When winter comes, Indians see it as the perfect time for a long-awaited getaway. Why? Because the cool breeze makes every vacation more enjoyable—no sweating, no sunburns, just pure chill vibes. To understand how travellers are planning their winter escapes, Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel have released their Winter Travel Trends 2025, highlighting the destinations, experiences, and wellness retreats that are capturing attention this season. Scroll down for all the details!
Wellness Winter Travel And Snowy Escapes
Winter holidays for Indians are no longer confined to January or February—they’re stretching well into March, making the most of crisp weather, snowy landscapes, festive markets, and cultural events around the world. Among all the destinations, Europe is the top choice, especially the Alpine regions of Switzerland, France, Austria, and Germany, for skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, and snowmobiling.
As per the Thomas Cook’s Winter Travel Trends 2025 report, many are prioritising wellness over snow, seeking experiences such as cold plunges and ice bathing in Sweden and Norway, Japanese onsens, Korean jjimjilbangs, mineral mud baths in New Zealand and Vietnam, and Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala and the Himalayas. At these destinations, travellers are embracing yoga, meditation, and holistic rejuvenation.
Travellers are also drawn to the northern lights in Scandinavia and Murmansk, Russia, as well as iconic Christmas markets. Short-haul destinations with easy visa processes and direct flights are increasingly popular. Countries in South East Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, are seeing a 20-25% increase in interest, the report revealed.
Gulf destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, along with Japan, South Korea, and China, for winter festivals, are also in demand. Emerging options like Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan are attractting those looking for unique, affordable international trips.
Also Read: From Jaisalmer To Udaipur, 10 Places In Rajasthan For A Perfect Winter Vacation
Cultural Events And Wildlife Safaris
Many Indians are not just travelling abroad, they’re also planning domestic getaways and trips to Indian subcontinent. They are showing interest in exploring the famous Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, North East India, and Sri Lanka for winter getaways. Their choices range from eco-friendly glamping domes in the Swiss Alps, glass igloos in Lapland, and mountain lodges in Scandinavia and Georgia, to châteaux in France and Italy, luxury tents and havelis in Rajasthan, and wooden cabins in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Cultural events and wildlife safaris are also drawing interest. People are searching for events like the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, the Hwacheon Ice Festival in South Korea, the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík, the Rann Utsav in Gujarat, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, and the Bikaner Camel Festival in Rajasthan, and more
India’s national parks like Ranthambore, Periyar, and Kaziranga are opening for winter, and international options, including Kenya, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, are also gaining more visitors. Cruises continue to be a popular choice, both domestic and international, including Disney Cruise Line in Australia and New Zealand, MSC sailings from Dubai, and river cruises along the Nile in Egypt.
This winter, where are you planning to travel? Tell us in the comments!
Also Read: Winter Wanderlust! 54% Of Millennials Are Travelling This Season, And Half Are Off To Europe
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ webphotographeer (Representative Image)