Rather than typical destinations, now more travellers are showing interest in seeking more meaningful experiences and hidden gems. On this, Agoda recently shared the 2026 Travel Outlook Report, which mentioned how people are increasingly exploring local spots, trying new food experiences, and using AI tools to make their travel planning easier and smarter. Scroll down to know more details.
2026 Travel: How Indians Are Planning Trips
In India, more travellers are showing a strong interest in exploring their own country, a trend Agoda calls “inward wanderlust.” People are visiting lesser-known destinations to enjoy culture, unique experiences, lower costs, and smaller crowds. Over a third of Indian travellers plan to focus on domestic travel in 2026, up from 25% last year, while about half still balance both domestic and international travel.
Indian travellers are choosing trips with purpose, focusing on relaxation, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Many also go on spiritual or religious journeys, seeking meaningful and reflective travel. Budget matters too, with nearly half planning to spend ₹5,000 or less per night on accommodation. Without visa restrictions, 84% would travel more often, and 91% would explore new destinations, the highest interest among Asian travellers.
Also Read: From Goa To Phu Quoc Island, These Are The Top Honeymoon Destinations For Indian Travellers In 2025
Shorter And Frequent Trips In Demand
Nowadays, people are showing interest in short but frequent trips. These short trips last for about four to seven days. These breaks are often taken with family or partners, allowing travellers to enjoy memorable experiences without disrupting their daily routines. Alongside these trends, technology is playing an increasingly important role.
Who said AI can be used only in writing or editing images? Indian travellers have proved everyone wrong. Most of Asia’s enthusiastic travellers make best use of AI in travel. 68% travellers are likely to use AI tools for planning. Over half trust AI-generated recommendations for personalised itineraries, discovering local attractions, or helping with translations, making AI a reliable companion for every stage of the journey.
What’s your preferred way to travel? Tell us in the comments!
Also Read: Winter Wanderlust! 54% Of Millennials Are Travelling This Season, And Half Are Off To Europe
Cover Image Courtesy: Freepik (Representative Image)

