New travel trend sees rise in snowy destinations, festive cityscapes, and offbeat tropical escapes as Indians redefine traditional holiday planning
As the holiday season approaches, Indian travelers are departing from conventional year-end vacation patterns, gravitating instead toward what industry experts are calling “cool’cations” – getaways that offer either cooler climates or socially vibrant, culturally rich experiences.
According to fresh insights from Klook, Asia Pacific’s leading pan-regional experiences platform, this emerging trend reflects a fundamental shift in how new-age Indian travelers approach their year-end holidays. Rather than seeking simple relaxation, they’re pursuing destinations that deliver memorable experiences, whether through snowy mountain adventures, festive urban celebrations, or authentic cultural immersion.
“We’re seeing a clear shift in traveller preferences,” explained Shivam Tyagi, Head of Marketing for Klook India and Middle East. “The new Indian traveller wants more than just a break; they want an experience. They’re heading towards snowy winter destinations to ‘cool down’ in style or diving into the heart of celebrations to unwind with family.”
Winter Wonderlands Lead the Charge
Klook’s data reveals that climatically cool destinations are experiencing unprecedented demand from Indian travelers. Japan tops the list, with browsing sessions for winter tours surging 133 percent year-on-year and ski activities climbing 96 percent. The country’s combination of world-famous hot springs, iconic snow festivals, and winter illuminations has captured the imagination of Indian families and adventure seekers alike. From Hokkaido’s spectacular ice sculptures to Nagano’s pristine ski slopes and Kyoto’s enchanting winter gardens, Japan offers an immersive seasonal experience blending tradition with outdoor excitement.
Switzerland maintains its position as the quintessential alpine destination, drawing travelers with dramatic mountain landscapes, exceptional ski resorts, and charming Christmas markets. The Swiss Travel Pass has become particularly popular among Indian visitors eager to explore multiple regions via the country’s renowned scenic train routes, allowing them to experience classic European winter elegance across snow-laden peaks and cozy chalets.
South Korea has emerged as a rising favorite, posting a remarkable 109 percent year-on-year increase in ski-tour sessions from Indian travelers. The country’s world-class ski facilities, winter theme parks, and authentic Korean cuisine create an appealing blend of adventure and comfort. Beyond urban centers, snow-capped temples and scenic national parks showcase Korea’s serene winter beauty, particularly attracting younger demographics.
To capitalize on this winter travel surge, Klook is offering exclusive ski deals with discounts up to 50 percent and early-bird savings of INR 2,000 through its Winter Wonderlands Campaign.
Tropical Alternatives: Staying Cool in Warm Climates
For travelers preferring to remain within tropical regions, “cool’cations” take a different form. Klook data shows growing interest in experiences that provide respite from heat, including river cruises in Singapore and Thailand, waterfall excursions, and canyoneering adventures in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Night activities are gaining significant traction, with travelers exploring historic sites after dark, joining guided evening tours, or glamping under starlit skies. Sapa, Vietnam, offers a unique proposition – a Southeast Asian Mountain town that transforms into a misty, occasionally snow-dusted winter landscape between December and February, providing rare winter scenery without leaving the region.
The “Socially Cool” Factor
Beyond climate considerations, Indian travelers are increasingly pursuing what Klook identifies as “socially cool” destinations – hip, authentic locations that blend culture, community, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Three destinations exemplify this trend:
Da Lat, Vietnam, has seen session increases of 280 percent year-on-year. This “City of Eternal Spring” in Vietnam’s Central Highlands charms visitors with French colonial architecture, pine forests, and thriving coffee culture, offering activities from Asia’s longest coaster trail to the December Flower Festival.
Chiang Rai, Thailand, experienced 241 percent growth in sessions, attracting travelers with surreal temples, tea plantations, and authentic cultural experiences including local cooking classes and Muay Thai training.
Bali, Indonesia, recorded an impressive 354 percent year-on-year session increase. The island’s combination of ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and golden beaches, coupled with pleasant winter weather, makes it ideal for sun-seekers wanting spiritual and recreational experiences.
Dubai Remains a Perennial Favorite
Despite the rise of new destinations, Dubai continues reigning as the number one international getaway for Indian travelers, maintaining 28 percent year-on-year growth. The city’s iconic New Year celebrations, Dubai Shopping Festival, mild winter climate, and excellent connectivity from over 20 Indian cities ensure its enduring appeal for families and last-minute planners.
Seamless Travel Infrastructure
The “cool’cation” trend is facilitated by improved travel infrastructure. Klook reports increased demand for multi-destination transport passes, including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Pass for European exploration. High-speed rail travel across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan has surged more than 140 percent quarter-on-quarter, reflecting stronger year-end momentum.
As 2025 approaches, the message from Indian travelers is clear: ending the year means finding the perfect balance between climate, culture, and memorable experiences -whether that’s skiing down alpine slopes, exploring misty highlands, or celebrating beneath tropical sunsets. With competitive pricing and enhanced booking platforms, “cool’cations” are reshaping India’s outbound travel landscape for the holiday season.
