Shillong Tops Travel Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2025

Shillong has emerged as the most popular destination for Indian travellers in 2025, as revealed by Skyscanner’s “Travel Trends Report” released on Wednesday. Meghalaya’s capital topped the list, surpassing Baku (Azerbaijan) and Langkawi (Malaysia), showing a strong interest among Indians for unique and immersive experiences. The report indicates that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in the coming year.

Cost Conscious Travel

Affordability remains a key factor, with 65% of respondents considering hotel costs, 62% flights, and 54% food and drinks. Almaty in Kazakhstan, Jakarta, and Singapore lead the “Best Value Destinations” due to significant airfare drops, with Almaty prices falling by 44%.

Emerging Travel Trends

Gen Z is driving a shift toward experiences like “Gami-Vacation,” with 57% inspired by video games, and “Astro-adventures,” where 53% of travellers seek cosmic experiences. Additionally, sports tourism has seen a spike in flight bookings, with Abu Dhabi and Singapore witnessing increased demand during Formula 1 events.

Key Points from Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2025

Most Popular Destination: Shillong, India, is named the top travel destination for Indian travellers in 2025, surpassing Baku, Azerbaijan, and Langkawi, Malaysia.

Travel Intentions: 66% of Indians plan to travel more in 2025, indicating a strong interest in exploring new destinations.

Best Value Destinations: Almaty, Kazakhstan, tops the “Best Value Destinations” list with a 44% drop in airfare, followed by Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

Cost Considerations: Key factors influencing travel decisions include:

• • Hotels: 65%
  • Flights: 62%
  • Food and drinks: 54%

Budgeting for Travel: 86% of Indian travellers plan to maintain or increase their flight budgets, while 80% will do the same for accommodations.

Emerging Travel Trends

• • Increased interest in immersive experiences, with 44% of 25- to 34-year-olds excited about live sports events.
  • 47% seeking immersive art experiences.
  • Significant rise in flight bookings for events like Formula 1, with Abu Dhabi seeing a 188% increase.

Gami-Vacation and Astro-adventures

• • 62% of Gen Z use gaming as a leisure activity, with 57% inspired to travel to video game locations.
  • 53% want to experience sleeping under the Milky Way, and 44% aspire to see the Northern Lights.