By WFY Bureau | Travel & Leisure | The WFY Magazine, December, 2025 edition
Winter carries a special meaning for Indians abroad. It is the season of reflection, celebration, homecomings and long-awaited holidays. Across continents, Indian-origin families, students, professionals and retirees begin searching for places that offer warmth, beauty, comfort or simple escape. December brings Christmas lights in Europe, cool breezes in the Gulf, snow-covered wilderness in North America and festive charm in India.
For the global Indian, travel is more than sightseeing. It is an emotional journey marked by memory, identity and a desire to reconnect with something familiar while discovering the new. Whether it is a quick weekend break, a family reunion, a long-distance adventure or a trip back home, winter becomes a season of movement.
This article explores winter travel patterns of the Indian diaspora in 2025. It offers a rich blend of insight, trends, regional favourites, case-style illustrations and cultural nuances that shape how Indians travel during the year-end season. From snowy villages to warm beaches, bustling cities to quiet retreats, these are the winter destinations loved by Indians around the world.
Why Winter Means Something Special for Indians Abroad
Winter is often the most nostalgic season for Indians living overseas. It brings reminders of childhood winters in northern India, mild breezes in southern states, school holidays, festive gatherings and family traditions. For many migrants living in colder countries, December signals both celebration and longing. The contrast between Christmas markets abroad and memories of winter back home creates a unique emotional blend.
For Indian families in the Gulf, winter is a time when the harsh heat fades and outdoor life becomes pleasant. For those in North America or Europe, the season brings snowfall, holidays and an urge to escape freezing temperatures. Indian students abroad see winter as an opportunity to travel affordably before the new academic term. Professionals take year-end breaks to recharge or reunite with parents in India.
Across the diaspora, winter is not simply a change in weather. It is a yearly reminder of distance, connection and the desire to make the most of the season.
How Indians Abroad Choose Winter Destinations
Indians abroad choose winter destinations based on factors shaped by culture, convenience and comfort. These include:
1. Weather
Many prefer warm escapes from freezing countries or snowy holidays from the tropics.
2. Accessibility
Short flights for weekend breaks, long flights for family holidays.
3. Food availability
Destinations that offer Indian or vegetarian food are especially preferred by families and elderly travellers.
4. Affordability
Value for money remains a major consideration. Indians across regions research flights, hotels and activities months in advance.
5. Safety
Safety plays a crucial role, especially for solo women travellers and families with children.
6. Cultural comfort
Places with visible Indian communities or familiar cultural markers feel more welcoming.
7. Festive atmosphere
Year-end festivals, Christmas activities and winter markets attract many diaspora travellers.
These preferences influence the destinations Indians select year after year.
Europe: The Winter Wonderland Indians Cannot Resist
Europe remains the most popular winter region for Indians abroad, especially those living in the UK, Middle East, Canada and Singapore.
Switzerland: The Eternal Favourite
Snowy slopes, alpine villages and scenic train journeys make Switzerland a top choice. Families enjoy mountain towns such as Interlaken, Zermatt and Lucerne. For diaspora couples, lakeside cities offer romantic getaways.
Austria and Germany: Christmas Charm
Vienna, Salzburg and Munich come alive with Christmas markets, lights, music and warm food. Indians enjoy the festive atmosphere, especially those travelling with children.
Finland: A Magical Escape
Lapland offers northern lights, reindeer farms, snow hotels and Arctic adventures. This destination has become increasingly popular among Indian-origin millennials and young professionals.
Scotland: A Celtic Winter Experience
Edinburgh’s winter festivities, historic walks and dramatic landscapes attract students and families from England and Ireland.
These European destinations combine beauty, atmosphere and cultural richness, making them ideal winter choices.
Middle East: The Quick and Comfortable Getaway
For Indians living in the Gulf, winter is the most comfortable season of the year. Temperatures drop, outdoor life blooms and cities turn festive.
Dubai: The “Weekend Capital”
Dubai remains the fastest-growing winter destination for Indians abroad. Accessible luxury, shopping festivals, desert safaris and family-friendly attractions make it a favourite.
Abu Dhabi: Culture and Calm
The Louvre Museum, mangrove parks and calm beaches attract families seeking a relaxed winter break.
