Thailand has emerged as the most preferred international destination for Indian travellers during the year-end and New Year holiday period, overtaking the UAE, according to booking data released by online travel platform MakeMyTrip. The findings are based on user bookings for travel between December 20, 2025 and January 5, 2026.

The data indicates a notable shift in travel preferences, with Indian tourists increasingly opting for premium accommodation. While bookings in the Rs 2,500–5,000 per night hotel category have seen a slight moderation, the Rs 5,000–7,500 segment has gained market share, reflecting a growing willingness among travellers to upgrade their stays.

Among domestic leisure destinations, Goa, Jaipur and Udaipur continue to dominate, securing the top three positions in year-on-year booking trends. The sustained popularity of these locations underscores strong domestic tourism demand during the holiday season.

On the international front, Vietnam has recorded a sharp rise in interest. Ranked seventh during the same period last year, the country has now climbed into the top four most-booked New Year international destinations for Indian travellers.

MakeMyTrip attributed the growth in outbound travel to improved accessibility, particularly the expansion of visa-free and e-visa facilities. The company noted that easier travel formalities are encouraging Indians to explore short-haul international destinations more frequently.

Commenting on the trends, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said domestic tourism continues to show resilience, with travellers combining leisure trips with spiritually enriching journeys. He added that short-haul international travel remains strong, driven by familiar destinations alongside emerging hotspots, reflecting India’s growing appetite for global travel.