As we enter 2025, the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. More than ever, entrepreneurs are seeking not only success but freedom—freedom to innovate, to manage their time, and to build businesses that align with their values. While business books are plentiful, many focus on the same strategies and well-known concepts. However, there are a select few hidden gems that offer fresh perspectives and unique insights on achieving entrepreneurial freedom. These books go beyond traditional advice, helping entrepreneurs develop the mindset and tools necessary for breaking free from the daily grind and creating sustainable, impactful businesses.

In this article, we’ll uncover seven lesser-known but highly valuable books that are perfect for anyone looking to embrace entrepreneurial freedom in 2025.

Must-read books for those seeking entrepreneurial freedom

1. The Freedom Formula by Jeffry A. Timmons

The “Freedom Formula” is a powerful guide for entrepreneurs who want to build a business that doesn’t consume every minute of their day. Unlike books that solely focus on scaling or profitability, Timmons’ approach is centred around creating businesses that free you up to live your life on your terms.

Key insight: The book emphasises designing a business around your life goals rather than the other way around. It introduces strategies for leveraging systems, delegation, and automation to reduce time spent on routine tasks.

2. The Lean Entrepreneur by Brant Cooper & Patrick Vlaskovits

While many entrepreneurs are familiar with the Lean Startup methodology, the “Lean Entrepreneur” delves deeper into how this approach can be applied to create a flexible, scalable business that provides both growth and freedom.

Key insight: The book teaches how to build a business model that allows for quick iterations and pivots, which ultimately reduces the time and effort needed to reach success. It encourages entrepreneurs to focus on creating value for customers while maintaining control over their time and resources.

3. Work Less, Make More by Jennifer White

For entrepreneurs caught up in the hustle culture, “Work Less, Make More” offers a refreshing take on how to build a profitable business without sacrificing personal time. White advocates for working smarter, not harder.

Key insight: The core message is that by focusing on high-leverage tasks and delegating or eliminating low-impact activities, entrepreneurs can increase their income while working fewer hours. The book also explores automation tools and outsourcing as means of achieving entrepreneurial freedom.

4. The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau

Guillebeau’s book is perfect for those who aspire to break away from traditional business models and embrace a more unconventional approach to entrepreneurship. He advocates for creating a business that supports a lifestyle filled with travel, adventure, and personal freedom.

Key insight: Instead of following the traditional 9-to-5 path or industry norms, Guillebeau encourages entrepreneurs to design their own business models based on what excites them, all while keeping a focus on personal autonomy and freedom.

5. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

Though “The E-Myth” is well-known, it’s still an underappreciated resource for those seeking true entrepreneurial freedom. Gerber breaks down the myth that being an entrepreneur means working 24/7.

Key insight: Gerber argues that entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of working in their business rather than on their business. He encourages the creation of systems and processes that allow business owners to step away from day-to-day operations while still maintaining success.

6. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

Although this book is often listed among the most influential for entrepreneurs, its transformative approach to work-life balance and time freedom still makes it a hidden gem for many. Ferriss advocates for automation, outsourcing, and creating a business that runs without you being physically present.

Key insight: Ferriss’ ideas on location independence and leveraging technology to create passive income streams are game-changers for entrepreneurs aiming to achieve freedom in both time and location.

7. The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco

DeMarco’s book challenges traditional notions of wealth-building by teaching entrepreneurs to break free from the conventional “slow lane” of working for decades in pursuit of financial independence.

Key insight: He emphasises the importance of creating scalable businesses that provide long-term wealth and freedom. By focusing on solving problems at scale, entrepreneurs can build businesses that run without constant input and lead to greater personal freedom.

Takeaway

Entrepreneurial freedom in 2025 is more attainable than ever before, but it requires a shift in mindset and strategy. The books mentioned here aren’t your typical business reads; they offer unconventional wisdom and actionable advice that will help you design a business that serves your life, not the other way around. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, automate processes, or simply think outside the box, these hidden gems provide the insights needed to achieve the true freedom that entrepreneurship can offer. By embracing these strategies, you can build a business that’s not only successful but also liberating.

Indians’ appetite for travel grew in 2024. The country is also witnessing a shift in travel preferences, with more people opting for offbeat destinations and eco-tourism, as well as a surge in solo and women travelers. 

According to the MasterCard Economics Institute’s latest report launched in May 2024, there has been a 21% increase in international travel compared to 2019, with a notable 4% increase in the first quarter of 2024.

Specifically, the number of visitors to the United States increased by 59% compared to 2019 while Japan saw a 53% increase in the number of Indian visitors compared to 2019.

