From Bali to UK: Indians are redefining summer travel

Did you know Sunday is the cheapest day to fly? And if you’re open to offseason trips, mark your calendar, the week of August 25 is the most budget-friendly. According to a global travel app, these are just some of the smart hacks Indian travellers are using to plan their summer getaways – or even opt for the increasingly popular shoulder season (the sweet spot between peak and off-peak travel).

From crowd-free escapes to culturally immersive sites, Indians are heading to Bangkok, London, Denpasar, Malé, Vietnam, Singapore, Dubai, and beyond.‘Over half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer less-crowded sites’Though some travellers continue to favour familiar destinations, many are now exploring quieter, lesser-known places — not just during peak season but also in the off-season. “Over half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer quieter, less-crowded locations over the usual tourist hotspots.

It’s not just about where they go – it’s also about when. The shoulder season is gaining traction, with 1 in 2 Indian travellers open to travelling during these periods,” says the report by Skyscanner.

‘An increased interest in a mix of domestic favourites and global destinations’According to a report by the global travel app, 96% of Indians are planning to take the same number of trips – or even more – than what they did last year, with 95% citing maximising their summer vacations as a top priority for 2025.

“They are curating itineraries while staying flexible with travel dates or considering alternative destinations to beat the crowds – all in an effort to make their money go further and get the most out of their journeys, the report mentions.“Among the top international picks are London, Dubai, Paris, and Amsterdam, while Manali, Goa, Udaipur, and Chennai are trending domestically,” shares the data by Airbnb.

Top 10 popular shoulder season destinations for June & September 2025 Bangkok, Thailand London, United Kingdom Denpasar, Indonesia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Goa, India Paris, France Leh, India Zurich, Switzerland Amsterdam, Netherlands Kochi, India— Data by Skyscanner ‘At least 95% of Indians aim to maximise their summer vacations in 2025’According to data shared by Pickyourtrail, Bali is the top destination this summer, with 23.43% Indian travellers heading there.

“The island’s mix of beaches, culture, and adventure continues to captivate visitors. Sightseeing in West Nusa Penida remains the most popular activity at 10.3%. Exploring the Kintamani Volcano, Tegenungan Waterfall, and a coffee plantation ranks second at 6.9%. The Uluwatu Temple tour remains a cultural favourite, drawing 6.79% of travellers.

”Popular summer hotspots Bali tops the list, attracting nearly 23.43% of Indian travellers Europe is high on the list, with 14.95% of travellers heading there for its diverse cultural & historical offerings The Maldives follows with 12.43%, offering serene resorts and crystal-clear waters for ultimate relaxation Thailand accounts for 11.26% of the total travel bookings Vietnam, with 8.77%, offers a blend of culture & adventure Singapore, attracting 7.96% bookings, is a favourite among families for its modern vibe and diverse culture (Source: Pickyourtrail) ‘It’s never easy to come to a consensus with your family about where to go on holiday’Sunil Shah, an entrepreneur residing in Vasant Kunj, says, “It’s never easy to come to a consensus with your family about where to go on holiday.

Some want a lavish European trip, others a peaceful retreat. With kids, options like Hong Kong or Singapore come up. After much planning and rescheduling, we’re now eyeing a week in Singapore at the end of June.”Ragini Bajaj from Sector 55, Gurgaon, who works with a tech company, says, “We planned a London trip in June but found the flights costly and visa uncertain. Since remote work is possible, we’ll take a week off and then work from the UK countryside for another week in September. Starting now gives us enough time to plan.”