Travel for Indians in 2025 is no longer just about ticking off landmarks — it’s about meaning, memory, and maximising every moment. According to the newly released American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, a striking 92% of Indian travellers now seek unique, locally made products that tell a story — a sharp departure from generic sightseeing and mass-market souvenirs.
The report highlights a broader shift in the Indian travel mindset. Today’s travellers are intentional, experience-led, and digitally empowered. A massive 84% said they prefer supporting small, local businesses while on vacation, signalling a strong move toward conscious tourism that goes beyond surface-level visits.
Luxury, too, is being redefined. Nearly half of those surveyed are planning overseas trips with a focus on buying high-value goods — think Italian leather or Persian rugs — that double as style statements and long-term investments. Meanwhile, 58% are blending their trips with passions and cultural interests, flocking to concerts, global festivals, and especially sports events, with cricket (63%) and football (38%) topping the charts.
“Indian travellers are more informed and discerning than ever,” said Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager, American Express Banking Corp India. “They’re seeking holistic, high-value experiences — and we’re committed to helping them unlock that value across every step of their journey.”
Tech-savvy and rewards-smart travellers
Indian tourists are also redefining how they spend. A whopping 79% are tapping into credit card reward points to cover travel essentials like flights, hotels, and rentals. Another 84% combine these perks with other loyalty programs, showing a rising sophistication in budget planning.
Even on location, frugal doesn’t mean frumpy. Half of the respondents use tools that link their credit cards to dining deals and expense trackers, stretching every rupee while savouring local food scenes.
Planning, too, has gone digital. Two-thirds (67%) rely on travel review platforms, while 55% use social media and 51% lean on personal recommendations. Nearly half (48%) now book entire trips via smartphone or tablet, and 79% download travel apps in advance — proof that mobile-first is now the default mode.
As Indian globetrotters embrace a new era of travel, driven by purpose, personalisation and planning, they’re not just seeing the world. They’re experiencing it on their own terms.