Muscat: Beauty and Quiet
Indians appreciate Muscat for its coastal charm, mountain landscapes and peaceful environment.
These destinations offer convenience, value and a familiar sense of cultural openness.
South-East Asia: Affordable, Relaxed and Always Popular
Indians from Australia, the Gulf, Singapore and Malaysia travel widely across this region.
Thailand: The All-Time Classic
Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi remain top choices for affordability, nightlife, beaches and food variety.
Bali: A Spiritual and Scenic Escape
Bali offers wellness retreats, nature walks, cultural performances and warm hospitality.
Singapore: Clean, safe and easy
Many Gulf-based Indian families choose Singapore for its cleanliness, orderliness and child-friendly attractions.
These destinations are ideal for short breaks and budget-conscious travel.
North America: Winter Cities and Snowy Adventures
For Indians living in the United States or Canada, winter travel often involves exploring national parks, major cities or warm escapes.
New York City
A global favourite, especially during Christmas and New Year. Indians enjoy the festive atmosphere, food options and cultural energy.
Banff and Vancouver
Canadians of Indian origin frequently visit Banff for snow adventures and Vancouver for scenic mild winters.
Smoky Mountains
A popular holiday choice among Indian families living in the southern United States.
North America offers a mix of nature, culture and urban charm for winter explorers.
Australia and New Zealand: Sunshine, Nature and Adventure
December brings summer to the southern hemisphere, making it an attractive escape from winter.
Sydney and Melbourne
Popular urban holidays for Indians living in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Queenstown
New Zealand’s adventure capital attracts young Indian professionals and students.
These destinations offer outdoor activities, scenic drives and warm weather.
India: The Heart’s True Home for Many Diaspora Families
No winter article is complete without acknowledging that thousands of Indians abroad return home in December.
Goa
Beaches, food, music, nightlife and Christmas celebrations draw diaspora travellers.
Kerala
Backwaters, houseboats, Ayurveda and family reunions make Kerala a favourite.
Kashmir
Snowfall, mountains and winter landscapes attract younger travellers.
Himachal Pradesh
Scenic towns such as Manali, Shimla and Dharamshala attract students and families.
For many migrants, winter travel is ultimately a journey back to identity.
What Indians Are Booking in 2025: The New Trends
Diaspora travel habits are evolving.
1. Nature and Wellness
Wellness retreats, spa getaways, yoga escapes and nature-based itineraries are increasing.
2. Food-Focused Travel
Indians abroad are exploring culinary trails, local markets and food festivals.
3. Short Breaks
Quick three-day trips have grown due to remote work flexibility.
4. Sustainable Travel
There is growing interest in eco-friendly stays, green transport and low-impact tourism.
5. Photography and Social Media
Indians abroad often choose destinations based on visual appeal for digital storytelling.
These trends reflect a shift toward meaningful, experience-driven travel.
The Unique Way Indians Abroad Travel
Indians travel with a blend of practicality, emotion and cultural memory.
Some unique preferences include:
1. Food and Familiarity
Destinations with Indian restaurants attract higher interest.
2. Family-Focused Plans
Group trips, large family holidays and multi-generational travel are common.
3. Safety and Convenience
Indian travellers value clear transport systems, friendly environments and well-organised itineraries.
4. Festivals and Cultural Moments
Many Indians plan travel around Christmas, New Year, Pongal or school holidays.
Travel becomes a way to celebrate identity while exploring the world.
The winter journeys of Indians abroad reveal more than travel preferences. They reveal the emotional geography of a global community. A scenic mountain town becomes a place to forget loneliness. A sunny beach becomes a reminder of home. A return trip to India becomes a moment of grounding. For the Indian diaspora, travel is both escape and connection, exploration and remembrance.
Whether discovering new worlds or returning to familiar ones, winter travel continues to be a bridge between cultures, generations and continents. It reflects the global Indian spirit: curious, resilient, adaptable and rooted in memory.
Disclaimer: This article is for general editorial and informational purposes. Travel conditions, costs and safety considerations may vary across regions. Travellers should check local guidelines and make informed decisions.