Travel plans for 2026 are already taking shape, and the way people are choosing destinations is slowly changing. Instead of rushing from one place to another, many travellers are now thinking more carefully
about where they go and why. The focus is shifting towards slower trips, better planning, and experiences that feel more personal.
Inputs from travel app founders, hotel groups, cruise companies, and travel creators suggest that 2026 will be less about showing off trips and more about enjoying them. Travellers want fewer crowds, more comfort, and places that allow them to settle in rather than rush through.
Travellers Are Planning Trips More Carefully Now
One of the biggest challenges people face today is sorting through too much travel information online. Paid promotions, edited photos, and fake reviews have made it harder to trust what you see.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Pia Shivdasani, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of travel app NowYouKnow, explained, “Travellers do not need more information. They need recommendations rooted in trust and personal context. In a country as culturally diverse as India, a single aggregated rating rarely reflects an individual’s taste or lifestyle. People decide through friends, shared experiences and real stories, not anonymous scores. That shift is shaping how trips will be planned in 2026.”
Destinations That Offer Meaning Are Gaining Attention
Data from Skyscanner shows that Indian travellers are planning more trips in 2026 and are open to spending the same or more than before. The real change lies in intent. People are looking for places that feel calmer, less crowded, and closer to local life.
Seoul, South Korea, is drawing travellers who want to experience daily city life, from cafes and fashion to food and wellness spaces. Almaty, Kazakhstan, appeals to those looking for nature and culture without busy crowds, with mountains close to the city. Closer home, Kochi continues to attract travellers who enjoy good food, art-filled streets, and a slower pace that allows time to pause.
Beach Holidays Are About Calm, Not Crowds
Many travellers are choosing beach breaks to unwind rather than tick destinations off a list. Clear water, quiet surroundings, and simple days are becoming more important than famous beach names.
Travel influencer Rida Tharana told Hindustan Times, “I think beach destinations away from the usual circuit are really going to grow. Places like Seychelles, the Philippines and Zanzibar feel especially tempting right now. Maybe it is also personal bias because all I want is a beach break with the bluest, calmest water. In India, Lakshadweep is definitely one to watch. Beyond that, most destinations already have their own momentum. People who have wanted to visit them for years will go anyway.”
Cruise Travel Is Picking Up Pace In India
Cruise holidays are expected to grow in 2026 as more Indian travellers explore sea travel. Cruises now focus on relaxed schedules, food, culture, and time at sea instead of rushed stops. Routes from Indian ports are expanding to destinations like Dubai, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Lakshadweep, and Kochi. Luxury travel is no longer about packed schedules or checking off places. It now focuses on comfort, time, and meaningful experiences.
