Skyscanner Launches Travel Trends 2026 Report

Skyscanner has released its Travel Trends 2026 Report at a curated event at Latango, Nehru Place, 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 year’s top-trending and best-value destinations. From literary escapes to discovering groceries and skincare-inspired itineraries, Skyscanner’s report indicates that 2026 will be a year of personal travel, with Indian travellers increasingly opting to design trips that align more closely with their passions and identities.

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

Speaking on the report, Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, said, “Marked by a shift towards deeper meaning and hyper-personalised choices, we’re witnessing a change in how Indians approach 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 per cent 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 merely about escaping life – it’s about discovering deeper ways to connect with it.”

Celebrated on the cricket field as ‘Mr. 360’ for his all‑round play, Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav shared his view on the importance of smart travel planning, establishing himself as the Mr. 360 of travel 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.”

Using a comprehensive analysis of Skyscanner’s proprietary global search data, partner contributions, and a consumer survey of 2,000 Indian travellers, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report reveals an evolution in travel, one where travellers are elevating the best of the here and now.

Seven Travel Trends for 2026

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

For those planning their own Destination Check-In, Skyscanner’s hotel result filters help find the ideal stay – from boutique hotels to penthouses or beachfront villas. By quickly sorting via star ratings, accommodation type, or neighbourhood vibe, they can make their search part of the adventure.

Shelf Discovery
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 eight in ten Indian travellers say they most often visit local supermarkets when travelling abroad, while 73 per cent make a stop at convenience stores to discover quick bites and local staples. And for the aficionados (60 per cent), 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.

Glowmads
Travel is becoming the new beauty ritual, with 57 per cent 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 per cent) and exploring cult beauty stores (48 per cent) to enjoying local treatments (45 per cent), wellness is increasingly shaping how Indians travel.

Altitude Shift
Indians are swapping beaches for mountains and choosing off-peak seasons to answer the call of the wild. A striking 92 per cent now dream of year-round alpine escapes, with skiing and winter adventures just one chapter in the story. For Gen Z (51 per cent) and millennials (47 per cent), 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.

Other trends set to inspire journeys in 2026 include:

• Family Miles: The spirit of Indian culture via intergenerational travel continues to grow stronger: nearly half of Indian travellers (47 per cent) have travelled with their parents as adults, 44 per cent have travelled with children under 18, and 38 per cent have experienced three‑generation trips with both parents and children.
• Catching Flights & Feelings: Travel isn’t just about broadening horizons but opening them to new people and connections along the way. From chance encounters that blossom into friendship to whirlwind romances abroad, 87 per cent of Indians say travel has sparked new connections.
• Book-bound: From tracing the footsteps of beloved characters to seeking 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.

India’s Top Trending and Best Value Destinations for 2026

In 2026, Indian travellers will be broadening their travel map with destinations that combine authenticity and discovery. Making the list of top-trending destinations are unique getaways spanning cultural hubs, scenic retreats, and rising global spots. For best-value destinations, the list shows Indian travellers are willing to splurge where it matters while saving smartly elsewhere, offering the finest experiences without the premium price tag. 

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 reflects 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.”