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The belief that going abroad for a trip requires a lengthy vacation is now outdated. For modern travellers, only a long weekend is necessary to get ready and set off. This Independence Day weekend became an opportunity for many Indians to get their passports stamped. There was a noticeable increase in visa requests compared to usual weekends, showing that a short escape can be just as enjoyable as a full vacation. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai took the lead (which is expected), but smaller cities such as Surat, Mohali, and Jaipur also joined in on the travel trend with enthusiasm. Travel has become a way of life. While some individuals prefer to binge-watch shows on Netflix during the weekend, others grab their luggage, book a quick flight, and travel to the nearest nation.
The visa application platform Atlys noted a 32 percent increase in visa requests around the August 15 weekend, highlighting that long weekends are quickly becoming key travel times. Notably, smaller cities like Surat, Jaipur, and Mohali experienced an even greater rise of 35 percent, indicating a nationwide excitement for travel. So as the national flag waved across Indian towns, the airports were bustling with their own stories. Younger generations are clearly leading this trend of weekend travel. Millennials take the lead at 57 percent, with Gen Z following at 22 percent. Recently, Southeast Asia has become the favored choice for Indian tourists. Nearly 60 percent of visa applications were for nearby destinations such as Bali, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Thailand. Why? These popular spots provide a great combination of short flights, easy visas, and a guaranteed change in surroundings.
For Millennials and Gen Z, the goal is all about enjoying new experiences. Picture Bali coffee shops, bike tours in Vietnam, and the nightlife in Dubai—places that offer vibrant, shareable moments that are perfect for Instagram. This also indicates a significant change in travel attitudes by 2025. “Indians are not waiting months to plan a trip anymore. A long weekend is now a valid reason to go abroad. Destinations driving this trend, from Bali to Dubai, all have easy visa processes, and that ease is transforming how India travels,” states Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys. Nowadays, travel is centered around simple visas and laid-back plans that maintain the fun. As easily accessible locations match perfectly with long weekends, Indians are changing how they travel. With rising demand for visas and easier access to international trips, the trend of quick, spontaneous getaways is likely to continue.
Inspired by social media and changes in demographics, the shifting travel environment is altering how Indians prepare for, enjoy, and share their vacations. Perhaps, just perhaps, the standards for last-minute travel have been officially elevated. Feeling that urge to travel? Sometimes, all it takes is a long weekend and a passport.
