75% Indians Are Taking Charge Of Travel Planning In 2026, While 80% Seek New Destinations

In 2026, travel planning is no longer a task; it has become a part of the joy of going out for a vacation. With Indians planning their summer break, Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2026 data reveals a growing number of travellers are channelling “Main Character Planning Energy”. Want to know what exactly it is? Scroll down!

What Is Main Character Planning Energy Trend?

“Main Character Planning Energy”, where planning and booking are just as enjoyable as the trip itself. As per the Booking.com report, three in four (75%) Indian travellers are planning the trip themselves, signalling a clear shift in how travel planning is viewed from being stressful to generating excitement.

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As per the report, Indian travellers are enjoying 2026 with positivity around travel and a desire for discovery. 81% of Indian travellers feel optimistic about their upcoming trips, while 80% plan on visiting a new destination, suggesting a year defined by first-time experiences and meaningful travel moments. At the same time, while the urge to travel is shared, how travellers approach planning continues to evolve.

Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2026 data highlights five different booking personas shaping travel in 2026:

• The Enthusiastic Bookers (63%) are leading the way. These people enjoy making plans and happily take the lead, even if it requires a lot of time and work. 63% of Indian travellers are proudly willing to take charge of planning and reservations.
• The Shared Bookers (14%) are the ones who like being a main planner and organiser but frequently wish others would offer more help or share the responsibility.
• The one who is happy to help with specific tasks but prefers not to be the main leader is the Supportive Contributor (10%)
• Reluctant Booker (9%): The one who often prefers not to plan but ends up taking the lead because no one else will, making for 9% of Indian travellers.
• The Go-With-the-Flow Follower (4%): the one who wants others to take the lead on planning and is grateful to simply enjoy the itinerary.

Report Reveals The 2026 Travel Trend

Travel companions continue to play a major role in shaping trips, with familial relationships anchoring travel decisions. Family travel remains a priority, with 56% of Indian travellers planning to travel with their family this year. This is followed by trips with friends (47%), while 34% plan to take trips with their partners, 32% plan on travelling with colleagues from work, journeys with extended families stand at 30% and solo trips at 24%.

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Additionally, the reports define that the role of the family is expanding. Pet-inclusive travel is on the rise, with 10% of travellers planning to travel with their pets this year.

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Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Taryn Elliott