While Europe has long been a dream destination for Indian travelers, a noticeable shift is happening this summer. As July travel picks up, Indian tourists are opting for closer, more accessible destinations like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Bhutan instead of the traditional European holiday. These short-haul destinations are not only more affordable but also provide enriching cultural experiences, driving a change in how Indian travelers plan their vacations.

Europe had long been the dream vacation spot of Indian travelers, rich in history, landmarks, and natural landscapes. But now, for 2025, there’s a distinct shift in air ticket patterns. International flight expenses, coupled with more stringent visa regulations, have prompted Indian tourists to look for options that are just within their vicinity but can provide them with such enriching experiences. From Sri Lanka’s golden shores to Vietnam’s bustling street food alleys and Bhutan’s serene temples, these nations are not just offering Indian tourists cheap vacations but also ease of access and experiences that speak to the wants of today’s traveler.

Why the Shift to Short-Haul Destinations?

Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO, Travomint, clarifies that one of the key reasons for this trend is that obtaining Schengen visas has become increasingly difficult. “Getting a visa to Europe has become more stressful and necessitates planning. Several travelers are choosing proximate nations that are closer to them, such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the UAE, and Thailand, for spontaneity in travel. These are more comfortable, convenient, and engaging trips, all without the hassles of Schengen visas,” opines Singh.

The new travel trend isn’t a replacement for Europe, Singh adds, but an evolution of Indian travelers’ choices. Instead of long-haul, expensive trips that require significant planning, more people are opting for shorter, high-value holidays. These destinations offer a refreshing change for those looking to embrace new cultures, traditions, and experiences in a more time-efficient manner.

A Growing Emphasis on Value-Packed Experiences

Mithun Jha, Director of Reservations Deal, highlights that this shift is also about getting more value for one’s travel budget. “Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Indonesia are becoming trendsetters in the travel industry. They offer a perfect mix of luxury and authenticity and, surprisingly, allow travelers to visit multiple countries within the same budget as a single European holiday, especially during peak season,” Jha explains.

They are not only cheaper, but they also offer diversified experiences that allow tourists to experience more in less time. Tourists are able to have anything from old Bhutanese temples to Vietnamese markets or Sri Lankan beaches all in one itinerary.

Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have played a crucial role in accelerating this shift. “We’ve seen a sharp increase in multi-country itineraries shared on social media, from street food tours in Colombo to desert safaris in Dubai,” says Jha. The power of visual storytelling has inspired many to follow these travel trends, sparking interest in nearby countries that offer both adventure and cultural immersion.

The Rise of Micro-Vacations and Visa Realities

One of the driving forces behind this shift is the ease of visa access. While Schengen visas can take time and effort to secure, many nearby countries offer visa-free access, visa-on-arrival options, or quick e-visa processes, making it easier for spontaneous travelers to plan vacations with less hassle. “Today’s tourists want comfort and reassurance, which is why we’re seeing a rise in micro-vacations to destinations that offer quick and easy visa processes,” says Rahul Dhawan, Sales Director at Dial for Holidays LLP.

Destinations such as Nepal, Bhutan, Seychelles, and Indonesia are all gaining popularity because they are naturally lovely and because travel planning is a breeze. “It’s not that one avoids Europe,” Dhawan elucidates, “but that one embraces a more uncomplicated and rapid model of travel that better suits today’s Indian traveler.”

The convenience of securing quick visas and proximity to India also play a crucial role. Indian tourists can now easily plan last-minute trips to Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Bhutan without worrying about long waits for visa approvals, which is increasingly seen as a huge advantage over European destinations.

Impact on Travel Trends in July

With peak summer drawing near, the travel action of Indian tourists naturally takes a different route. Gone are the days of being stuck on Europe’s popular trails; travelers are increasingly setting their sights towards the East and South for holidays that are not only enriching and immersive but also easy to plan. With direct links, improved visa levels, and a focus on responsible travel, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Bhutan have naturally become travelers’ first port of entry when they are seeking shorter, more meaningful breaks.

What’s clear is that Indian travelers are no longer limited by the constraints of long-distance travel. These countries are offering a fresh perspective on what a holiday can be—one that doesn’t require weeks of preparation and extensive planning but still provides deep cultural insights and memorable experiences.

A New Era of Travel

A movement away from Europe and towards shorter-haul locales such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Bhutan reflects a changing mode of thinking regarding travel amongst Indian tourists. Practical advantages, including accessibility and price, are offered, but they also demonstrate a longing to sample unfamiliar culture and have unforgettable experiences closer to home. As Indian travelers continue to take on more of these locales, it’s evident that today’s traveler wants more than a vacation—they want a life-changing one, that’s easily organized, culturally rich, and full of unforgettable experiences. While July remains a peak travel month, such international spots close to home are more than a backup plan nowadays but are increasingly becoming the initial choice for Indian tourists who aim to optimize their summer vacations.

(Source: Sri Lanka Tourism, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Bhutan Tourism Council, Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Ministry of Tourism)