Indian Families Head for the Cold: Winter Travel Interest Surges 30% This Festive Season

Agoda’s latest data shows a sharp rise in India’s love for snowy escapes, with South Korea, China, and Austria emerging as the season’s star destinations.

As the festive season approaches and temperatures dip, more Indian families are trading beaches and tropical getaways for snow-dusted landscapes and winter magic. According to new data from digital travel platform Agoda, international family travel interest has jumped by an impressive 30% year-on-year for the upcoming winter months of December 2025 to February 2026.

This renewed excitement for cold-weather travel reflects a growing desire among Indian families to explore destinations that offer a blend of seasonal charm, cultural immersion, and shared adventure. Agoda’s data reveals that the surge spans both Asia and Europe, with several countries reporting exceptional growth in interest from Indian travellers.

In Asia, South Korea leads with a remarkable 226% rise, driven by its ski resorts, winter festivals, and K-drama-inspired snowy experiences. China follows with a 105% increase, thanks to its world-famous ice festivals, heritage towns, and family-friendly attractions. Kazakhstan has also emerged as a strong contender, witnessing 68% growth as families seek out its dramatic mountain landscapes and nature-led winter escapes.

Meanwhile, Taiwan (+44%) and Japan (+41%) continue to hold strong appeal. With its lantern festivals, bustling night markets, and easy city-and-nature combinations, Taiwan offers a convenient winter getaway. Japan remains a perennial favourite with its hot springs, ski towns, and iconic attractions such as Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan — perfect for travellers looking to balance adventure with leisure.

Europe mirrors this enthusiasm. Austria leads with 82% growth, buoyed by its Alpine skiing culture and postcard-perfect Christmas markets. Germany (+43%), Finland (+33%), Italy (+27%), and France (+20%) are also seeing increased interest, showcasing Europe’s enduring charm during the colder months. Families appear drawn to the continent’s festive spirit, winter traditions, and immersive cultural experiences.

This shift signals a broader evolution in Indian family travel behaviour. Instead of defaulting to tried-and-tested beach vacations, travellers are now exploring immersive, seasonal journeys from soaking in Japanese onsens and strolling through Vienna’s Christmas markets to countdown celebrations in Seoul. Improvements in air connectivity, smoother visa processes, and greater global curiosity are further widening the horizons for Indian families.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, highlighted this changing trend: “More Indian families are embracing the joy of travel during the winter months. This reflects a growing desire for experiences that blend togetherness, cultural discovery, and festive spirit in cold-weather destinations across Asia and Europe. Agoda continues to make these holidays easier to plan, with a wide range of stays, flights, and activities to ensure every family holiday is magical.”

To support this growing wanderlust, Agoda offers access to over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000+ flight routes, and 300,000+ activities, all bookable in a single, seamless experience through its mobile app or website.

As winter approaches, Indian families are proving that the season’s chill is no deterrent — in fact, it’s a growing invitation to explore the world wrapped in snow, celebration, and shared moments.