Indian travellers are redefining their year-end holiday plans with a growing preference for “cool’cations”, trips to colder destinations or experiences that offer a refreshing break from the routine according to new data released by Klook, Asia Pacific’s leading experiences marketplace.
The shift signals a rising appetite for immersive, climate-friendly, and socially vibrant holiday experiences as the year draws to a close. Driven by a desire for snow-filled adventures, festive ambience, and experiential travel, Indians are increasingly opting for destinations that combine cooler temperatures with memorable activities.
“We are seeing a clear shift in traveller preferences. The new Indian traveller wants more than just a break; they want an experience. Whether it’s heading to snowy destinations to cool down in style or diving into the heart of celebrations, the idea is to find that ‘wow’ factor to kick off the New Year,” said Shivam Tyagi, Head of Marketing, Klook India and Middle East.
Klook’s year-end trend report highlights a spike in demand for classic winter destinations such as Japan, Switzerland and South Korea each offering a rich mix of adventure, culture and seasonal celebrations.
Japan continues to be the top choice, with Indian browsing sessions up 133% for winter tours and 96% for ski activities year-on-year. Travellers are drawn to the country’s onsen towns, snow festivals, illuminated gardens and powdery ski slopes, along with hot springs and winter comfort cuisine.
Switzerland remains a timeless favourite for Indian holidaymakers seeking postcard-perfect European winters. Exceptional ski slopes, Christmas markets, and scenic train journeys via the Swiss Travel Pass are key attractions, transforming the alpine nation into a dream winter escape.
South Korea has emerged as a fast-growing contender, witnessing a 109% surge in ski-tour searches from Indian users. With its world-class ski resorts, steaming stews, theme parks and serene snow-covered landscapes, the country appeals especially to younger travellers looking for a blend of culture and adventure.
To support this rising winter wanderlust, Klook has rolled out up to 50% off on ski tours as part of its Winter Wonderlands Campaign, along with early bird offers for families and first-time travellers.
But “cool’cations” aren’t limited to cold climates alone. For Indians staying within the tropics, the focus has shifted to “cool-er ways” to explore warmer destinations such as river cruises in Singapore and Thailand, waterfall tours in Indonesia, canyoneering in the Philippines, and evening excursions that embrace cooler night-time temperatures. Night tours, palace visits after dark, guided glamping, and stargazing experiences are also gaining traction.
Within Southeast Asia, Sapa in Vietnam has emerged as a surprise winter hotspot, with its mist-covered rice terraces and occasional snowfall between December and February offering a unique cold-weather experience without leaving the region.
A parallel trend shaping year-end travel is the rise of “socially cool” destinations — places that are culturally rich, lesser-known and still under the mainstream tourism radar. Da Lat in Vietnam (+280% sessions YoY), Chiang Rai in Thailand (+241%) and Bali (+354%) have become top choices for Indian travellers seeking authenticity, creativity and community-driven experiences. From scenic coaster rides and flower festivals to temple tours, surf lessons and fire dance shows, these destinations offer a sense of discovery that appeals to experience-first travellers.
Klook also reports increasing demand for multi-destination transport passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Pass, along with high-speed rail travel across China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan, up 140% quarter-on-quarter as travellers seek seamless, flexible movement through popular regions.
For Indians looking for something closer yet festive, Dubai continues to reign as the number one international year-end destination. With 28% growth in sessions from India, the city’s appeal is fuelled by its mild winter, iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Dubai Shopping Festival, and strong air connectivity from more than 20 Indian cities.