Growing up in the 80s and the 90s, traveling unanimously meant taking off to discreet hill stations or spending the vacation at Nani’s. Over the course of years, travel trends have evolved among Indians as they spend mindfully on more curated experiences. Skyscanner’s latest Travel Trends 2027 report offers a glimpse into how Indians are rethinking holidays. It’s more fun, fitness, music, and masti-oriented than ever. More Indians are globe-trotting to catch more than a glimpse of Mona Lisa or checking scuba diving off the bucket list. From catching a K-pop concert to cuddling Koalas and picking up rare, crocheted totes, there’s more than just one traveling bug that’s itching the desi backpacker.
Data Curry: Stirring The Hot Pot
The appetite for international travel remains strong, with 58% of Indian travellers planning to travel abroad more in 2027. At the same time, 56% expect to spend more on flights and 44% on accommodation, highlighting continued travel appetite alongside a sharper focus on value.
Let’s take a closer look at the seven emerging trends shaping what Indian travelers seek from their journeys in 2027.
Skyscanner’s 7 Travel Trends in 2027
1. Signal Severance | No Notifications
C’mon, who doesn’t need a digital detox in the post-ChatGPT world riddled with AI-slop amusements at the tip of the finger? No client calls, no pitch deck discussion on Teams, no Google Meet, and no Zoom either. That’s the essence of going off-the-grid, which 22% of boomer travelers find a bit hard.
Getting digitally disconnected is a nightmare for most people. It also makes Gen Z and millennial travelers anxious. Nonetheless, more travelers are seeking retreat in the slow life of nature in the hinterlands. From Pokhara, Nepal (+166%) to Aizawl (81%) and Agatti (+157%) in India, travellers are scouting for an unplugged sabbatical from the maddening rush.
2. Pilgra-merch | Bounty Hunters Unite
What if the souvenir were the reason for the trip in the first place? From limited-edition merchandise to products available only at a particular store or destination, exclusive shopping is becoming a travel motivator. Think Trader Joe’s tote bag that you can only get in the United States, or regional Kit Kat flavours that are only available in certain parts of Japan. Skyscanner calls this trend Pilgra-Merch, where the hunt for a hard-to-find item can become a holiday in itself.
The research found that 80% of Indian travellers have visited a specific destination or store to purchase an exclusive item. Nearly half (46%) have done so multiple times. The appetite is particularly strong among Gen Z (84%) and Millennials (82%).
3. Sten Do Surge | More the Merrier
Pre-wedding celebrations are increasingly turning into shared travel experiences, with couples bringing friends and family together for bigger, more memorable celebrations.
Skyscanner’s research found that 73% of Indian travelers prefer either shared pre-wedding celebrations or a mix of shared and separate events. The biggest motivations are having fun (64%), spending time together (53%), convenience (49%), and cost savings (48%).
4. Grand Odysseys | Tracing The Tales
Per the report, 26% of Gen Z are planning on trips inspired by historic events. Epic films and TV series like Gladiator and The Odyssey has inspired 45% of travelers to plan a trip to trail the hero’s journey across Greece.
5. Currency Chasers | Budget & Bargain
Exchange rates are crazy, which means more meticulous planning without burning your wallet. Per the Skyscanner report, 67% of travelers switched destinations for better exchange rates. Travellers take into account the hidden charges involved in ATM withdrawals, local transportation, and other utilities. Check out five tips shared here to better manage your money while traveling abroad.
6. Sound Bound | When Music Shapes the Journey
There’s a growing trend of traveling for gigs and concerts and just immersing in a musical venue of historic or pop culture significance. The Gen Zs are the most bitten by the travel-for-music bug, with 17% of them flying to immerse themselves more in the culture.
7. Gym-cation | Fitness Matters
Travellers are increasingly looking for stays that support their health and fitness routines. Skyscanner’s research found that 91% of Indian travelers are likely to book a hotel offering nutritional-performance breakfast options, while 53% actively look for fitness facilities when choosing accommodation.
How Is AI Shaping Your Next Destination?
Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India, said, “Indian travelers are entering 2027 with a stronger appetite to explore, but they are also becoming more considerate about how they spend their time and money. We’re seeing a shift from simply choosing where to go towards thinking more carefully about the experience they want from a trip, whether that is switching off, discovering something new, staying active, or getting better value.”
He further added, “With 87% of Indians now confident using AI to plan and book travel, technology is also becoming an important part of this decision-making journey. Tools such as Skyscanner’s Search with AI can help travelers turn an idea into a trip, while features like Price Alerts and the calendar tool can help them stay on top of fares and spot opportunities to travel for less. The opportunity for travellers in 2027 is to use these tools to be more flexible and intentional, without compromising on the experiences that matter most.”
Skyscanner’s Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations in 2027
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Rupsi, India
- Okinawa, Japan
- Malvan, India
- Tirana, Albania
- Podgorica, Montenegro
- Sandakan, Malaysia
- Pokhara, Nepal
- Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Skyscanner Tools To Ease Your Travel Woes
Skyscanner offers a range of tools to help travellers plan smarter, discover great deals, and take the hassle out of booking flights, accommodation and more. Here are three useful tools to make planning your next trip a breeze.
- Flight Price Drops
Looking for a great airfare deal? Skyscanner’s Drops feature is available exclusively on the app and highlights flights with prices that have fallen by 20% or more compared with the previous seven days. It helps travellers discover unexpected deals departing from their airport and find inspiration for their next getaway.
- Cheapest Flight Finder
Skyscanner comes in handy if you are on a tight budget. It will help you find local flights that do not squeeze your wallet. You can further filter for inexpensive flights month-wise. - Budget Stay Spotter
Skyscanner’s highly effective stay planner helps you search for the best accommodation for your itinerary. It also shows you cost comparisons from several other sites.
