Winter has quietly taken over as India's favourite time to travel abroad. What was once a season of cosy celebrations at home has now transformed into the country's busiest passport-stamping period. As festive lights go up and the year winds down, Indians are looking beyond domestic getaways and setting their sights on international winter escapes. From family reunions to romantic holidays and spontaneous group trips, the colder months are driving a surge in international travel.
New data from visa-processing platform Atlys reveals a sharp rise in applications for the November 2025 to February 2026 window, highlighting how Europe - especially Schengen countries - has emerged as the season's top draw.
Here are some interesting insights on the upcoming winter travel trend:
Millennials Lead The Winter Travel Rush
Atlys' analysis shows that millennials account for 54 per cent of all visa applicants this season. Their rising disposable incomes, desire for immersive travel and preference for well-planned, experience-heavy trips are shaping this surge. Notably, half of all millennial travellers are opting for Schengen destinations, reinforcing Europe's enduring winter appeal.
Gen Z is also gaining ground, now representing 25 per cent of applicants.
Men vs Women: International Travel Preferences
Gender patterns continue to evolve as well: women make up 34 per cent of total travellers, with many choosing Sri Lanka for warm-weather getaways, while men show a stronger affinity for Schengen countries.
Top Cities Behind International Visa Applications, As Per Atlys Data
- India's Tier 1 cities are still driving international travel demand, led by Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
- Tier 2 cities are catching up rapidly. Lucknow, Ludhiana and Surat are now among the fastest-growing sources of international visa applications, reflecting expanding travel aspirations across urban India.
Mountains And Beaches: Favourite Countries Among Indian Travellers
Indian travellers this year are split between two distinct holiday styles:
The Snow-Seekers
A large group is choosing to chase a classic European winter. Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom are in demand for their Christmas markets, ski slopes and northern lights experiences.
The Sun-Chasers
Equally popular are warm-weather breaks. Bali, Dubai and Sri Lanka are attracting those who prefer beaches, outdoor adventures and open-air festivities over cold-weather holidays.
Bali. Photo: Pexels
Short-haul favourites such as Vietnam, Thailand and the UAE continue to thrive as easy, festive, quick getaway options that don't require extensive planning.
Exploring Local Food And Culture
Travellers are increasingly curating itineraries that combine comfort with meaningful cultural touchpoints. Local food, traditional winter events, design-led exploration, and community experiences are becoming central to trip planning. The trend reflects a growing preference for holidays that are both enriching and effortless.
Multi-country travel is also on the rise. Many Indians are using Schengen visas to create cross-border European itineraries, often rounding off their holiday with a final stop in the United Kingdom.
Wedding Season Adds To The Travel Surge
India's winter wedding season is amplifying demand. With an estimated 46 lakh weddings expected in November and December, honeymoon and post-wedding travel applications are soaring. European destinations continue to stand out as top choices for newlyweds planning their first international trip together.
Note: All data cited in this article is based on internal analysis and proprietary information from Atlys.
