Published: June 16, 2025
Key Highlights:
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28% of Indian travelers now prefer trips with “frolleagues” (work friends)
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Experiential travel surges 75% (Northern Lights, concerts, gourmet trips)
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85% plan more trips, 84% willing to spend 20-50% extra
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Europe tops int’l list, Kashmir leads domestic destinations
Gone are the days when vacations were reserved for family or solo escapades. In 2025, India’s travel scene is being reshaped by “frolleagues”—colleagues doubling as adventure buddies—alongside AI-driven planning and phenomenon-based trips, reveals the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025.
The Rise of the “Frolleagues” Trend
Why Work Buddies = Perfect Travel Partners?
✅ Shared interests (discovered during coffee breaks)
✅ Similar budgets (no family compromises)
✅ Work-life blend (offsite meetings + leisure)
Survey Insights:
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28% prefer frolleagues over solo trips (10%)
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Still trails family trips (65%) and couples’ getaways (60%)
Real-World Example:
“We trekked to Everest Base Camp after bonding over Slack!” — IT professional Priya M., Bengaluru
2025’s Top Travel Trends
1. Experiential Travel (75% demand)
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Phenomenon-based: Northern Lights, Japan’s cherry blossoms
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Event-led: Taylor Swift/Coldplay concerts, IPL destinations
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Wellness & food trails: Kerala Ayurveda retreats, Italian pasta-making classes
2. “Minications” Meet Luxury
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Quick escapes: 48-hour Goa trips leveraging long weekends
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Splurge modes: 36% opting for cruises/5-star stays
3. Tech’s Role in Travel
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60% inspired by OTT/social media (RRR sparked Ramappa Temple visits)
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AI itineraries: ChatGPT plans > travel agents for millennials
Destination Hotlists
| International | Domestic | Emerging |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Kashmir | Bhutan hikes |
| Japan | Himachal Pradesh | Lakshadweep diving |
| New Zealand | Uttarakhand | NE India festivals |
Why This Shift Matters
Economic Impact:
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20% rise in concert/festival tourism
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Premium travel sector booming (luxury trains, private villas)
Social Change:
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Workplaces encouraging “team travel” for bonding
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Gen Z rejecting “solo vs family” binary
Expert Take
Rajeev Kale (Thomas Cook India):
“Depth over sightseeing—travelers now seek emotional connections with places.”
Psychologist Dr. Ananya Roy:
“Fro-league trips fulfill our need for low-pressure socializing post-pandemic.”
