The Indian travel landscape is shifting gears in 2025. Traditional family vacations are no longer the only choice. A new wave is gaining popularity — frolleague getaways. These are trips with colleagues who double up as close friends.
According to the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, 28 per cent of Indian travellers now prefer travelling with frolleagues. While multigenerational family travel still tops the chart at 65 per cent, and partner travel follows closely at 60 per cent, this rise in frolleague travel highlights changing social dynamics.
From Boardrooms to Beaches
The trend is especially visible in India’s metro cities and fast-growing tier-2 hubs. Professionals from cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Indore are planning everything from post-quarter reward getaways to impromptu weekend breaks with their work besties.
Travel companies like Thomas Cook and SOTC are now curating special packages catering to these new-age travel groups. Popular destinations for such trips include Goa, Rishikesh, Jaipur, Bali, and Dubai.
Related read: Why weekend escapes are on the rise among IT professionals
Why Frolleagues Are the New Travel Tribe
1. Stronger Bonds Beyond Work:
Travelling with colleagues helps build deeper personal connections. It fosters camaraderie and team spirit, which often translates into improved work performance.
2. Shared Budget Preferences:
Frolleagues usually belong to the same income group, making it easier to plan mutually agreeable budgets. Group deals, split costs, and shared accommodations are attractive benefits.
3. Aligned Schedules:
Coordinating leaves with friends in other fields can be tough. With frolleagues, syncing time off becomes simpler, especially around company holidays or long weekends.
The Other Side: Challenges of Frolleague Travel
While frolleague trips offer unique bonding opportunities, they come with their own set of challenges.
1. Work Talk Overload:
Sometimes, workplace conversations spill over into leisure time. This may prevent complete relaxation.
2. Boundaries and Conflicts:
Differing travel preferences and unresolved office issues can occasionally lead to tension during the trip.
3. Professional Risks:
Too much personal interaction can blur professional lines, which may lead to complications back at work.
To avoid such challenges, experts suggest setting clear boundaries and expectations before travelling.
Travel Industry Reacts to the Trend
Tour operators are now customizing itineraries for frolleague groups. Packages include:
- Adventure-based bonding experiences
- Workation-friendly stays with Wi-Fi and meeting rooms
- Group discounts and team-building activities
“This shift reflects a cultural change,” says Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook. “Professionals today are not just working together; they are living fuller experiences together. Travel is becoming an extension of office friendships.”
Outlook: What This Means for Work Culture
The rise of frolleague getaways reflects a softer, more connected work culture. It shows how professional relationships are evolving to include emotional support systems outside the formal office setting.
With hybrid work models and increased focus on employee well-being, frolleague travel could soon become a norm rather than a trend. It may also influence HR policies that support team retreats and mental health breaks.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s celebrating wins or taking a break from work stress, frolleague getaways are transforming how Indian professionals unwind. With travel preferences shifting toward meaningful, experience-rich escapes, the office buddy may just become your next perfect travel companion.
Plan your next frolleague trip smartly — build memories, not just meetings.