Uncertain Times, Same Love For Travel: How Indian Travellers Are Rethinking Holidays Without Giving Them Up

Travel plans today come with their share of uncertainties. From sudden weather disruptions and rising airfares to geopolitical tensions and changing travel advisories, there is plenty that can throw a holiday off course. Yet, Indian travellers aren't necessarily cancelling their plans. Instead, many are changing their destinations, dates or itineraries and finding a way to keep the trip going.

Booking.com's inaugural Travel Happiness Index offers some insight into why travel continues to hold such a strong place in the lives of Indian travellers. Based on responses from 10,000 travellers across 10 Asia-Pacific markets, including India, the research shows that travel continues to bring happiness, support wellbeing and create opportunities for connection, even as travellers become more careful and flexible about how they plan their holidays.

Travel Planning Is Becoming Part Of The Holiday

For many Indians, the excitement of a holiday begins long before they pack their bags. It can be as simple as having a long weekend marked on the calendar or spending an evening figuring out where to eat once they arrive. Around 99 per cent associate travel with positive emotions, while 90 per cent say simply having a trip to look forward to lifts their mood. Another 77 per cent say this anticipation helps them cope with daily demands.

Planning is becoming part of that anticipation too. Instead of leaving everything to chance, travellers are researching destinations, comparing stays and putting together itineraries that give them a greater sense of control. Around 82 per cent say organising a trip makes them feel more in control, while 80 per cent prefer planning their itineraries in advance.

And the reasons for travelling are often less about ticking off destinations and more about spending time well. For 41 per cent, that means being with family and loved ones. Another 37 per cent are looking to escape their daily routines and reset, while 32 per cent are travelling for food and dining experiences.

Travellers Are Slowing Down And Seeking Meaningful Experiences

The packed holiday is slowly making room for something more relaxed. Instead of trying to see everything in two days, travellers are increasingly making space for the things they actually enjoy–a long lunch, a walk through a local neighbourhood, a scenic drive or simply an extra morning at the hotel.

Around 78 per cent prioritise trying local food and incorporating meaningful experiences, while 71 per cent prefer extending their holidays so they have more time to relax instead of squeezing everything into a packed itinerary.

That also changes what makes a trip memorable. Family trips are the most enjoyable for 68 per cent of Indian travellers. Spending quality time with travel companions, appreciating natural scenery and enjoying good food or drinks are among the simple moments that contribute to trip satisfaction.

The same thinking is beginning to influence where people stay. A vacation home or apartment can offer more space for a family, while a unique stay may make it easier to feel connected to the destination. Around 41 per cent choose vacation homes, apartments and unique stays for better value for money, while 34 per cent say such stays help them experience destinations in a more authentic, local way.

Santosh Kumar, Regional Head, South Asia at Booking.com, says this is part of a broader change in how Indians approach travel.

"Travel is increasingly becoming more than just a break from routine, it is an investment in wellbeing, relationships and personal enrichment. Our inaugural Travel Happiness Index shows that Indian travellers are planning their trips more thoughtfully, seeking authentic local experiences and finding ways to make their trip feel more worthwhile. What's particularly encouraging is their resilience–rather than putting their plans on hold during uncertainty, most are choosing to adapt and make the most of their trips."

When Plans Change, Travellers Are Finding A Plan B

A holiday doesn't necessarily have to be cancelled just because the original plan no longer works. A destination with a similar feel can replace the first choice. A trip can be pushed back by a few weeks. A three-day itinerary can become a shorter or longer one depending on what is happening on the ground.

That flexibility is increasingly becoming part of the way Indians travel. Despite concerns around extreme weather, health and hygiene risks, crime levels, inflation and political instability, 96 per cent say they would rather adjust their travel plans than cancel them altogether.

For some, that means choosing an alternative destination with a similar vibe. Others postpone their trip, while 19 per cent change its timing or duration. Affordability still matters, but it isn't necessarily putting travel out of reach. In fact, 70 per cent say they feel more confident in their ability to afford travel than before.

Technology Is Making It Easier To Keep Travelling

The ability to adapt is also being helped by technology. When plans change, travellers can quickly compare destinations, check accommodation options, change dates or find new experiences without starting the planning process from scratch.

Around 84 per cent say digital tools make planning and booking easier. Search engines, booking platforms and AI-powered tools help 77 per cent find and compare options, while 75 per cent say these tools inspire them to discover new destinations and experiences. Trust matters too, with 87 per cent saying they feel more at ease when booking through a trusted platform.

Perhaps the bigger takeaway is that uncertainty hasn't necessarily made Indian travellers less interested in travel. It has made them more adaptable. The holiday might look different from what they first imagined, but for many, the idea is still to go.

FAQs