1. Alternative Stays are Now Mainstream
Hotels are no longer the default choice for many Indian travellers. The 'How India Travels 2026: The Homes Edit' report, released by Booking.com in partnership with VIDEC Consultants, shows a massive shift towards alternative accommodations like homestays,
apartments, and villas. This isn't just a niche trend; it's a core part of the travel economy, with 62% of travellers actively comparing these options against traditional hotels for their trips. Why the change? Travellers feel these stays offer more authentic local experiences and create more meaningful memories. A significant 83% of travellers also find them ideal for trips with family and groups, providing better value for money.
2. Experiences and Authenticity Over Everything
The stay is becoming the experience. Today's travellers are looking for more than just a place to sleep; they want their accommodation to be an integral part of their holiday. According to Booking.com's research, a staggering 85% of Indian travellers choose alternative stays specifically to access authentic local culture and food. This is part of a larger trend where activity-packed and experiential holidays are becoming the norm. People are booking unique stays like farmhouses and heritage properties to connect deeply with the destination, turning their accommodation into a highlight of the trip itself. The focus has moved from simply visiting a place to living it, even for a short while.
3. The Rise of Spontaneous, Mood-Driven Trips
Waiting for a major life event or a long holiday to travel is becoming a thing of the past. A recent Booking.com study found that 58% of Indian travellers have taken a trip 'just because they wanted to'. These spontaneous getaways are often triggered by small personal wins, like finishing a tough week at work, or even by a desire to escape bad weather. This trend points towards more frequent, shorter trips, with many people taking two to three leisure trips a year not tied to any milestone. Some are even booking trips to avoid social obligations or escape noisy home renovations, showing that travel is becoming a tool for managing everyday life.
4. Business Travel Gets a Homely Makeover
It's not just leisure travellers who are rethinking their stays. Business travel is also seeing a significant shift. Nearly one in five bookings in alternative accommodations is now for work-related trips, a number projected to grow. Professionals on the move are increasingly opting for apartments and aparthotels. The key motivators include having more space, such as a separate workspace or living area (cited by 41% of business travellers), and the ability to accommodate family members who may be travelling with them (40%). This blending of work and leisure, often called 'bleisure', is becoming more common as professionals seek a more comfortable and flexible environment while on the road.
5. Sustainability is a Deciding Factor
Travellers are increasingly making choices with the planet in mind. A striking 96% of Indian travellers now consider sustainable travel important, according to a 2026 Booking.com report. This isn't just a vague sentiment; it's influencing booking decisions. Many travellers are actively looking for eco-certified properties and prefer stays that support local communities. In fact, 83% of those who choose alternative accommodations consider them a more sustainable choice, linking the trend of authentic stays with responsible travel. This shows a growing awareness that a memorable holiday can also be a mindful one.
