Aug 20, 2025: It is no longer true that traveling internationally necessitates a prolonged vacation. A long weekend is all it takes for new-age travelers to pack their bags and leave.

For a number of Indians, this Independence Day weekend turned into a passport-stamped escape. According to reports, more people applied for visas than on any other weekend, demonstrating that a quick getaway can be just as enjoyable as a full-blown vacation. Tier-2 cities like Surat, Mohali, and Jaipur, which joined the jet-set trend in style, were not far behind Delhi and Mumbai, which led the charge.

Travel is now a lifestyle:
Some people choose to watch Netflix all weekend, while others pack their bags, book a quick flight, and fly to the next country. Visa application portal Atlys reported a 32 per cent spike in visa applications around the August 15 weekend, underscoring how long weekends are fast becoming prime travel periods. Surat, Jaipur, and Mohali, Tier-2 cities, saw an even sharper 35% increase, indicating a nationwide increase in travel enthusiasm. So, while the tricolour fluttered across Indian cities, the airports were buzzing with their own story.

Who and where is traveling?
This trend toward weekend travel is clearly being driven by younger generations. Millennials lead the pack at 57 per cent, followed by Gen Z at 22 per cent.

Southeast Asia has recently emerged as the most popular destination for Indian tourists. Short-haul destinations like Bali, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Thailand made up nearly 60% of visa applications.

Why is this?

These hotspots offer the perfect mix quick flights, hassle-free visas, and a guaranteed change of scenery.
For Millennials and Generation Z, the experience is everything. Think Bali cafes, Vietnam bike tours, and Dubai nightlife destinations that promise lively, share-worthy vibes perfect for the ’Gram.

It also signals a notable shift in travel mindset in 2025. “Indians are no longer waiting months to plan a holiday. Now, crossing the border is justification enough for a long weekend. According to Mohak Nahta, founder and chief executive officer of Atlys, "the destinations driving this surge, from Bali to Dubai, all share easy access to visas, and that convenience is redefining how India travels."

The shifting long-weekend travel trend:
Nowadays, traveling is all about simple visas and relaxing routes that don't disturb the mood. With easily reachable destinations aligning perfectly with long weekends, Indians are redefining their travel habits. The trend toward quick, unplanned getaways is here to stay as demand for visas rises and international getaways become more accessible. The evolving travel landscape is altering how Indians plan, experience, and share their holidays, fueled by social media and changing demographics. Maybe, just maybe, the bar for spontaneous travel has officially been raised. Got that travel itch? Sometimes, all you need is a passport and a long weekend.