Travel: 'Frolleagues' and Streaming Platforms Redefine Travel in 2025
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Jun 7
- 11 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Emerging Trend of Traveling with Colleagues: A recent survey highlights a growing preference for traveling with "frolleagues" – colleagues who are also friends – in 2025, indicating a shift in preferred travel companions.
Influence of Digital Entertainment on Travel Decisions: The survey reveals that social media, OTT platforms, and movies are increasingly shaping people's travel choices, underscoring the impact of digital media on travel trends.
Growing Demand for Experiential Travel: The survey indicates a strong interest in experiential travel, including phenomenon-based trips and event-led tourism, reflecting evolving traveler priorities.
Overview:
New Travel Trends in India: The travel landscape in India is evolving with new trends for 2025.
Rise of "Frolleagues" as Travel Buddies: More people are willing to travel with colleagues who are also friends.
Digital Entertainment's Influence: Social media, OTT platforms, and movies are shaping travel decisions.
Increased Interest in Experiential Travel: There's a significant rise in demand for unique experiences like chasing the Northern Lights or attending global events.
Growth in Mini-Vacations and Luxury Cruises: Travelers are opting for both shorter, more frequent trips and longer, premium getaways.
Detailed findings:
"Frolleagues" Preferred by 28%: A survey by Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025 found that 28% of respondents preferred traveling with "frolleagues."
Multigenerational Families Still Lead: Despite the rise of "frolleagues," 65% of Indians still prefer traveling with multigenerational families.
Partners Also Popular Travel Companions: 60% of respondents prefer traveling with their partners.
Solo Travel Less Preferred: Only 10% of Indians opt for solo trips, according to the report.
Experiential Travel in High Demand: The survey indicates that 75% of travelers are seeking experiential travel.
Phenomenon-Based and Event-Led Tourism Boom: There's a growing demand for trips focused on specific phenomena (like the Northern Lights) and events (like concerts and sports).
20% Rise in Event-Led Tourism: Event-led tourism has seen an approximate 20% increase.
Wellness and Gastronomical Experiences Impacting Travel: Wellness tourism and culinary experiences are also significantly influencing travel choices.
Digital Media Shapes Travel Decisions: 60% of respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms, and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions.
Increased Travel Frequency and Spending: 85% plan to increase their travel frequency, and 84% are ready to spend 20–50% more on travel.
Demand for Both Mini and Long Getaways: Travelers are leveraging long weekends and public holidays for mini-vacations, while 36% are willing to extend stays for premium experiences like cruises and upscale hotels.
Europe Top International Destination: Europe is the most preferred international destination for Indian travelers in 2025.
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand Top Domestic Destinations: These three regions are the most popular in the Indian travel bucket list.
Key success factors of product (trend):
Catering to the "Frolleagues" Trend: Travel companies can create packages and experiences specifically designed for groups of colleagues traveling together.
Leveraging Digital Media Influence: Travel brands need to have a strong presence on social media and potentially collaborate with OTT platforms and film productions to inspire travel.
Focusing on Unique Experiences: Offering trips centered around specific events, natural phenomena, wellness activities, or culinary adventures will attract modern travelers.
Providing Options for Both Short and Long Trips: Travel providers should cater to the demand for both mini-vacations and longer, more luxurious getaways.
Highlighting Popular Destinations: Promoting Europe for international travel and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand for domestic travel will align with current preferences.
Key Takeaway: The Indian travel landscape in 2025 is being reshaped by several emerging trends. "Frolleagues" are becoming increasingly popular as travel companions, with digital entertainment significantly influencing travel decisions. There is a strong preference for experiential travel, and travelers are seeking both short, frequent trips and longer, more luxurious getaways. Europe remains a top international destination, while Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are favored domestically.
Main trend: The main trend is the diversification of travel motivations and preferences in India for 2025, marked by the rise of "frolleagues" as travel companions, the significant influence of digital media on travel choices, and a strong emphasis on experiential travel.
Description of the trend (please name it): The trend is "India's Evolving Travel Tribe and Inspiration." This describes the shift in preferred travel companions in India, with the emergence of "frolleagues" alongside traditional family and partner travel, coupled with the growing role of digital entertainment in inspiring and shaping travel decisions, and a strong inclination towards unique and experience-driven journeys.
