Indians Going The Extra Mile For A Lifetime Travel Experience

It has been seen for quite some time that the wanderlust of Indians continues to be as strong as ever, and perhaps getting more robust, while there is a noticeable trend that globetrotters from the country appear to be shifting gears with both intention and thoughtful planning. From shopping for local and handmade goods, making a special trip for a luxury purchase to attending concerts and sports extravaganzas, the discerning Indian travellers are apparently prioritising unique experiences, as an integral part of their ideal vacationing itinerary.

The American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report has come up with a multitude of variations and the numbers are quite telling, so to say. An overwhelming 92 per cent of Indians look for one-of-a-kind goods as souvenirs to remind them of their trip and narrate a memorable travel story to their friends and family. Nearly 84 per cent Indians say it is important for them to support local small businesses while visiting a new destination. And around 81 per cent Indians prioritise purchasing high-quality local goods like coffee beans, Persian rugs and Italian leather on their next trip.

There are other interesting trends as well. When planning a trip, Indians typically use reviews on travel websites (67 per cent), social media (55 per cent) and recommendations of friends/family (51 per cent). Finding places that match interests (54 per cent) and their budget (50 per cent) are most important when selecting a destination. Close to 79 per cent of Indians typically download relevant travel apps before their trip. Nearly 48 per cent book all aspects of their trips on their smartphone or tablets.

This is essentially to avoid eleventh hour setbacks, especially in destinations when they don’t understand the local dialect. Interestingly, 50 per cent Indians are planning an international trip in 2025 and purchasing a luxury good/investment piece, while 58 per cent are planning to travel both domestic and international destinations to attend a specific concert or show that they had always longed for. That’s not all. Indians are willing to go the distance and travel, including domestic (36 per cent) and abroad (32 per cent), for a sporting event in 2025.

Travelling to watch cricket (63 per cent) and football/soccer (38 per cent) events is the top travel draw this year! Interestingly, Indians are savvy spenders and look to maximise value while traveling. Approximately 79 per cent of Indians are planning to use rewards points for leisure travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) in 2025, while 84 per cent believe that combining credit card rewards with other loyalty programmes provides the best value for international trips. And nearly 50 per cent are linking their credit cards to dining partners in addition to everyday expenses.

The numbers make it amply clear that Indian travellers have become more intelligent, informed and discerning than ever before. They are seeking holistic experiences during their travel. Today’s Indian travellers are committed to unlock more value on travel, dining, shopping and entertainment - through each aspect of their journey.