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Winter Travel 2024: The Great Chill-Chaser Trend, Spiritual Retreats and the Resurgence of Global Getaways

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. reats-and-the-resurgence-of-global-getaways.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 8:47 GMT by moneycontrol.com

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Winter Travel 2024: The Great Chill‑Chaser Trend, Spiritual Retreats and the Resurgence of Global Getaways

The holiday season is a golden era for travel, but for India’s 2024 outbound market it is becoming something of a phenomenon: a chill‑chasing frenzy. Moneycontrol’s latest feature, “Chasing the Chill – More Foreign Holidays, Rising Spiritual Getaways Fuel Winter Travel Rush”, chronicles how a growing swath of Indian holidaymakers are leaving the sweltering sub‑continent for cooler climes abroad and, at the same time, turning their attention to a surge in domestic spiritual tourism. By weaving in data from the Ministry of Tourism, airline and hotel chains, and even niche wellness providers, the article delivers a comprehensive snapshot of the market, the motivations behind it, and what it means for the future of India’s travel sector.

1. A Cold‑Weather Pull Factor

The core driver of the article is the pull of cold weather. In the months of December and January, the sub‑continent is awash in heat, humidity and relentless monsoon remnants. “The Indian psyche has always been shaped by the four seasons; however, the extreme heat of the winter months has led to a marked shift in travel intent,” the piece notes.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism’s 2023 “Outbound Travel Report” indicates that outbound bookings for the December‑January window grew by 28% year‑on‑year, reaching 4.2 million trips. The top three destinations remain New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, followed closely by the UK and Switzerland – destinations that promise snowy landscapes, ski resorts and, in many cases, the iconic “winter wonderland” imagery that Indian travelers chase.

• New Zealand – The “downunder” destination is favoured for its ski resorts in Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, as well as its status as a safe, English‑speaking country with a friendly immigration policy. The article cites MakeMyTrip’s 2023 data showing a 33% rise in bookings to New Zealand from India during the winter season.

• Canada – From the bustling cities of Toronto and Vancouver to the scenic mountains of Banff and Whistler, Canada’s winter tourism industry is tapping into the Indian market’s appetite for ski holidays and northern lights. The article links to a recent Canada Travel Bureau release that reported a 21% jump in Indian arrivals in 2023.

• United States – Ski towns such as Aspen, Lake Tahoe and Park City have seen a surge of Indian families and couples. The piece underscores that a significant part of the U.S. bookings is being driven by the new e‑visa program introduced by the U.S. government in 2022, which has simplified entry for Indian citizens.

The article notes that beyond pure cold‑weather appeal, many of these destinations offer “value for money” – cheaper flights from the Indian sub‑continent, a variety of accommodation options (from luxury resorts to budget hostels) and well‑established tourist infrastructure.

2. The Rise of Spiritual & Wellness Travel

While the article’s headline emphasizes the “chasing the chill”, it devotes a sizeable section to a parallel, domestic trend: the rise of spiritual and wellness travel in India. Over the past three years, the Ministry of Tourism reported that domestic tourism contributed 20% to the overall GDP and that “wellness tourism” has become a key pillar of India’s tourism strategy.

Key takeaways from the article’s spiritual travel segment:

• Rishikesh & Varanasi – The “Yoga and meditation capital” of the world, Rishikesh is drawing both international and domestic travellers with its plethora of ashrams, yoga retreats, and adventure sports such as river rafting. Varanasi, on the other hand, offers an “indulgence in the mystic” through ghats, temples, and a “Vedic learning” programme that is especially popular with older generations.

• Goa & Kerala – Beyond the beaches, Goa is now a hotspot for Ayurvedic wellness retreats. The article references a report by the Wellness Tourism India Association which indicates a 15% year‑on‑year growth in bookings for Ayurvedic stays. Kerala’s “Backwaters and Ayurveda” package is a growing favourite, especially for families.

• Tirtha Pilgrimage Circuit – A curated route that includes Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Amritsar and the Shirdi pilgrimage centre. The piece highlights how travel agencies are packaging this circuit into “spiritual vacations” for people seeking an all‑in‑one experience, often bundled with wellness amenities like spa treatments and guided meditation sessions.

The article notes that a growing segment of Indian travellers, particularly those between 35 and 55 years old, are looking for meaningful travel that offers spiritual enrichment, health benefits and cultural immersion. It cites a 2023 survey by Booking.com which found that 58% of Indian travellers in that age bracket said “spiritual experience” is a top factor when choosing a holiday destination.

3. Booking Channels & Technological Shifts

The article discusses the digital evolution in travel bookings, noting that Indian travelers increasingly rely on online aggregators and travel apps. MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip and OYO are cited as top‑ranked platforms, with an average booking time of 4 minutes, per data from the National Travel Association.

In addition, the article links to an interview with a senior executive at GoAir, who discusses how the airline’s “Dynamic Pricing” model and “Winter Packages” have spurred demand for flights to colder destinations. The piece further highlights how social media influencers (especially on platforms like Instagram and YouTube) are now key drivers for destination promotion. A partnership between Instagram and the tourism board of New Zealand is used as a case study to illustrate this trend.

4. The Economic Upswing & Challenges Ahead

In summarizing the financial impact, the article cites the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s 2023 forecast that India’s outbound tourism will contribute about USD 10.5 billion to the economy by 2025, with winter season revenues accounting for 12% of that total. This is a substantial increase from the pre‑pandemic level of USD 8.1 billion in 2019.

However, the article also acknowledges challenges:

• Visa & Regulatory Hurdles – While e‑visa options have expanded, travelers still face complexities when visiting multi‑country packages, especially in the EU. The article references the Schengen visa application portal’s recent overhaul.

• Sustainability Concerns – An increase in mass tourism has raised concerns about environmental footprints. The article points to a Ministry of Environment report urging tourism operators to adopt green certification standards.

• Price Volatility – The article warns that global fuel price fluctuations can cause sudden hikes in airfare and accommodation rates, potentially dampening the current boom.

5. Take‑away: The Hybrid Holiday Landscape

The Moneycontrol piece concludes by painting a picture of a hybrid holiday landscape for Indian travelers. On one hand, the “chill‑chasing” of foreign ski resorts and European winter markets remains a major trend, while on the other hand, domestic spiritual and wellness holidays are carving out a larger niche. The article suggests that travel companies need to cater to both mindsets simultaneously: offering bundled “chill‑plus‑wellness” packages that combine a week in the mountains with a few days of yoga and Ayurveda back home.

For policymakers, the takeaway is clear: the government should continue to streamline visa processes, promote sustainable tourism, and support domestic wellness infrastructure to keep the sector growing.

In Sum

Moneycontrol’s “Chasing the Chill” article is an exhaustive, data‑rich briefing on how India’s winter travel boom is reshaping both outbound and domestic tourism. It blends market statistics, traveler motivations, and industry viewpoints to show that the Indian travel industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving: a blend of adrenaline‑filled ski holidays abroad and soul‑searching retreats within India. Whether you’re a travel agent, a policy maker, or a curious traveler, the article offers a clear map of where the industry is headed and how best to navigate it.