Thailand and Malaysia emerge as leading visa-free picks while Indonesia tops visa-on-arrival searches

Agoda search data for 1–18 January 2026 indicates a concentration of India-origin bookings toward visa-free Thailand and Malaysia, cu Indonezia dominating visa-on-arrival demand — a shift that directly affects airport transfer volumes, intra-city taxi flows, and seasonal fleet deployment for transfers between major airports and city centres.

Top visa-free and VOA destinations at a glance

Between early January and intended check-in dates in February–March 2026, Indian travellers showed clear preference patterns that favour short-haul, culturally engaging, and low-friction entry routes. These patterns have immediate consequences for transfer providers, limousine services, and cab companies planning fleet and driver allocation.

Why these destinations are rising

• Ease of entry: Relaxed visa rules reduce friction and shorten pre-trip planning time.
• Proximity and price: Short‑haul flights lower airfare and overall transfer costs.
• Experience diversity: Urban escapes, beaches, spiritual routes and island luxury attract varied traveller profiles.
• Search momentum: High YoY growth in markets like Laos and the Philippines points to emerging interest beyond traditional favourites.

Comments from the industry

Agoda’s regional leadership noted a broader trend: travellers prioritize destinations that combine accessibility with cultural depth. Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, observed that if visa restrictions were absent many Indians would travel more often and be more open to new destinations, reinforcing the link between entry policies and booking behaviour.

Implications for taxi, transfer, and delivery services

Transport operators and transfer platforms should read these search signals as operational cues. Key implications:

• Airport transfer peaks: Higher arrival volumes to tourist hubs require extra drivers, more private seater and 7‑seater vehicles, and flexible scheduling.
• Vehicle mix: Demand will span cheap cabs for budget travellers to private limousines and 4‑ or 6‑seaters for families and groups.
• Pricing transparency: Travellers comparing fares expect exact prices, seat options, and visible driver credentials before booking.
• Local routing: Operators should offer curated city drop-offs and beach transfers tailored to short-stay itineraries.

Operational checklist for transfer providers

• Align fleet size and vehicle types with seasonal forecasts.
• Ensure drivers have appropriate licenses and language basics for Indian guests.
• Publish exact fares and surge policies in apps and booking confirmations.
• Offer add‑ons: meet‑and‑greet, child seats, extra luggage space.

Overall, the growth of destinations like Laos, the Philippines and Sri Lanka alongside staples such as Thailand and Malaysia suggests a diversifying demand that transfer companies must accommodate through flexible pricing, clear service descriptions, and reliable drivers.

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Highlights: visa-free access to Thailanda și Malaezia drives demand; Indonezia leads VOA searches; Laos and the Philippines show the fastest growth — yet nothing replaces personal experience. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to a live ride with a vetted driver. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Benefit from convenience, affordability, extensive vehicle choices and a wide range of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com. GetTransfer’s transparency on make, model, driver ratings and fares helps you pick the exact car and service you need — Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, Agoda’s early‑2026 search patterns show a clear tilt toward easily accessible Asian destinations: visa‑free favourites like Thailand and Malaysia, VOA leaders such as Indonesia, and rapidly rising markets including Laos and the Philippines. For travellers and transport providers alike this means planning for concentrated arrival windows, varied vehicle requirements, and transparent pricing to meet traveller expectations. Whether you need a taxi from the airport, a private car to your destination city, or a seat in a shared cab, keeping an eye on search trends helps predict fares, vehicle demand and booking timing. GetTransfer.com supports this approach by offering a global, user‑friendly solution to book personalized transfers, trips, and deliveries with transparent prices, driver details, and vehicle options — a practical way to get the exact car, driver, and service you want when you book your next ride.