Millennials and Gen Z make culture the hottest travel trend of 2025

One journey at a time, the new era of travel is changing the landscape. It goes beyond just sightseeing. These days, it’s all about immersing oneself in culture, wellness retreats, luxury getaways, and staycations. Why? Because the significance of experience has become central.

Indian tourists are fully on board with the advancements in cultural tourism. According to Skyscanner’s most recent Cultural Tourism Report, 82% of Indian tourists seek out places that provide genuine local customs, heritage, and experiences. In the modern era, many plan their trips around the holidays in addition to setting aside money for travel. Actually, according to seven out of ten travelers, people are open to experiencing the diversity of cultures both domestically and abroad.

“Indian travellers are moving beyond holidays taken only for leisure. The growing quest for depth has given rise to a new archetype – the culture-curious traveller – one who seeks knowledge, connection and fulfilment,” says Neel Ghose, Skyscanner travel trends and destinations expert.

Festival celebration is no longer an afterthought. It is now the primary trip itinerary. 76% of Indian tourists have changed their plans in order to go to a cultural event. What about the most attractive draws? Onam in Kerala (35 percent), Durga Puja in Kolkata (53 percent), and Lathmar Holi in Barsana (51 percent). Younger travelers don’t simply want to be spectators; they want to dance, eat, and celebrate. According to the poll, about 55% of Indian tourists have gone to local fairs, festivals, or cultural events. Furthermore, where is the bandwagon going? Varanasi takes first place.

Fascinatingly, there is a renewed interest in heritage cities. Searches for 2025 have increased 76% for Kashi, also known as Varanasi, one of the oldest Indian towns full of history, legacy, and customs. Jaipur, Agra, and Hampi are next in line.

The fascination of the unusual is another expanding category. A remarkable 93% of tourists like to visit lesser-known locations, such as Assamese tea festivals, Arunachal Pradesh tribal meetings, or Keralan traditional customs. Away from the commercialized masses, honesty flourishes in these unusual places.

With Millennials accounting for 84% of this shift and Gen Z coming in second with 80%, it’s hard to predict who is driving it.

Solo travel is basically outdated at a time when travel trends are evolving at breakneck speed! Family-first is back, even though it was once just hype (fam jams for the win). Sixty-two percent like to travel with friends, 56 percent with a partner, and 71 percent prefer to travel with family. Success is still measured by experience value, and 39% of tourists say a journey is only worthwhile if they come home knowing anything new about the destination or its inhabitants.

Planning is the crucial but tedious step that comes before collecting tales and life experiences. Additionally, the survey highlights the need of safety and strategic planning in this technologically advanced era.

For 45% of cultural tourists, safety is the most important factor, followed by timing and authenticity. With the help of apps, family recommendations, and social media, most travelers begin their planning one to two months in advance.

In 2025, travel will be different. Films like Zindagei Na Milegi Dobara gave us La Tomatina aspirations, but with festivals and heritage closer to home, Millennials and Gen Z are ready to cross things off their bucket lists.