As temperatures dip and festive lights glow across India, travellers are packing their bags for what has become the most anticipated window of the year. According to Atlys, visa applications for the November 2025 to February 2026 period have risen sharply underscoring how winter has firmly established itself as the country’s favorite season for international travel.

The year-end stretch, marked by Christmas breaks, New Year celebrations, and extended school holidays, now defines the travel calendar. Families are reuniting across borders, couples are planning romantic escapes for milestone celebrations, and friend groups are squeezing in one last adventure before the year wraps up.

“Winter has firmly established itself as India’s favorite travel season, and the reasons are clear that it’s a time for celebration, connection, and exploration,” said Santosh Hegde, Head of Marketing at Atlys. “Our role is to ensure that the visa process is as smooth and stress-free as possible, so travelers can focus entirely on their adventures.”

The data from Atlys reveals that Millennials account for the largest travel share at 54%, driven by higher disposable incomes and a preference for experience-rich itineraries. Notably, 50% of all millennial travelers opt for Schengen destinations.

In contrast, Gen Z has emerged as the fastest-growing demographic, comprising 25% of applicants. The data shows an interesting gender shift: women make up 34% of all applicants with unique destination preferences emerging; women favor travel to Sri Lanka, while men are showing a stronger inclination toward Schengen countries. The demand from Tier 1 cities is led by Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, while Tier 2 cities like Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Surat are also gaining momentum.

Travelers’ preferences reveal two distinct winter mindsets. Those seeking snow are heading to Switzerland, France, and the UK, known for Christmas markets and ski holidays. Conversely, a rising interest in warm-weather destinations such as Bali, Dubai, and Sri Lanka is noted, catering to those preferring beaches and outdoor adventures to end the year on a high note. Short-haul trips to Vietnam, Thailand, and the UAE remain popular as celebratory getaways.

Additionally, travelers are blending comfort and culture into their itineraries, pairing winter festivities with local experiences. Flexibility is key, with a rise in multi-country journeys. Many are using Schengen visas to craft cross-border winter plans, often culminating in a UK visit as part of their broader European tour. The ongoing wedding season in India is amplifying this demand; around 46 lakh weddings are expected in November and December, significantly increasing honeymoon and post-wedding travel applications, with European destinations especially popular for newlyweds.