What is consumer motivation:
Stronger Workplace Bonds: People are developing closer relationships with colleagues, making them appealing travel companions.
Seeking Shared Experiences: Traveling with friends, whether family, partners, or colleagues, offers opportunities for shared memories and deeper connections.
Influence of Social Media and Entertainment: Travelers are inspired by visually appealing content on social media and in movies/TV shows to visit certain destinations or engage in specific experiences.
Desire for Unique and Memorable Trips: Travelers are moving beyond standard sightseeing tours to seek out more immersive and distinctive experiences.
Flexibility and Convenience: The demand for both mini-vacations and longer getaways reflects a desire for travel options that fit different schedules and preferences.
Aspiration for Luxury and Premium Experiences: Some travelers are willing to spend more for upscale accommodations and unique travel experiences.
What is driving trend:
Changing Workplace Dynamics: Modern workplaces often foster closer relationships between colleagues.
Increased Social Media Usage: Social media platforms expose users to travel inspiration from around the world.
Accessibility of OTT Platforms and Movies: Visual content on streaming services and in films can create a desire to visit showcased locations.
Growing Awareness of Unique Travel Experiences: Increased information availability and marketing highlight diverse and experiential travel options.
Desire to Maximize Leisure Time: The demand for mini-vacations reflects an effort to make the most of limited time off.
Increased Disposable Income for Some: A segment of the population has increased disposable income allowing for more frequent and luxurious travel.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Seeking Stress Relief and Relaxation: Travel is often seen as a way to escape daily routines and unwind.
Personal Growth and Discovery: Experiencing new cultures and environments can contribute to personal development.
Strengthening Relationships: Travel provides dedicated time to connect with loved ones, including friends and colleagues.
Description of consumers article is referring to:
The article refers to Indian travelers in 2025, highlighting their evolving preferences and behaviors.
Summary of Consumer Description: Indian travelers in 2025 are characterized by a desire to travel more frequently and spend more on travel, seeking both short and long getaways. They are increasingly influenced by digital media, prefer experiential travel, and are considering colleagues as travel companions more often.
Who are them: Indian individuals and families planning to travel in 2025.
What kind of products they like: They are interested in diverse travel experiences, ranging from cultural immersion to adventure, wellness, and gastronomical trips. They also seek both short, convenient getaways and longer, more luxurious vacations.
What is their age?: The article doesn't specify age demographics, but the mention of "frolleagues" suggests a focus on the working-age population. The influence of social media also points towards younger to middle-aged travelers.
What is their gender?: The article does not specify gender as a significant factor in these trends.
What is their income?: The readiness to spend more on travel (20-50% increase) and opt for premium experiences suggests a segment with increasing disposable income. However, the interest in mini-vacations also indicates budget-conscious travelers maximizing their time off.
What is their lifestyle: Their lifestyle likely involves a desire for leisure and travel, influenced by digital media and social trends. They are seeking experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.
What are their category article is referring shopping preferences: They are actively planning and booking various types of trips, influenced by digital content and recommendations. They are considering different travel companions and destinations.
Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: The statistic that 85% plan to increase their travel frequency suggests that these are likely to be more frequent travelers.
What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop products, shopping motivations): They are motivated by the desire for unique experiences, relaxation, and connection. They are influenced by visuals and stories shared on digital platforms and are willing to invest more in travel.
Conclusions: The travel landscape in India is undergoing a transformation in 2025. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiential trips, are influenced by digital media, and are even considering colleagues as preferred travel companions. The demand for both short and long getaways, with a willingness to spend more on premium experiences, signifies a dynamic and evolving travel market.
Implications for brands:
Tailor Packages for "Frolleagues": Travel companies should consider creating specialized packages and itineraries catering to groups of colleagues traveling together.
Enhance Digital Marketing with Visual Content: Leverage high-quality images and videos on social media and OTT platforms to inspire travel.
Develop Experiential Travel Offerings: Focus on creating unique and immersive travel experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
Provide Flexible Options for Short and Long Stays: Offer a range of travel packages catering to both mini-vacations and longer getaways.
