For many travellers today, the holiday no longer begins at the airport but starts the moment they begin planning it. From scrolling through destinations to mapping itineraries and comparing stays, the process
itself has become an exciting part of the experience rather than a chore.
Recent travel trend insights by Booking.com highlight this shift clearly. A growing number of Indian travellers now enjoy planning their trips just as much as taking them. In fact, nearly 75% prefer to handle bookings themselves, signalling a move away from stress-driven planning to something far more personal and enjoyable.
Planning Personalities Are Changing the Way We Travel
The report also highlights that this shift is giving rise to distinct “travel personalities,” each reflecting a different approach to planning.
Leading the trend is the enthusiastic planner—someone who takes charge of bookings, enjoys researching options, and is happy to invest time in crafting the perfect trip.
The shared booker also likes being in control but often wishes others would step in and share the responsibility, making planning feel more collaborative.
Then there’s the supportive contributor, who is happy to help with specific tasks like researching or booking a part of the trip, but prefers not to lead the entire process.
The reluctant booker is someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy planning but ends up taking charge anyway, often because no one else steps up.
Finally, the go-with-the-flow follower prefers to leave all planning to others and is content simply enjoying the trip without getting involved in the logistics.
Together, these personalities show that while the excitement around travel is shared, the way people approach planning can be very different.
Travel Is Still About People, Not Just Places
While destinations matter, who you travel with continues to shape the overall experience. The report shows that family trips remain the top choice among Indian travellers, with 56% opting to travel with their families, followed by getaways with friends or partners.
Work trips and extended family vacations are also seeing growing interest, while solo travel, preferred by 24% of travellers, continues to gain popularity among those seeking more independent experiences.
Kids And Pets Are Influencing Travel Plans
Interestingly, travel decisions are no longer driven solely by adults. Children are playing a bigger role in shaping itineraries, with many families prioritising destinations and activities that keep their kids happy and engaged.
At the same time, pets are becoming part of the travel equation. More travellers are now looking for pet-friendly stays, dining options, and experiences, signalling a broader move towards more inclusive and flexible travel plans.
Data shared by the travel company shows that 10% of Indian travellers are planning to travel with their pets this year, nearly double from 6% in 2025.
A More Intentional Way To Travel
Another key trend emerging is the sense of optimism and curiosity among travellers. A majority are looking forward to their upcoming trips, with many planning to explore new destinations rather than revisit familiar ones.
“We are seeing a shift in how Indian travellers are approaching travel in 2026. Planning is no longer just a means to an end, but an integral part of the travel experience itself. In 2026, travellers are more intentional and positive, with plans influenced by who they travel with, whether it is family, children or pets,” Santosh Kumar, Regional Head, South Asia at Booking.com said.
This reflects a shift towards more intentional travel—where the focus is not just on where you go, but how you experience it.
