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How Indian Travelers Are Redefining Winter Holidays with the “Coolcation” Trend

How Indian Travelers Are Redefining Winter Holidays with the “Coolcation” Trend

James Miller, GetTransfer.com
by 
James Miller, GetTransfer.com
4 minutes read
News
December 26, 2025

Winter’s New Wave: The “Coolcation” Phenomenon in Indian Travel

This winter, a fresh travel trend dubbed “Coolcation” is gaining popularity among Indian travelers, shifting preferences towards chilly climates and culturally rich experiences instead of the usual sun-drenched beach escapes. This shift introduces snowy wonderlands and dynamic city scenes as preferred destinations, shaping a new seasonal travel narrative.

Chasing the Chill: Popular Cold Destinations

Indian tourists are increasingly embracing winter’s allure, showing a striking inclination to explore alpine and snowy settings. Destinations such as Japan, Switzerland, and South Korea are experiencing notable surges in interest, especially for activities like skiing and visiting festive markets.

DestinationYear-on-Year Increase in InterestPopular Activities
Japan+133% in winter tour browsing
+96% in ski bookings
Skiing, winter tours
SwitzerlandConsistent favoriteAlpine holidays, Christmas markets, scenic rail tours
South Korea+109% increase in ski-tour interestSkiing, winter sports

These places offer an appealing mix of outdoor winter adventures and culturally vibrant atmospheres, perfectly aligning with the growing desire among Indian travelers for memorable, snow-filled escapes.

Beyond Temperature: Socially Cool Destinations Capturing Young Travelers

“Cool” is not limited to chilly weather. There’s a notable trend among younger travelers—millennials and Gen Z—who seek destinations that blend authenticity, local culture, and a hip vibe. This social aspect is becoming as important as the climate.

  • Da Lat, Vietnam: +280% growth, renowned for its mountainous charm and artistic cafes.
  • Chiang Rai, Thailand: +241% growth, popular for unique art temples and cultural appeal.
  • Bali, Indonesia: +354% surge, famous for wellness, surfing, and vibrant social scenes.

These destinations reflect a trend where community-driven travel and immersive experiences are sought after—travelers want more than sightseeing; they crave meaningful stories and connections.

Dubai: The Evergreen Favorite

Despite these emerging trends, Dubai maintains its position as the top festive season destination for Indian travelers, thanks to:

  • Iconic events like the Burj Khalifa’s New Year fireworks.
  • The Dubai Shopping Festival’s allure.
  • Mild winter weather coupled with excellent flights from multiple Indian cities.

The Shifting Travel Mood: What It Means

The “Coolcation” trend illustrates a broader transformation in how travel is perceived, especially among Indian tourists. It’s no longer just about escaping but about seeking experiences that blend comfort, cultural depth, and social engagement. These preferences are expected to play a significant role in travel choices through 2026 and beyond.

Implications for Taxi and Transfer Services

For travelers chasing unique winter escapes or socially vibrant spots, arriving smoothly and comfortably is a must. Platforms like GetTransfer.com cater to these needs by allowing users to choose vehicles tailored to their travel style, from cozy sedans for solo adventures to spacious limousines for group trips. Detailed vehicle info including model and ratings ensure travelers can book with confidence and transparency, something crucial when navigating unfamiliar destinations.

Key Takeaways and Personal Experience Edge

The “Coolcation” trend highlights a fascinating pivot in travel: a move away from classic beaches toward winter wonderlands and culturally distinct locales. Indian travelers are not just looking for new destinations—they want fresh, meaningful experiences. However, no matter how insightful reviews and feedback might be, nothing beats firsthand experience. With GetTransfer, you can hire cars with professional drivers from verified providers at fair prices, giving you the freedom to explore these emerging travel trends comfortably and affordably.

GetTransfer’s extensive choice of vehicles and transparent pricing means you avoid surprises, making it easier to plan your journey whether you’re heading for a snowy mountain or a vibrant city tour. Book your ride with GetTransfer.com and enjoy convenience and peace of mind on every trip.

Looking Ahead: Travel’s Changing Landscape and GetTransfer’s Role

While this trend might not dramatically alter the global tourism map overnight, it signals an important shift in preferences that GetTransfer keeps a keen eye on. Understanding and adapting to travelers’ changing desires allows the platform to offer tailored transfer services worldwide, blending reliability with ease of use.

Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.

Summary

Indian travelers are increasingly drawn to the “Coolcation” lifestyle—favoring snowy destinations like Japan and Switzerland or socially cool spots such as Bali and Da Lat over traditional beach holidays. This trend reflects a broader craving for authentic, engaging, and climate-diverse travel experiences, capitalizing on new cultural interests and social connections during trips. Dubai remains a go-to festive season destination due to its unique offerings and connectivity. Platforms like GetTransfer.com support these evolving travel habits by providing transparent, user-friendly taxi and transfer services worldwide. Travelers can choose exact vehicle types, understand pricing upfront, and enjoy a seamless experience from airport to city center or mountain resort. With growing travel complexity, the right transfer partner adds comfort, safety, and convenience—keys to making every journey unforgettable.

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