Promote Top Destinations Highlighted in the Survey: Focus marketing efforts on popular international destinations like Europe and preferred domestic locations like Kashmir.
Implication for society:
Changing Nature of Workplace Relationships: The rise of "frolleagues" as travel companions reflects potentially closer social bonds within workplaces.
Increased Value Placed on Experiences: Society seems to be increasingly prioritizing experiences and memories over material possessions, as evidenced by the demand for experiential travel.
Implications for consumers:
More Diverse Travel Options: Travelers will likely find a wider range of travel packages and destinations catering to different preferences.
Increased Travel Frequency: The trend suggests that individuals are planning to travel more often, even for shorter durations.
Potential for New Social Dynamics During Travel: Traveling with colleagues could foster stronger workplace relationships but might also present unique dynamics.
Implication for Future:
Continued Growth of Experiential Travel: The demand for unique and immersive travel experiences is likely to persist and grow.
Further Integration of Digital Media in Travel Planning: Social media, OTT platforms, and AI will likely play an even larger role in how people plan and choose their travels.
Evolution of Travel Companion Preferences: The concept of who people prefer to travel with may continue to evolve beyond traditional norms.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): The Blurring Lines of Personal and Professional Travel Companionship: This trend describes the increasing overlap between personal and professional lives, leading to closer bonds with colleagues and a greater willingness to travel with them as friends ("frolleagues").
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): The Screen-to-Scene Traveler: This sub-trend highlights how digital entertainment, including social media, OTT platforms, and movies, is becoming a significant catalyst and source of inspiration for travel destinations and experiences.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Prioritization of Experiences Over Materialism: Modern society is increasingly valuing experiences, travel, and personal growth over the accumulation of material possessions.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Global Rise of Experiential Tourism: Across the globe, travelers are seeking more authentic, immersive, and unique travel experiences rather than traditional sightseeing tours.
Social Drive (name, detailed description): The Desire for Connection and Shared Experiences: Humans have a fundamental need for connection and enjoy sharing experiences with others, which extends to travel preferences.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025:
Recognize the Power of Workplace Friendships: Acknowledge and cater to the emerging trend of colleagues traveling together.
Embrace Digital Platforms for Inspiration: Utilize social media and potentially partner with streaming services to showcase travel destinations and experiences.
Curate Unique and Immersive Itineraries: Focus on developing travel packages that offer authentic and memorable experiences beyond typical tourist activities.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:
Create "Frolleague-Friendly" Travel Packages: Offer discounts or specialized itineraries for groups of colleagues traveling together.
Launch Social Media Campaigns Showcasing Experiential Travel: Use visually compelling content to inspire wanderlust.
Collaborate with Film and TV Productions for Destination Promotion: Explore opportunities to partner with entertainment creators to feature travel destinations.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified), and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it. In 2025, the redefining of travel in India is marked by the rise of "frolleagues" as travel companions and the significant influence of streaming platforms inspiring a demand for experiential adventures, requiring travel brands to adapt by catering to these evolving preferences through specialized packages, engaging digital content, and unique travel offerings.
Final Note:
Core Trend: India's Evolving Travel Tribe and Inspiration: Shifts in travel companions (rise of "frolleagues") and the strong influence of digital media on travel decisions, alongside a demand for experiential travel.
Core Strategy: Cater to Diverse Companion Preferences and Digital Inspiration: Travel brands should acknowledge and cater to the growing trend of colleagues traveling together and leverage digital media to inspire experiential travel.
Core Industry Trend: The Growing Demand for Experiential Travel: Travelers are increasingly seeking unique and immersive experiences over traditional sightseeing.
Core Consumer Motivation: Desire for Connection, Shared Experiences, and Unique Adventures: Travelers are motivated by a need to connect with others, create shared memories, and explore distinctive destinations and activities.
Final Conclusion: The travel industry in India is poised for an exciting period of evolution in 2025, driven by changing social dynamics and the pervasive influence of digital media. The emergence of "frolleagues" as a significant travel segment, coupled with the strong demand for experiential travel inspired by online content, presents unique opportunities for travel brands to innovate and cater to the evolving preferences of Indian travelers who are increasingly seeking meaningful connections and memorable adventures.
