in traffic. Domestically, spiritual and nature-focused travel continued to gain momentum, with Varanasi and the Andaman Islands recording steady growth. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the most visited state, driven by sharp increases in searches for Prayagraj and Bareilly.
Solo travel saw significant traction, led by Delhi and Bengaluru, which also functioned as gateways for nearby leisure destinations. Internationally, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok topped the charts, supported by features such as Cleartrip’s Visa Rejection Cover that boosted confidence among travellers.
Niche travel trends also picked up pace. Calm-focused getaways, workations, digital detox trips and adventure travel all saw increased interest. The year also showcased extremes-from ultra-early planners and last-minute bookers to record-low and high spends-underscoring how Indian travellers embraced 2025 with individuality, spontaneity and personality.
