India’s preferred time to travel overseas has subtly shifted to winter. Once a time for cozy gatherings at home, it is now the busiest time of year for passport stamping in the nation. Indians are looking beyond local vacations and focusing on foreign winter getaways as the year draws to a close and the holiday lights come up. The colder months are fueling an increase in international travel, from romance vacations to impromptu group outings and family reunions.
Applications for the November 2025–February 2026 window have sharply increased, according to new statistics from the visa processing platform Atlys. This shows how Europe, particularly Schengen countries, has become the season’s top lure.
Here are some intriguing observations regarding the impending winter travel trend:
The Winter Travel Rush Is Led by Millennials
According to Atlys’ study, 54% of all visa applicants this season are millennials. This surge is being shaped by their growing disposable incomes, preference for well-planned, experience-rich travel, and demand for immersive travel. Remarkably, half of all millennial tourists choose Schengen locations, highlighting Europe’s ongoing appeal over the winter.
Additionally, Gen Z is making progress, currently accounting for 25% of applicants.
Men vs. Women: Preferences for Traveling Abroad
Gender trends are also changing: women account for 34% of all travelers, many of whom choose Sri Lanka for warm-weather vacations, while men have a greater preference for Schengen nations.
According to Atlys data, the top cities for international visa applications
Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are the top three Indian Tier 1 cities that continue to drive demand for foreign travel.
Tier 2 cities are quickly catching up. As travel desires spread throughout urban India, Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Surat are currently among the fastest-growing sources of overseas visa applications.
Beaches and Mountains: Indian Travelers’ Favorite Nations
This year, Indian tourists are divided between two different types of vacations:
The Snow-Seekers
A sizable group has decided to pursue a traditional European winter. The northern lights, ski slopes, and Christmas markets in Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom are popular destinations.
The Sun-Chasers
Warm-weather vacations are equally popular. Those who prefer beaches, outdoor activities, and outdoor celebrations over cold-weather vacations are drawn to Bali, Dubai, and Sri Lanka.Popular short-haul destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates are still popular because they are simple, festive, and quick getaway choices that don’t take a lot of preparation.
Examining Regional Cuisine and Culture
Itineraries that mix comfort and significant cultural touchpoints are becoming more and more popular among travelers. Trip planning increasingly revolves around local cuisine, customary winter activities, design-led discovery, and community experiences. Holidays that are easy and enriching are becoming more and more popular.
There is also an increase in international travel. Schengen visas are being used by many Indians to plan cross-border travel itineraries around Europe, frequently concluding their trip with a visit to the UK.
The Travel Boom Continues During Wedding Season
Demand is increasing throughout India’s winter wedding season. Applications for honeymoon and post-wedding travel are skyrocketing, with an estimated 46 lakh marriages scheduled for November and December. When couples are considering their first overseas trip together, European countries continue to be the most popular selections.
