New Delhi: Skyskanner released its Travel Trends 2026 report at an event in Nehru Place, in the presence of the first-ever brand ambassador in India, and captain of the Indian Men’s T20I cricket team, Suryakumar ‘Sky’ Yadav. Yadav said, “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.” The report reveals that 2026 is going to be a year of personal travel, with travelers choosing destinations that are closely aligned with their passions and identities. Three in five Indians are aiming to travel in 2016. While many of these are willing to spend more on flights, accommodation and hiring cars, they remain cost-conscious with itineraries shaped by food, flight cost, accommodation and visa requirements.
The top destination for 2026. (Image Credit: Skyscanner).
Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Neel Ghose said, “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 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 just about escaping life – it’s about discovering deeper ways to connect with it.”
Travel Trends for 2026
As it did last year, Skyscanner has identified top travel trends for 2026. One of the top trends is destination check-ins, where travelers identify specific properties for staying in, from beachfront villas to penthouses. For travelers who want to engage more with the local culture, visiting local supermarkets is an important part of an international trip. There is also a trend of Glowmads who stock up on skincare and beauty travels during international trips. Commenting on this trend, Marketing Director of Laneige India, Mini Sood Banerjee said, “Skincare has seeped so deeply into our routines that it’s become more of a daily ritual rather than a one-off for a big moment. In this evolution, Korean beauty has emerged as a global wave, setting new standards for innovation, minimalism, and that luminous, healthy glow. At Laneige, our beauty philosophy is grounded in care and consistency, and that doesn’t stop when you leave home. With travel becoming a way of life and a form of self-expression, skincare is no longer an afterthought; it’s a ritual that moves with you.”
Multi-generation travel is on the rise. (Image Credit: Skyscanner).
There is also an altitude shift where people are heading to the mountains, with trek collectives gaining momentum among the younger population. The trend is driven by the thrill of achievement, with skiing and winter adventures attracting travelers to the mountains. Skyscanner has also determined that nearly half of Indian travelers have journeyed with parents as adults, with 38 per cent experiencing trips with three generations, including parents and children. Travelers are also more open to meeting new people and dating during international trips with 87 per cent of Indians responding that travel sparked new connections. There is also an emerging trend of visiting locations from fiction.