Indian travellers are redefining festive-season travel patterns. New insights from Atlys, a visa processing platform, show a rise in solo trips, millennial dominance in visa applications, and growing interest in global cultural festivals.
Atlys data shows that during the festive season (September to October 2025), 71.5% of all visa applications were for solo travellers, marking a noticeable shift from India’s traditionally family-oriented tourism during this period. Millennials accounted for 53.5% of these applicants, followed by Gen Z at 29.7% and Gen X at 14.6%.
Applications were dominated by short-haul destinations. The UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka together accounted for the majority, reflecting the continued appeal of destinations that are easy to reach and affordable. Men continued to make up the majority of applicants at 75.9%, compared to 21.6% women.
“Festive travel in India has always revolved around family reunions, but this year we’re witnessing something different. Travellers are using long weekends to explore new destinations and experiences abroad, turning traditional holidays into opportunities for travel and cultural discovery,” said Mohak Nahta, Founder & CEO of Atlys.
Oktoberfest Pushes Germany into Top Schengen Pick: Beyond Asia, Germany is seeing a wave of interest. Atlys data recorded a surge in queries and applications tied to the festival, with nearly two-thirds of Schengen visas issued during this period destined for Germany. The majority were solo travellers, largely male and millennial, underscoring how cultural festivals abroad are increasingly attracting travellers seeking independent, experiential travel. What was once a niche experience for Indian tourists is now finding a place in festive-season itineraries among travellers eager for global cultural immersion.
“With back-to-back long weekends, people are transforming festivals into opportunities for international travel. This marks a behavioural shift in how Indians travel. They’re planning smarter, exploring more confidently, and increasingly weaving global experiences into their festive calendar,” added Mohak.
With 2025 shaping up to be one of the most favourable years for Indian travellers, Atlys data shows a steady rise in outbound visa demand, supported by the rare alignment of long weekends, higher disposable incomes, and a growing appetite for global experiences.