The highest though—at 248%—were Southeast Asia countries. Vietnam has also become one of the main attractions for Indian tourists, according to the report.

“As we approach the year-end holiday season, we’re seeing a fascinating shift in travel preferences. Destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, London, and Bali have emerged as the top picks for international travel this winter witnessing an 80-100% YoY growth in bookings,” Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, Ixigo, told YourStory.

“Interestingly, for the first time, Maldives has not featured in the top 10 most-searched destinations for year-end travel, reflecting a growing preference for more varied and immersive vacations over traditional hotspots,” he added.

The Gurugram-based OTA listed platform saw strong growth in flights at +43% YoY GTV (Gross Transaction Value) and buses at +46 %YoY GTV in Q2 FY25 vs Q2 FY24. 

“Our Monthly Transacting Users (MTUs) increased by nearly 43% YoY, reaching 3.43 million for the quarter. Flights and buses together now contribute about 60% of our company’s margins,” adds Bajpai.

The travel-tech company made a stellar debut on the exchanges on June 18, 2024, with shares surging 78.2% from its IPO price of Rs 93 per equity share. The IPO, which raised Rs 740 crore was oversubscribed 98.34 times, driven by strong demand from institutional, HNI, and retail investors. 

Domestic travel

Bajpai shared that more travellers from Tier II and III cities are choosing international destinations.

“For example, airports like Varanasi, Vijayawada, Rajkot, and Jharsuguda have grown over 50% in passenger segments YoY for us. Additionally, our international flight GTV has grown at an impressive 47%, outpacing domestic flight growth,” he mentions.

Recently at the BOTT Knowledge Conclave: Tourism@2025 in New Delhi, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat discussed India’s significant tourism growth. 

Key states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan have emerged as top destinations, benefiting from cultural festivals, wildlife tourism, religious pilgrimages, and rural tourism. 

Initiatives like the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign and state-level tourism promotion efforts have played a crucial role in this remarkable growth, further enhancing India’s appeal as a domestic travel destination.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, domestic tourist numbers have seen a remarkable increase of 95.64%. India’s ranking in the global travel and tourism development index (TTDI) has improved from 65 to 39. 

A biennial report published by the World Economic Forum, the TTDI measures the factors and policies that enable a country’s travel and tourism sector to develop sustainably and resiliently. 

He also mentioned that over Rs 6,800 crore has been invested in destination development, with Rs 3,295.76 crore approved to promote lesser-known tourism sites across states.

“On the domestic front, destinations like Jammu, Srinagar, and Dehradun are seeing a huge spike in bookings, highlighting a growing interest in mountain escapades this year. This contrasts with last year’s trend, where beachside getaways dominated year-end travel plans. The appeal of scenic winter landscapes and the charm of snowfall seem to be drawing more travelers to the mountains this season,” says ​​Bajpai.

According to MakeMyTrip data for travel between 16-31s December, Andaman, Kerala, Goa, Himachal and Kashmir saw double-digit growth in bookings for holiday packages for the upcoming year-end holiday season.

Seeking spirituality

India’s spiritual destinations are getting popular. According to digital travel platform Agoda, cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai are leading domestic destinations for spiritual travel during the last quarter of the year.

For inbound travelers, Kochi and Varanasi are among the most popular spiritual destinations. 

Both destinations attract international spiritual travelers because of their deep-rooted cultural, historical, and religious significance. Travelers from the USA, Singapore, Japan, and Australia are contributing to the rise in inbound interest, drawn to India’s unique fusion of spirituality and culture during the festive period. 

Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director, India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda, commented on the growing trend, saying, “The rising interest in spiritual destinations throughout India reflects travellers’ evolving preferences for more enriching and culturally immersive experiences.”

Tech in travel

In 2024, technology is also playing a key role, as travel companies leveraged mobile apps, smart bookings, and real-time travel updates to make travel easier.

“ixigo was the first OTA in India to launch a Generative AI-based travel planning tool named PLAN in 2023 to help travellers plan their trip, get itineraries and real-time information and recommendations based on input criteria,” says Bajpai.

Online travel aggregator, EaseMyTrip says it uses AI/ML-based algorithms and a WhatsApp booking bot along with other tools. 

“Technology has become increasingly central to travel planning and execution, with 84% of Indian travelers now leveraging AI tools for their journey planning. This technological integration extends to sustainable travel practices, with a growing emphasis on carbon offset programs and eco-friendly accommodations, reflecting the industry’s adaptation to environmentally conscious consumer preferences,” added Nishant Pittie CEO and Co-founder of EaseMyTrip.

