Revealed: Surprising Truths Behind India's Travel Obsession

This year, Indians packed their bags like never before. Over 102,000 travellers chose ACKO Travel Insurance, giving us a unique glimpse into India’s evolving travel habits. The ACKO India Travel Report 2025 isn't just a tale of passports and plane tickets: it's a reflection of our aspirations, priorities, and changing preferences.

Family First: India’s Big Travel Trend

Families ruled the skies this year. Nearly 17,000 policies—about 23% of all policies covering around 60,000 passengers (40% of total travellers)—were family trips. Destinations? Southeast Asia’s sunlit beaches and Dubai’s sparkling theme parks topped family wishlists. Clearly, Indian families are balancing quality time with adventure.

Insight takeaway: Family-friendly destinations and comprehensive insurance coverage are becoming indispensable for worry-free holidays. For travel companies, emphasizing convenience and safety resonates strongly with the Indian family traveller.

Solo Trips Skyrocket: Freedom, Adventure, and Self-Discovery

Solo travel emerged powerfully, with approximately 27,800 travellers choosing to journey alone. Their top destinations? Thailand’s vibrant street markets and nightlife took the lead, followed by cosmopolitan experiences in the USA and UAE. Solo travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a growing cultural shift toward independence and exploration.

Insight takeaway: Travel providers and hospitality brands have a golden opportunity to cater specifically to solo adventurers—think personalized itineraries, safety solutions, and flexible booking options.

Couple Goals: Romance Abroad

Around 17,500 policies covering about 35,000 passengers were couples seeking memorable getaways. Thailand once again emerged as the prime romantic spot, followed closely by Indonesia’s scenic vistas and Vietnam’s charming towns. Clearly, couples are looking beyond traditional European spots for romantic escapes, opting instead for experiences rich in culture and natural beauty.

Insight takeaway: Travel brands could spotlight unique experiences, romantic packages, and Instagrammable locations to tap into this expanding segment.

Mishaps Abroad: The Costly Side of Travel

Travel isn’t without its hiccups—and this year, the data painted a stark picture. Delayed baggage accounted for nearly 25% of all claims, costing an average of ₹17,379 per incident. Medical mishaps, however, were the biggest concern, especially in high-cost locations like the UK and USA, where average OPD claims soared to ₹47,545 and ₹30,396, respectively.

Insight takeaway: Travel insurance is no longer optional. The smart traveller now demands comprehensive protection against unexpected costs. Companies and travel platforms should integrate insurance awareness seamlessly into their customer journeys.

Top Travelling States: The Urban Travel Boom

Metro and urban hubs led the travel surge, with Karnataka topping the list at 17,880 travellers, followed by Maharashtra (16,503) and Delhi NCR (10,856). This urban dominance highlights a significant opportunity for brands to tailor campaigns targeting tech-savvy, globally aware urban professionals.

So, What Does All This Mean for You?

Whether you’re in travel, hospitality, finance, or simply keen on understanding consumer behaviour, these insights are invaluable. They show shifting priorities, emerging trends, and clear market segments that are actively shaping India’s travel narrative.

As we head into another year, it’s clear that while Indians continue to explore new horizons, their approach is increasingly informed, intentional, and insured.

Here’s to smarter travel and better journeys in 2025!