From Sightseeing to Skill-Seeking
The souvenir is no longer a miniature Taj Mahal; it’s a new skill. A fundamental shift is underway in how Indians perceive travel, with many now choosing to return from a trip with tangible abilities, not just photos. This trend, sometimes called 'skillcation'
or 'hobbiday', involves planning entire trips around learning or mastering a craft, from pottery and weaving to scuba diving and yoga. Reports show a clear move towards experience-based travel, with a significant percentage of Indian travellers planning to pursue a hobby or sport during their holidays. Travel operators have noted a sharp rise in queries for learning-based activities, with some predicting annual growth of 15-20% for this niche segment. This change reflects a deeper desire for more meaningful and deliberate journeys, where the focus is on personal growth and authentic connection rather than a packed itinerary.
A Taste for Travel: The Culinary Quest
For an increasing number of Indians, the reason to travel is the food itself. Culinary tourism is booming, propelled by a desire to explore the country's vast and diverse food heritage beyond just restaurant dining. Travellers are venturing on food walks in bustling cities, taking cooking classes in Bali, and embarking on culinary trails through regions like Rajasthan and Kerala to experience authentic local cuisines firsthand. This trend is so significant that the culinary tourism market in India was valued at over USD 110 Billion in 2025 and is projected to grow substantially. Social media and food influencers play a huge role, inspiring foodies to travel to specific destinations to taste a dish they saw online. This has prompted a surge in demand for food-focused tours, with some platforms seeing a 35% year-on-year growth in such requests.
The Call of the Wild: Adventure and the Great Outdoors
The definition of adventure is broadening for the Indian traveller. While hardcore trekking and mountaineering still have their place, there is a significant shift towards 'soft adventure'—experiences that prioritise connection with nature over pure conquest. This includes activities like guided hikes, cycling tours, kayaking, and wildlife trails. The growth is undeniable, with adventure ranking as a top travel motivation for Indians in 2026. One of India's largest trekking companies saw participation grow 60% between 2020 and 2025, a trend driven mainly by domestic travellers. Destinations offering immersive outdoor experiences like Leh, Rishikesh, and Mcleod Ganj are seeing a surge in interest. This pull towards the outdoors reflects a desire to escape urban routines and find rejuvenation in nature.
Through the Lens: The Photography Pilgrimage
With the rise of social media, travel and photography have become inseparable. For many, a holiday is an opportunity to hone their photography skills, and specialised photography tours are gaining immense popularity. These tours take enthusiasts to visually rich locations like Rajasthan for its vibrant culture, Varanasi for its spiritual moments, or Ladakh for its dramatic landscapes, all timed perfectly for the best light. The goal is to move beyond simple travel snapshots to creating powerful visual stories. Tour operators cater to this demand by offering access to hidden locations and local communities, which would be difficult for an independent traveller to find. From macro photography in the Western Ghats to capturing the cultural festivals of the Northeast, these trips are designed for those who see their vacation through a viewfinder.
Why We're Choosing Passion Over Passive Travel
So, what's driving this move towards purposeful travel? It's a combination of factors. Post-pandemic, there's a heightened desire to make travel more meaningful and intentional. A growing middle class with more disposable income is increasingly spending on experiences rather than just things. For millennials and Gen Z, in particular, the focus is on self-investment and personal growth; a holiday is a chance to recharge and bridge skill gaps. Social media has also shifted the narrative from showcasing landmarks to sharing personal, authentic experiences, inspiring others to seek out their own unique journeys. Ultimately, these hobby holidays are about more than just a break; they are an expression of identity and a quest for a deeper connection with the world and oneself.