Core Trend Detailed: description. The core trend, India's Evolving Travel Tribe and Inspiration, signifies a multifaceted shift in how and why Indians are choosing to travel in 2025. The "Evolving Travel Tribe" aspect specifically highlights a departure from traditional travel companions, with a notable rise in the preference for traveling with "frolleagues" – colleagues who have developed strong friendships beyond the workplace. This suggests a closer integration of personal and professional lives and a desire to share leisure time with those they spend a significant portion of their week with. Simultaneously, the "Inspiration" element underscores the profound impact of digital media, particularly social media platforms, OTT streaming services, and movies, in shaping travel aspirations and decisions. Visual and narrative content from these sources are now key drivers in where people choose to go and what they want to experience. This trend indicates a more dynamic and digitally-influenced approach to travel planning, moving beyond conventional brochures and travel guides towards peer recommendations and visually compelling online content.
Key Characteristics of the Core trend:
Rise of "Frolleagues" as Travel Companions: A significant percentage of travelers now prefer to travel with work colleagues they consider friends.
Strong Influence of Digital Media: Social media, OTT platforms, and movies are major catalysts in inspiring and informing travel choices.
High Demand for Experiential Travel: Travelers are actively seeking unique, immersive, and phenomenon-based experiences rather than traditional sightseeing.
Preference for Both Short and Long Getaways: Travelers are maximizing leisure time with both mini-vacations and extended, premium trips.
Increased Spending on Travel: Travelers are generally willing to allocate a larger portion of their budget to travel, especially for quality experiences.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend:
Survey Data: The Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025 provides quantitative data supporting the rise of "frolleagues" and the influence of digital media.
Anecdotal Evidence: The article itself highlights the increasing trend of colleagues forming close bonds, justifying their emergence as travel buddies.
Growth of Experiential Tourism Globally: The broader global trend towards experiential travel aligns with the findings in India.
Popularity of Travel Content on Social Media and Streaming Platforms: The vast amount of travel-related content consumed online indicates its influence.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior:
Consideration of Colleagues for Travel Plans: Travelers are now more likely to invite work friends on their vacations.
Increased Reliance on Digital Sources for Travel Ideas: Consumers are turning to social media and streaming services for travel inspiration and recommendations.
Prioritization of Unique Activities and Destinations: Travelers are actively seeking out experiences that are less conventional and more memorable.
More Frequent but Potentially Shorter Trips: The rise of mini-vacations suggests travelers are opting for more frequent but shorter breaks.
Willingness to Invest More in Travel: Consumers are allocating a larger portion of their budget to achieve desired travel experiences.
Implications Across the Ecosystem:
For Brands and CPGs: Brands in travel-adjacent industries (e.g., luggage, travel gear) could target marketing towards these evolving travel segments.
For Retailers (Travel Agencies, Online Platforms): Need to adapt their offerings to cater to "frolleague" travel and highlight experiential options inspired by digital media.
For Consumers: More diverse travel options and potentially more fulfilling and unique vacation experiences.
Strategic Forecast:
The trend of traveling with "frolleagues" is likely to continue, especially among younger professionals.
Digital media will become even more influential in shaping travel decisions.
The demand for experiential travel will persist and potentially grow, with travelers seeking increasingly niche and unique adventures.
Travel companies will need to become more adept at leveraging digital content and catering to diverse traveler preferences.
Areas of innovation (based on discovered trend):
"Frolleague" Travel Packages and Discounts: Incentivizing group bookings for colleagues.
Integration of Social Media Content into Travel Booking Platforms: Allowing users to book trips based on inspiring social media posts or movie locations.
Curated Experiential Travel Itineraries: Offering unique and themed trips centered around specific interests or phenomena.
Final Thought (summary): The evolving travel landscape in India for 2025 showcases a fascinating interplay of social connections, digital influence, and a growing desire for meaningful experiences. The rise of "frolleagues" as travel companions and the significant role of digital media in inspiring travel signify a departure from traditional norms, highlighting a more connected, digitally-savvy, and experience-driven approach to exploring the world. As this trend continues to unfold, the travel industry will need to adapt and innovate to effectively cater to these evolving preferences and aspirations of Indian travelers.
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