The aspiration to travel abroad reflects Indians’ evolving socio-economic ambitions, shaped by diverse factors such as age, education, and class. With globalisation and increasing exposure to international media, many Indians dream of exploring foreign lands, whether for education, employment, tourism, or migration. Despite the growing allure of international travel, a significant proportion of Indians still do not consider it a viable option. According to the findings of the study, nearly one in three (36%) urban Indians have either had the opportunity to travel abroad or aspire to do so in the future. However, three in five (61%) respondents have neither travelled nor thought of travelling abroad (Table 1).
Age emerges as a critical factor influencing aspirations for international travel. Younger people are more keen to explore the world, with over two-fifths (44%) of 18 to 25 year olds either having travelled or wanting to travel internationally. As people get older, they’re less likely to desire to travel abroad (Table 2).
This highlights a generational shift, where younger Indians exhibit higher global exposure and ambition than older cohorts.
Education level is another significant factor influencing Indians’ desire to travel abroad. Non literate respondents expressed least desire to travelling abroad at mere one in ten followed by nearly two in ten (17%) with some schooling. Respondents with a college-level education or higher showed the strongest inclination towards international travel, with a notable 45% having either travelled or aspiring to travel abroad. This disparity highlights the transformative impact of education on broadening perspectives, enhancing opportunities, and fostering international exposure and mobility. As education levels rise, so does the likelihood of being exposed to global ideas, cultures, and career opportunities. This, in turn, fuels the desire to explore the world beyond India’s borders. The strong correlation between education and travel aspirations underscores the critical role education plays in shaping Indians’ global outlook and ambitions (Table 2).
When it comes to international travel destinations, Indians have clear preferences. The United States emerges as the top choice, with three in 10 respondents expressing a desire to visit the country. The United Kingdom follows closely at two in 10 (21%), with Canada coming in third at 19%. These three countries are seen as global hubs for higher education and employment, offering a wide range of opportunities for Indians to study, work, and settle. The UAE is another popular destination, with 18% of respondents expressing interest in visiting the country (Table 3). The UAE’s thriving job market, particularly in sectors like construction, healthcare, and business, is a significant draw for Indians looking to work abroad.
Age and economic class significantly influence Indians’ international travel preferences. Younger individuals (18-25) favour the U.S. (35%), Canada (22%), U.K. (25%), and Germany (20%) for educational and career opportunities. In contrast, respondents above 56 years of age prefer the UAE and U.S. at 24% and 30% respectively (Table 4).
The upper class favours the U.S. (33%) and U.K. (26%), while the middle class has a more balanced approach, considering destinations across regions. However with the middle class also U.S. is seen to have a higher preference at 27%. Financial stability significantly impacts travel aspirations.
Respondents travel to different countries for various reasons, and the data offers valuable insights into the emerging preferences among Indian travellers when they were categorically asked for their preference for European countries for travel. Tourism remains the primary reason for Indian travel to Europe, with 56% choosing Switzerland and the U.K., followed by France at 55% and Germany at 49%. Italy attracts 45%, while Ireland, Norway, and Sweden each draw interest from around a third of respondents. Europe is also a key destination for education, with the UK being the top choice at 38%, followed by Germany at 34% and France at 31%, known for their high-quality institutions. In terms of employment, the U.K. leads with 42%, while Germany (37%) and France (36%) are also preferred for their strong job markets. For business, the U.K. (32%), France (30%), and Germany (28%) stand out due to their stable economies. When it comes to permanent relocation, the U.K. remains the most sought-after destination at 33%, followed by France at 28% and Germany at 26% (Table 5).
In Indian society, international travel is often linked to higher social status, whether through work, study, or travel. Nearly half (46%) of Indians believe that someone working in Europe has a higher social status than them, while 43% think the same about someone studying in Europe. Interestingly, 41% also believe that a person vacationing in Europe enjoys a higher social status (Table 6).
The perception of European countries as welcoming to Indians plays a crucial role in shaping travel preferences. The U.K., Germany, and France are considered particularly hospitable for education, employment, and tourism, further enhancing their appeal among Indian travellers. As globalisation shapes aspirations, education and financial stability remain key drivers of international travel.
Sanjay Kumar is Professor and Co-director of Lokniti-CSDS and Krishangi Sinha is a researcher at Lokniti-CSDS. This analysis is based on data collected during a comprehensive study on Indian Perceptions of Europe and Germany, jointly undertaken by Lokniti-CSDS with financial support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, India Office.
Published - March 13, 2025 08:30 am IST
