For years, Europe has been at the top of every Indian traveller’s bucket list. Whether it’s a romantic getaway in Paris, a family holiday in Switzerland, or a historical escape through Italy and Greece, the continent has long promised postcard perfect memories. But this year, that promise is being tested. From extreme weather and visa hassles to airport disruptions and cost pressures, travelling to Europe in 2025 has become far more complicated than many anticipated.
One of the biggest hurdles is the Schengen visa process, which has left many Indian tourists stranded before they even begin packing. With thousands of applications flooding embassies, securing an appointment is a race against time. Even after a slot is booked, the processing often drags on for over a month. The documentation requirements are strict and one small mistake can lead to rejection, making the process even more stressful. Many have had to cancel or postpone trips, losing money on non refundable bookings and facing immense disappointment.
Unfortunately, even those who do manage to land the visa face fresh problems once they arrive. Airports across Europe are struggling with understaffing, system failures, and waves of labour strikes. This has led to unannounced flight cancellations, lost luggage, and long immigration queues. Countries like France and the Netherlands have been among the hardest hit, and travellers now find themselves having to build extra hours or even an extra day into their itinerary just to handle airport delays.
If that wasn’t enough, the weather is proving to be yet another challenge. Europe’s ongoing heatwaves are turning sightseeing into an uncomfortable experience, especially in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. With temperatures crossing safe levels, tourists are being warned to avoid outdoor activities in the afternoon. Public transport networks and older heritage hotels without air conditioning are struggling to cope, leaving visitors drained and disappointed. For those used to milder summers, this heat has turned once dreamy holidays into exhausting marathons.
The introduction of stricter entry rules is also causing concern. Europe’s new border policy, expected to roll out later this year, will include biometric data collection from non EU travellers. This includes fingerprint scans and facial recognition, which while meant to streamline future travel, is currently leading to more congestion at entry points. Many travellers are already feeling the effects with longer wait times and increased scrutiny at airports.
On top of all these factors is the rising cost of everything. From hotel rooms and local transport to meals and tourist taxes, prices have seen a steep rise. Cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Venice have introduced new tourist levies that significantly bump up travel expenses. For Indian travellers, a weaker rupee has made even basic experiences feel financially draining. A simple family trip now demands months of budgeting and compromises.
Given all this, many Indian travellers are starting to look elsewhere. Countries in Southeast Asia like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia offer far easier visa processes, better affordability, and growing infrastructure for tourism. Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are also gaining popularity for their unique culture and simpler travel logistics. These destinations may not offer the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, but they are offering something increasingly rare in international travel today peace of mind.
Experts believe that this shift is not temporary. Travellers now value ease, comfort, and reliability over the glamour of the destination. Europe may still hold its charm, but without addressing these practical challenges, it risks losing out to places that offer more value with less stress.
For Indian travellers, the message is clear. If you have your heart set on Europe, plan ahead, prepare for delays, and build flexibility into your itinerary. But if you are looking for a simpler, smoother, and equally enriching holiday, there are now many more places worth exploring.
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