Skyscanner reveals how travel is getting more personal in 2026

The report unveils seven trends: from travel shaped by beauty, hiking, and literature to family, connections, unique stays, and grocery aisles.

Skyscanner released its ‘Travel Trends 2026 Report’ at a specially curated event in New Delhi. Graced by Suryakumar Yadav, Skyscanner’s first-ever brand ambassador in India and captain of the Indian Men’s T20I cricket team, the launch unveiled seven key travel trends alongside the top trending and best-value destinations for the year.

Skyscanner's report reveals that 2026 is going to be the year of personal travel, with Indian travellers increasingly choosing to design trips that align more closely with their passions and identities.

This commitment to travel is reflected in their plans: 3 in 5 Indians are aiming to travel more in 2026, with many willing to spend the same or more on flights (58%), accommodation (49%), and car hire (35%) compared to 2025. At the same time, Indian travellers remain cost-conscious, with the top factors shaping their itineraries being food (63%), flight costs (60%), accommodation (56%), and visa requirements (48%). This combination of prioritising travel while making informed choices shows that Indian travellers are dedicated to enriching experiences without compromising on smart spending.

Speaking on the report, Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, shared, “Marked by a shift towards deeper meaning and hyper-personalised choices, we’re witnessing a change in how Indians are approaching travel. One in three travellers are steering clear of touristy spots in favour of quieter, authentic alternatives. In planning their journeys, travellers are increasingly turning to digital tools, while social media motivates them to seek experiences that genuinely reflect their individual tastes.

As travel in India continues to grow rapidly, technology remains at the heart of this evolution. With 86% expressing confidence in using AI to plan and book their trips in 2026, our report shows that Indians lead the world in embracing AI for travel. At Skyscanner, tools like the app-exclusive Savvy Search, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, help bring this to life by offering curated destination ideas complete with flight options. This rise in personalisation underpins our 2026 theme: travel is no longer just about escaping life – it’s about discovering deeper ways to connect with it."

Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav shared his take on the importance of smart travel planning, as well. "Travel has always been close to my heart — it’s my way of switching off, exploring new cultures, and finding hidden gems along the way. Just like cricket, it keeps me curious and excited. With Skyscanner, I hope more people see how easy it can be to plan trips that are fun, affordable, and full of memories waiting to be made.”

Seven Travel Trends for 2026

- With a growing appetite for cultural immersion and design-led escapes, travellers are curating journeys where the hotel isn’t just a stopover, but the star. In fact, 82% of Indians admit to choosing a destination not for its landmarks, but for the promise of a stay so compelling, it becomes the very reason to travel.

- Grocery aisles are no longer just about grabbing essentials, they’ve become portals to culture, a way to experience the most authentic flavours of a country. Nearly 8 in 10 Indian travellers say they most often visit local supermarkets when travelling abroad, while 73% make a stop at convenience stores to discover quick bites and local staples. And for the aficionados (60%), it’s more than just shopping, it’s the ultimate cultural deep dive, a sensory adventure where every shelf tells a story and every flavour becomes a memory.

- Travel is becoming the new beauty ritual, with 57% of Indian travellers stocking up on skincare and beauty products abroad, and nearly half choosing destinations for their wellness appeal. Trips are now a chance to turn virtual routines into real-world experiences, indulging both wanderlust and wellness. From hunting duty-free luxury fragrances (53%) and exploring cult beauty stores (48%) to enjoying local treatments (45%), wellness is increasingly shaping the way Indians travel.

- Indians are swapping beaches for mountains and choosing off-peak seasons to answer the call of the wild. A striking 92% now dream of year-round alpine escapes, with skiing and winter adventures just one chapter in the story. For Gen Z (51%) and millennials (47%) especially, the thrill lies in achievement, and with trek collectives like The Land of Wanderlust gaining momentum, highlands are fast becoming the ultimate badge of travel honour.

- The spirit of Indian culture via intergenerational travel continues to grow stronger: nearly half of Indian travellers (47%) have journeyed with their parents as adults, 44% have travelled with children under 18, and 38% have experienced three-generation trips with both parents and children.

- From chance encounters that blossom into friendships, to whirlwind romances abroad face-to-face, 87% of Indians are saying that travel has sparked new connections.

- From tracing the footsteps of beloved characters to seeking out dreamy libraries and hidden bookshops, nearly 8 in 10 Indians have either booked or are considering a book-inspired getaway. Today, embracing literature is not just a pastime but an experience, and this growing fascination with titles is translating into travel.

In 2026, the list of top trending destinations considering Indian travellers include: Jorhat, India; Jaffna, Sri Lanka; Muscat, Oman; Queenstown, New Zealand; Chiang Rai, Thailand. Best value destinations for 2026 are Tirupati, India; Langkawi, Malaysia; Berlin, Germany; Dehradun, India; and Phuket, Thailand.

Neel Ghose adds, “What we're seeing is that Indian travellers are gravitating towards deeper cultural connections and experiences. Social media, particularly authentic video guides, are inspiring this wanderlust and shaping how people choose their next destination. 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. On the other hand, the best value destinations have benefited from improved connectivity, new routes, and expanded flight options, making traditionally premium locations like Berlin more accessible to a larger number of Indians. Together, this shows how travellers are becoming more intentional and strategic in their choices for 2026.”