Indian travellers fuelling demand for domestic coolcations & eastbound international shift: Booking.com
Bookings.com
Rishikesh and Varanasi have both climbed in rank in top domestic destinations as compared to last year, reflecting a growing interest in faith-led travel. Notably, Japan is seeing a surge in popularity accounting for three out of the top ten most searched international destinations.
Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2026 defines this year as the “Era of You”, a sentiment reflected in the evolving way Indian travellers are approaching their summer getaways. Travellers are embracing more intentional journeys, moving away from checklist-driven itineraries to shape trips around personal preferences. This summer, travel patterns have pivoted toward domestic hotspots, accessible Asian destinations and offbeat alternatives that better align with individual interests and a desire for seamless travel.
Indian travellers are seeking a diverse mix of domestic destinations this summer. For summer 2026, many are opting for “coolcations” to escape the rising temperatures, with sustained interest in heat in high-altitude retreats like Ooty, Darjeeling, Munnar and Manali.
Beyond hill stations, spiritual hubs are gaining momentum. Rishikesh (from rank 9 to rank 4) and Varanasi (from rank 28 to rank 13) have both climbed in rank as compared to last year, reflecting a growing interest in faith-led travel. Cultural exploration and coastal getaways are also on the rise with Jaipur and Udaipur witnessing a climb in rankings, while beach destinations like Goa and Puducherry continue to attract travellers looking for seaside escapes.
Top 10 most searched domestic destinations for all Indian travellers travelling between May 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026, based on accommodation search data on Booking.com include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ooty, Darjeeling, Rishikesh, Munnar, New Delhi, Manali, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The international travel landscape is witnessing an Eastbound shift, with eight of the top ten most searched destinations by Indian travellers now located within Asia. While European mainstays like London and Paris continue to feature in the top ten, there is a clear rise in interest toward Far East destinations and neighbouring hubs including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Notably, Japan is seeing a surge in popularity accounting for three out of the top ten most searched international destinations. Tokyo has emerged as the top favourite with a 30% increase in searches as compared to last year, while Osaka has climbed from rank 22 to rank 8 and Kyoto has jumped from rank 32 to rank 10. Similarly, Phu Quoc (rank 31 to rank 10) and Seoul (rank 27 to rank 12) have both climbed in rank as compared to last year. Whether its cultural discovery, culinary experiences, shopping or beach getaways, these destinations cater to a wide range of Indian travellers seeking varied interests this summer.
Top 10 most searched international destinations for all Indian travellers travelling between May 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 based on accommodation search data on Booking.com are Tokyo, Singapore, London, Bangkok, Paris, Ubud, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Kyoto, and Phuc Quoc.
The evolution of summer travel is also visible in how Indians are choosing to stay, both domestically and internationally. Beyond hotels and resorts, travellers are diversifying their preferences by incorporating a broader mix of alternative accommodations into their summer plans. Search data for summer 2026 indicates that homestays are the most-searched alternative accommodation. Guest houses, apartments, bed and breakfasts and villas also feature among the top five most searched alternative accommodations. This interest reflects a growing requirement for stays that best align with the specific intent of each journey, such as increased privacy or flexibility for varying group sizes.
Santosh Kumar, Regional Head South Asia at Booking.com said, “What we are seeing this summer is the result of evolving patterns in how Indians are travelling through 2026. Travellers are becoming more mindful and strategic seeking more personal journeys, where destinations represent the experiences they desire. Whether it’s cooler hill stations like Ooty or cultural destinations such as Kyoto, summer travel reflects a desire for trips that feel personally meaningful. At Booking.com, we are focused on making it easier for travellers to turn these evolving intentions into seamless realities by bringing together flights, stays, transport and experiences in one place for a memorable summer”
