Post pandemic, Indians have gone back to travelling with a vengeance, a fact that continues to be supported by travel reports every year. This year is no
different. As per Skyscanner's newly released Travel Trends 2026 Report, three in five Indians plan to travel more in 2026, with many willing to spend the same, or more, on flights (58%), accommodation (49%), and car hire (35%) compared to 2025. Cost-consciousness remains important, with food (63%), flight costs (60%), accommodation (56%), and visa requirements (48%) driving choices. And on their radar are destinations both within and outside India that are offbeat, interesting and come without the premium tag. In India, Jorhat has seen the biggest rise in interest, with searches going up by 493%. This was followed by Jaffna (325%), Muscat (211%), Queenstown (151%) and Chiang Rai (133%). Indians are also interested in cultural and scenic destinations that come without a hefty price tag. In India, Tirupati takes the cake with an 18% drop in price, followed by Langkawi, Berlin, Dehradun and Phuket.
Seven Travel Trends For 2026
Destination Check-In
Hotels are no longer just stops along the way but are becoming central to the travel experience. Over 80% of Indians now choose destinations based on a compelling stay, from boutique hotels to beachfront villas, rather than just landmarks.
Shelf Discovery
Local supermarkets and convenience stores are becoming cultural hotspots. Nearly 8 in 10 Indians explore grocery aisles abroad, seeking flavours and experiences that turn shopping into a cultural adventure.
Glowmads
Travel meets wellness as Indians increasingly combine skincare, beauty, and wellness experiences with trips. From duty-free luxury products to local spa rituals, travel is now part of a holistic beauty ritual.
Altitude Shift
Beaches are taking a backseat as Indians gravitate towards mountains and off-peak alpine escapes. With 92% dreaming of year-round highland adventures, skiing, trekking, and winter experiences are set to soar.
Family Miles
Intergenerational travel is on the rise. Nearly half of Indian travellers journey with parents, 44% with children under 18, and 38% have embraced three-generation trips, blending culture with connection.
Catching Flights & Feelings
Travel is sparking new bonds. From fleeting friendships to whirlwind romances abroad, 87% of Indians say trips create meaningful human connections.
Book-Bound Getaways
After years of set-jetting, where people travelled to visit their favourite movie/show locations, literature lovers are now planning trips around books, libraries, and iconic literary locales. Nearly 80% of Indians have booked or are considering book-inspired escapes.
