India’s outbound travel story in 2025 has been decisively shaped by millennials and Gen Z, who together accounted for nearly 90% of all international trips, according to a new annual report. Released by travel-banking fintech platform Niyo, the study shows how a younger, digitally savvy generation is redefining global travel through independent planning, solo journeys, and value-driven choices.
The report notes that two out of every three international trips originated from India’s major metros cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai underlining the continued dominance of these cities in driving outbound travel demand.
Solo travel stood out as the clear frontrunner, with 63.8% of trips taken by individual travellers. Couples made up 19.93%, while families accounted for 12.26%. Group travel remained niche at just 4.01%, reflecting a strong shift toward freedom, flexibility, and self-guided exploration.
When it came to destinations, short-haul Asian markets and emerging Central Asian countries topped the preference list. Thailand led with 23.08% of trips, closely followed by the United Arab Emirates at 21.57%. Interest in newer destinations was also evident, with Georgia attracting 9.65% of travellers, Malaysia at 8.89%, and the Philippines close behind at 8.8%.
Central Asia continued to gain traction, with Kazakhstan drawing 7.38% of trips and Uzbekistan accounting for 5.6%. Traditional long-haul destinations still featured, with the United Kingdom at 5.38% and Singapore at 3.78%.
Overall, the findings highlight a clear trend: young Indian travellers are prioritising experiences, affordability, and autonomy, signalling a long-term shift in how India engages with global travel.
