Seven top travel trends that will shape 2026

1. Destination check-in

Hotels are no longer just places to stay; they are the destination. 82% of Indian travellers say they choose trips based on the accommodation itself, favouring boutique hotels, design-led spaces and unique stays that define the entire travel experience.

2. Shelf discovery

Local supermarkets and convenience stores are becoming cultural hotspots. Nearly 8 in 10 Indians visit grocery aisles abroad, while 73% explore convenience stores for local snacks. For 60%, this is a meaningful way to understand everyday culture and local flavours.

3. Glowmads (Beauty-led travel)

Beauty and wellness are shaping travel decisions like never before. 57% of Indians shop for skincare and beauty products abroad, while many plan trips around wellness experiences, from duty-free fragrance shopping (53%) to cult beauty stores (48%) and local treatments (45%).

4. Altitude shift

Mountains are replacing beaches as dream escapes. A striking 92% of Indian travellers want year-round alpine getaways, with Gen Z (51%) and millennials (47%) drawn to trekking, skiing and achievement-led adventures over seasonal travel.

5. Family miles

Intergenerational travel is growing stronger. 47% have travelled with parents, 44% with children under 18, and 38% have taken three-generation trips, reinforcing travel as a way to strengthen family bonds across ages.

6. Catching flights and feelings

Travel is creating emotional connections. An overwhelming 87% of Indians say travel has sparked new friendships or romantic connections, proving journeys are as much about people as places.

7. Book-Bound travel

Literature is inspiring itineraries. Nearly 8 in 10 Indian travellers have booked or are considering book-inspired getaways, from visiting iconic libraries to tracing the footsteps of beloved fictional characters.

Trending and best-value destinations for 2026

The shift towards authenticity is reflected in destination searches. Jorhat, India (+493%) and Jaffna, Sri Lanka (+325%) top the list of trending destinations, signalling a desire to explore lesser-known locations rich in heritage and local character. Other rising destinations include Muscat, Queenstown, Chiang Rai and Phuket.

On the value front, destinations like Tirupati (-18%), Langkawi (-17%) and Berlin (-16%) are becoming more accessible thanks to improved connectivity, new routes and expanded flight options.

Neel Ghose adds: “The surge in searches for places like Jorhat and Jaffna reflect a desire to explore relatively lesser-known gems, rich in heritage and local flavour. At the same time, improved connectivity is making traditionally premium destinations like Berlin more accessible, showing how travellers are becoming more intentional and strategic in their choices for 2026.”

Travel in 2026 is no longer about following trends — it’s about following purpose. From cultural depth and smart value to emotional connection and personal passions, Indian travellers are redefining what meaningful travel looks like. And as these trends show, the most memorable journeys are the ones designed with intention, curiosity and heart.