Remember when your parents would talk about that one uncle who went “abroad” and it was the biggest family news for months? Well, those days are long gone.
I was looking at the latest travel data, and honestly, I had to double-check the numbers because they’re pretty incredible. In just April 2025, 29 lakh Indians packed their bags and headed overseas. That’s 2.9 million people in a single month! And get this—that’s 26.5% more than the same time in 2019, before the world turned upside down.
So where is everyone going? When are they traveling? And more importantly for you—what can you learn from these patterns to plan your own trips better?
Let me walk you through what I discovered.
First, let’s talk about who’s actually traveling
Here’s something that might surprise you: 65.4% of Indian travelers abroad are men. Now, before you jump to conclusions, this isn’t necessarily about gender preferences—it’s often about who’s making business trips, who’s settled abroad and bringing family later, or cultural factors around solo travel.
And age? The biggest group is 45-64 year-olds at 51.4%. These are your successful professionals, empty-nesters finally taking those dream trips, and people visiting kids who’ve settled abroad. Makes sense, right?
But here’s what really caught my attention: Nearly half of all Indians traveling abroad (45.8%) are going for pure leisure. Gone are the days when international travel was just for business or visiting relatives. We’re talking family vacations to Thailand, friends’ trips to Dubai, honeymoons in Europe. Indians are traveling because they want to, not just because they have to.
Another big chunk (34.2%) is visiting family—hello, diaspora connections!—and 14.2% are traveling for business.
The top 10 destinations (and when you should actually visit them)
Let me break down where everyone’s going, but more importantly, I’ll tell you the best and worst times to visit based on when other Indians are traveling. Trust me, this intel can save you money and crowds.
1. UAE (25.9% of all travelers)
Peak month: December | Avoid if you hate crowds: December
Best time to go: June (lean month = better deals)
One in four Indians heading abroad ends up in the UAE. Dubai’s shopping festival, beaches, and that “quick international trip” vibe make it irresistible. But December? Everyone and their cousin is there. June is your golden ticket for better prices and fewer crowds.
2. Saudi Arabia (11.1%)
Peak month: August | Lean month: July
Why the spike: Hajj and Umrah season
This one’s pretty straightforward—religious travel drives the numbers. If you’re planning Umrah, July might offer a more peaceful experience.
3. United States (7.4%)
Peak month: August | Smart traveler’s choice: October
August is crazy busy (summer vacations + students flying out), but October? That’s when you get pleasant weather without the crowds. Perfect for that East Coast fall colors trip you’ve been planning.
4. Thailand (5.3%)
Peak month: December | Budget traveler’s secret: February
Thailand in December is gorgeous but packed. February is when smart travelers go—post-holiday rates, great weather, and you’ll actually get that Instagram shot without strangers in the background.
5. Singapore (5.0%)
Peak month: June | Quieter alternative: February
June school holidays = family chaos. February gives you the same amazing Singapore experience with more space to breathe.
6. United Kingdom (4.6%)
Peak month: September | Hidden gem timing: February
September makes sense—good weather, start of academic year. But February? Sure, it’s cold, but London in winter has its own charm, and you’ll save a fortune on everything.
7. Qatar (4.0%)
Peak month: August | Smart timing: June
8. Canada (3.5%)
Peak month: December | Least crowded: November
Holiday family reunions drive December numbers, but November can be magical—fall colors, fewer tourists, better deals.
9. Kuwait (3.0%)
Peak month: August | Lower traffic: April
10. Oman (2.9%)
Peak month: July | Beat the heat: June
The airports everyone’s using (and what it says about us)
Delhi leads at 21.8%, followed by Mumbai at 19.4%. No surprises there—these are our international gateways.
But here’s what’s interesting: Cochin comes in third at 7.7%. That’s Kerala’s connection to the Gulf showing up in the data. If you’re from South India and heading to the Middle East, Cochin might be your best bet for direct flights and better deals.
Bangalore at 8.7% shows how the tech capital has embraced international travel—both for business and leisure.
What about people coming to India?
Here’s the reality check: While we’re traveling abroad in record numbers, foreign tourist arrivals to India are still 19.2% below 2019 levels.
Only 6.26 lakh foreigners visited India in April 2025. The top visitors are from:
- USA (16.3%)
- UK (13.5%)
- Australia (6.1%)
- Canada (4.8%)
Mostly coming for leisure (39.1%) and family visits (29.5%)—just like us when we travel out.
Makes you think, doesn’t it? We’re exploring the world while the world is still catching up on exploring India.
What this actually means for your next trip
Let me get practical with you. Here’s how to use this data:
Want to save money? Travel during the lean months I mentioned. That Thailand trip in February instead of December could save you 30-40% on flights and hotels.
Hate crowds? Same strategy. You’ll get better service, more authentic experiences, and way better photos.
Looking for deals from specific airports? If you’re flexible, check flights from Cochin for Middle East destinations, or consider connecting through Delhi/Mumbai for better international connectivity.
Planning business travel? Know that August and December are peak times, so book early or expect premium pricing.
The bigger picture (and what it says about us)
This data tells a story about modern India. We’re confident, curious, and financially capable of exploring the world. The UAE’s dominance shows we love convenience and familiarity for first international trips. Thailand and Singapore prove we’re adventurous but practical. The US and UK numbers reflect our diaspora connections and aspirations.
But here’s my favorite insight: Nearly half of us are traveling purely for fun. Not for work, not out of obligation, but because we want to see the world. That’s pretty amazing when you think about how far we’ve come.
Your turn to weigh in
Looking at these numbers, I’m curious—where are you planning to go next? Are you part of that UAE-bound crowd, or are you thinking of somewhere completely different?
And more importantly—have you noticed these travel patterns in your own circle? Is everyone you know suddenly posting pictures from Dubai, or am I reading too much into the data?
Pro tip from the comments section: If you’ve traveled to any of these destinations during their “lean” months, share your experience below. Were the savings worth it? Did you miss out on anything by avoiding peak season?
One last thought: With Indians traveling more than ever, it’s exciting to think about where these numbers will be in five years. My bet? We’ll see more diverse destinations and even more leisure travel. What do you think?
Ready to plan your next adventure? Use this data to your advantage, but remember—the best time to travel is when it works for YOUR schedule and budget, not just when everyone else is doing it.
One more thing before you book: Whether you’re heading to Dubai in June or Thailand in February, make sure you’re connected from the moment you land. Nothing kills the excitement of international travel like spending your first hour hunting for a SIM card or dealing with expensive roaming charges. Consider getting an eSIM before you leave—it’s one less thing to worry about when you’re exploring these amazing destinations, and trust me, having reliable internet access for maps, translation, and staying in touch with family back home is absolute peace of mind.
Source: https://tourism.gov.in