Press Release | January 8, 2025

Planning a dream vacation often feels more like a mental workout than a joy, with a new report revealing that overthinking, cost concerns, and fear of imperfection are the top reasons Indians hesitate to book their travels. Skyscanner’s latest Wanderlost report sheds light on this growing phenomenon and offers practical solutions, including affordable destinations and neuroscience-backed hacks, to ease the stress of trip planning.

The Rising Trend of “Wanderlost”
Nearly 94% of Indian travellers admit to overthinking their holiday plans, with 96% fearing they’ll make the “wrong” choice. For many, planning a trip feels as challenging as deciding on major life events like higher education. The process is mentally taxing, with 75% of Indians finding trip planning overwhelming. January, a month synonymous with new beginnings, sees 89% of Indians laying the groundwork for their year’s adventures, but concerns like cost (95%) and choice paralysis often hold them back.

Neuroscience Meets Travel
To tackle the mental strain of planning, Skyscanner partnered with neuroscientist Dr. Faye Begeti, who identifies the root of Wanderlost as decision fatigue. “Planning a holiday can become exhausting due to the cognitive juggling of multiple options,” says Dr. Begeti. Her advice? Simplify choices, prioritize key decisions when your energy is highest, and leverage the excitement of anticipation to make planning feel rewarding.

Skyscanner’s tools like the “Cheapest Month” feature and “Explore Everywhere” search are designed to cut through the stress, offering tailored, budget-friendly options. For 2025, destinations like Ayodhya (from ₹8,390), Kochi (from ₹9,898), and Phnom Penh (from ₹12,262) make the list of the cheapest places to visit. These wallet-friendly choices aim to reignite wanderlust without breaking the bank.

Transforming Stress into Excitement
Skyscanner’s Travel and Destinations Expert, Mohit Joshi, emphasises making travel planning enjoyable again. “Our tools simplify each step, so travellers can focus on their passion for exploration. The right destination, at the right price, is only a click away,” he says.

Dr. Begeti also suggests breaking free from routine and exploring new destinations to make trips more memorable. For Indian travellers, stepping out of their comfort zones could mean venturing to under-explored locales like Davao, Philippines (from ₹23,557), or indulging in a serene retreat in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir (from ₹12,370).

2025’s Must-Visit Destinations: Skyscanner’s analysis of millions of flight bookings has revealed the top affordable destinations for Indian travellers:

1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – from ₹8,390
2. Kochi, Kerala – from ₹9,898
3. Phnom Penh, Cambodia – from ₹12,262
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – from ₹17,425
5. With such insights, Skyscanner ensures travellers can plan confidently, saving both time and money.

Hacks to Beat Wanderlost: The report outlines five simple strategies to ease decision-making:

1. Combat Decision Fatigue: Narrow down options to avoid overwhelming your brain.
2. Prioritize Key Decisions Early: Tackle major choices like flights and accommodations when your mind is sharp.
3. Choose Holidays That Match Your Energy: Opt for a nature retreat if mentally drained, or a city adventure if seeking excitement.
4. Embrace Anticipation: Use tools like saved destination lists to make planning more enjoyable.
5. Break Free from Routine: Explore unexpected destinations to enrich your travel experience.

With Skyscanner’s insights, tools, and hacks, 2025 promises to transform Wanderlost into wanderlust for Indian travellers, empowering them to explore the world without stress or second-guessing.