Many Indians, tired of excessive heat and sweat, would surely agree that winter is their favourite time of the year. It’s also when travellers eagerly plan their getaways. The months from November to February now dominate the travel calendar, thanks to Christmas holidays, New Year celebrations, and extended winter school breaks. As per Atlys’ recent report, visa applications have witnessed a sharp rise during this period. Scroll down for more details.
Rise In Visa Applications For Winter Travel
Recent data shared by Atlys, a leading visa processing platform in India, showed that winter travel has become a trend in the country. Visa applications for November 2025 to February 2026 have surged sharply. Millennials are leading the season rush, making up 54% of visa applications. They love trips full of experiences, and half of them are showing interest in travelling to Schengen areas in Europe. Gen Z is catching up fast, now making 25% of travellers. Interestingly, women are taking a bigger share too, 34% of applicants, often choosing destinations like Sri Lanka, while men mostly pick Europe.
Those applying for visas and travelling abroad are mainly our favourite Delhites, Mumbaikars, and Bangaloreans. At the same time, tier 2 cities such as Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Surat are also witnessing a surge in travel during this period. Santosh Hegde, Head of Marketing at Atlys, says, “Winter is a time for celebration, connection, and exploration. We aim to make the visa process smooth and stress-free, so travellers can focus on enjoying their trips.”
Also Read: Pollution Getting To You? 5 Winter Destinations In India With Remarkably Low AQI
What People Are Looking For
Not all travellers are looking for the same winter travel experience—they are split into two groups. According to Atlys, snow lovers head to Switzerland, France, and the UK for skiing, Christmas markets, and northern lights. Those seeking warm and sunny vacations choose Bali, Dubai, and Sri Lanka for beaches, outdoor activities, and festive celebrations.
Some travellers prefer short-haul trips to Vietnam, Thailand, and the UAE. Many combine Schengen destinations with the UK, creating cross-border tours. India’s wedding season is also boosting travel. Around 46 lakh weddings are expected in November and December, driving demand for honeymoons and post-wedding trips. It’s no surprise that Europe remains the top choice for newlyweds’ first international trips.
This season, what are you looking for–snowy or sunny vacation? Tell us in the comments!
Also Read: 10 Indian Destinations That Look Better In Winter Than Summer
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/miodrag ignjatovic (Representative Image)