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to radiate sophistication and luxury, even in the simplest of outfits? It’s not about designer labels or extravagant spending; it’s about mastering the art of refined style. Looking expensive and elegant is an attainable goal for anyone, and it doesn’t require an overflowing bank account—just a keen eye for details and a few strategic adjustments. In this guide, we’ll uncover 10 secrets that can elevate your appearance instantly. From wardrobe choices to personal grooming, these tips will help you channel timeless elegance and leave a lasting impression wherever you go.

10 tips to look expensive and elegant

1. Invest in tailored pieces

Ill-fitting clothes can ruin even the most stylish outfit. Tailored clothing, on the other hand, enhances your natural shape, making you look polished and put together. Tailoring ensures that your clothes fit your body perfectly, making even inexpensive items appear high-end.

Take your favourite pieces—blazers, trousers, or dresses—to a local tailor. Minor adjustments like hemming, taking in the waist, or shortening sleeves can dramatically improve the fit.

2. Stick to neutral colors

Neutral tones such as black, white, beige, navy, and grey have a timeless quality that exudes sophistication. These colours are easy to mix and match, creating a cohesive and expensive-looking wardrobe. They’re versatile, understated, and flattering for all skin tones.

Build a capsule wardrobe with neutral-coloured staples, such as a white button-up shirt, beige trousers, and a black blazer. Use accessories like scarves or jewellery to add personality.

3. Opt for quality fabrics

The texture and weight of fabrics can make or break your outfit. High-quality materials like silk, wool, cashmere, and linen have a luxurious look and feel. Look for fabrics that drape well, feel soft to the touch, and have minimal sheen unless intentional, like in silk. Avoid shiny, thin, or overly synthetic materials.

Thrift stores and discount outlets often carry high-quality fabrics at a fraction of the original price.

4. Master the art of minimal accessories

Overloading on jewellery or accessories can make your outfit look cluttered. Less is more when aiming for an elegant appearance. A classic wristwatch, pearl or diamond stud earrings, and a simple gold or silver necklace.

Stick to one or two statement pieces at a time. For example, if you’re wearing bold earrings, skip the necklace or keep it minimal.

5. Maintain a polished grooming routine

Elegance isn’t just about clothes—it’s also about grooming. A polished appearance instantly elevates your overall look.

Keep your hairstyle neat and well-maintained. Regular trims and a sleek blow-dry can make a big difference. Prioritise skincare to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion. A good skincare routine can make you glow without heavy makeup. Keep nails clean, well-shaped, and polished in neutral or classic shades like nude, red, or French tips.

6. Choose structured bags

A bag can make or break your outfit. Structured handbags with clean lines and minimal embellishments look more expensive than slouchy or overly trendy designs. Go for bags made from genuine leather or high-quality faux leather in neutral shades like black, beige, or tan.

Brands like Celine, Michael Kors, and Coach offer timeless designs. If these are out of budget, look for high-quality dupes that mimic these styles.

7. Wear well-fitting and clean shoes

Shoes are a crucial part of your outfit. Scuffed, dirty, or ill-fitting shoes can ruin an otherwise polished look. Opt for classic designs like leather pumps, loafers, or ankle boots.

Use a shoe polish kit to keep leather shoes looking new, and replace worn-out soles when needed.

8. Master monochromatic dressing

Monochromatic outfits—dressing in one colour or various shades of the same colour—create a sleek, cohesive look. This style elongates your silhouette and gives the impression of a curated wardrobe.

Pair a beige sweater with cream trousers and nude heels, or create an all-black look with different textures like leather and wool.

9. Add a statement coat

Outerwear is often the first thing people notice, especially in cooler months. A high-quality, tailored coat can instantly elevate your appearance. Choose classic silhouettes like trench coats, wool coats, or pea coats in neutral colours.

Look for second-hand designer coats at consignment stores or online resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective.

10. Confidence is the ultimate luxury

No matter how perfectly you dress, elegance comes from within. Confidence is the ultimate accessory that ties your entire look together.

Stand tall with your shoulders back—it conveys poise and self-assurance. A genuine smile is an instant mood booster and makes you appear approachable and confident. Wear your outfit with pride, knowing you’ve made intentional choices that align with your style.

Elegance isn’t about wealth—it’s about effort, mindfulness, and intentional choices. By focusing on tailored clothing, neutral tones, quality fabrics, and polished grooming, you can create a timeless and expensive look. Combine these elements with structured accessories, clean shoes, and a confident attitude, and you’ll master the art of looking expensive without spending a fortune. Remember, true elegance is about presenting yourself with care and confidence—it’s a style choice that never goes out of fashion.