Travel becomes personal and purposeful
The study highlights a clear shift toward mindful and self-expressive travel. Whether inspired by books, beauty rituals, family connections, or mountain retreats, the Indian traveller of 2026 is moving away from the traditional checklist approach. More than half of all travellers are willing to spend as much or more on their next trips compared to 2025, yet their focus remains on balance—meaningful indulgence without overspending.
Food quality, visa ease, and value for money continue to influence choices, but now they’re joined by emotional satisfaction and self-discovery as core motivators. Neel Ghose, Skyscanner’s travel trends expert, describes the change as “a move toward deeper, authentic travel that reflects who you are rather than where you go.”
Tech-driven adventures and AI-powered planning
Technology has become the ultimate travel companion. With 86 percent of Indians expressing confidence in using artificial intelligence to plan their journeys, India ranks highest globally in AI travel adoption. Skyscanner’s own AI-powered “Savvy Search,” developed in partnership with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, tailors itineraries based on personal interests, from food tours to mountain retreats.
Travellers are increasingly using these tools to make quick, smart, and custom plans—turning research into discovery and booking into excitement. As Ghose notes, “Travel is no longer about escaping life; it’s about discovering deeper ways to connect with it.”
Where Indians are going and what they seek
Skyscanner’s data uncovers fascinating insights into what drives the modern Indian explorer. Instead of crowded tourist hubs, travellers are opting for quieter, character-rich destinations. Hotels and stays are becoming focal points themselves—with 82 percent of Indians choosing destinations based on the accommodation experience. Boutique villas, Instagram-ready penthouses, and design-led stays are redefining the idea of travel comfort.
Meanwhile, “shelf discovery” has emerged as a surprising trend—visiting grocery stores and local markets to understand a country’s everyday culture. Nearly 80 percent of travellers now see supermarkets as cultural windows, blending shopping with storytelling.
Beauty lovers are leading another growing trend. Known as “Glowmads,” these travellers pick destinations that align with self-care routines. From spa holidays and duty-free skincare hauls to beauty-focused trips, the modern vacation is merging wellness with wanderlust.
Mountain dreams and family miles
In 2026, mountains are the new beaches. More than 90 percent of Indian travellers prefer alpine escapes, finding solace and self-reflection in elevated landscapes. For younger explorers, climbing peaks and exploring the Himalayas has become as much about inner growth as adventure.
Family travel is also evolving, with more Indians taking multi-generational trips. Nearly half of all travellers have journeyed with parents or children, seeing travel as a way to strengthen emotional bonds. From spiritual towns to slow countryside getaways, these experiences are redefining what family time means.
Where meaning meets discovery
Skyscanner’s list of trending destinations for 2026 reflects the desire for authenticity and newness. Jorhat in Assam tops the charts with a 493 percent rise in searches, followed by Jaffna in Sri Lanka, Muscat in Oman, Queenstown in New Zealand, and Chiang Rai in Thailand. At the same time, value-driven travellers are finding affordable inspiration in destinations like Tirupati, Langkawi, and Berlin, where flight prices have dropped significantly.
Ghose adds, “The modern Indian traveller is intentional and curious, blending digital ease with emotional depth. They seek experiences that echo their individuality—whether that’s trekking in Sikkim, reading in Prague, or skincare shopping in Seoul.”
The future of travel is personal
In 2026, travel is becoming an act of identity. It’s about rediscovering yourself in new surroundings, connecting with cultures on your own terms, and letting technology enhance—not replace—the magic of exploration. From book-inspired getaways to glow-up vacations and family bonding journeys, every trip tells a story that feels deeply personal.
Follow Travel Moves on Instagram and Facebook for more stories, insights, and updates from the world of travel, culture, and global exploration.
