A significant shift is unfolding in the travel patterns of Indian tourists, with a growing number choosing solo trips over traditional family vacations — particularly during the festive season. New data from Atlys, a leading visa processing platform, reveals a sharp rise in individual travel, a strong millennial presence in visa applications, and increasing interest in global cultural festivals.
According to Atlys, between September and October 2025, over 71% of all visa applications were for solo travellers — signaling a marked departure from India’s customary family-oriented holiday habits. Among these, millennials accounted for 53.5%, followed by Gen Z (29.7%) and Gen X (14.6%).
Short-haul international destinations remain the top preference, with the UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka emerging as favourites. These countries continue to attract Indian travellers for their affordability, ease of access, and visa convenience. In terms of demographics, 75.9% of applicants were men, while 21.6% were women.
“While family reunions have always defined India’s festive travel, we’re seeing a shift this year,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys. “Many are taking advantage of long weekends to explore new destinations and immerse themselves in different cultures, transforming traditional holidays into enriching travel experiences.”Among international events, Germany’s Oktoberfest has become a major draw for Indian solo travellers. Atlys’ data shows that nearly two-thirds of Schengen visa applications during the festive window were for Germany — largely motivated by the festival’s growing popularity. The majority of these applicants were solo millennial men, underscoring India’s increasing appetite for experiential travel and cultural immersion.
“The alignment of long weekends with global festivals has encouraged more people to make international travel part of their festive plans,” Nahta added. “Indians are becoming more adventurous, planning their holidays with intention, and seeking cultural experiences abroad.”
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