Traveling to Indians in 2026 is not just about seeing as many places as possible and posting that pictures on social media. Rather it is becoming more like a personal journey, intentional and focusing more on meaningful experiences, rather than just the destination, emotional well-being, life choices, and the opportunity for personal growth. Today’s modern day traveller looks for a different type of holiday than in the past. They are looking for renewal, connection, and purpose.
The rise in self-care and wellness-based tourism is one of the top trends impacting these changes in how people travel today.
Beauty Tourism and the Rise of Glowcations
The popularity of Beauty Tourism, or “Glowcation”, continues to climb among young professionals and urban individuals. Young Indians especially are more likely to have vacations centered around skincare, wellness and beauty rather than around traditional sightseeing.
Destinations known for their beauty culture such as South Korea, Japan, and various locations throughout Europe, are now becoming increasingly popular with Indian travellers who are looking for experiences such as spa therapies, thermal baths, cosmetic workshops, and traditional self-care methods. Travel view is now shifted to an opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate oneself, rather than being entertained.
The change in traveling habits has occurred because of a change in mindset how people view vacations. Many travellers today see vacations as an individual investment in wellness, not as an escape from the daily life routines. Furthermore, today’s customers believe that an experience that allows the individual to return home mentally refreshed and physically inspired is much more valuable than an experience filled with hardships.
Food, Markets, and Everyday Culture
Travellers have always focused heavily on food (in terms of finding local cuisine), but over the last few years, culinary tourism in India has settled into a much more realistic and local form. While traditional culinary tourism focused primarily on formal dining, today many travellers are drawing from their experience of shopping at local markets,supermarkets and street vendors to learn local food culture.
Travellers experience vast array of local snacks by visiting local grocery stores, taste local snacks and learn about regional ingredients in its food. Each of these experiences gives the traveller a glimpse of daily life of the people living in that area and help them understand the destinations deeply. Indian travellers particularly view food as a very emotional way of connecting to a new culture because of the similarities between foods in India and those found abroad.
Prioritising Nature Over Rushing
Another major trend influencing travellers travel choices is the growing preference toward nature-based and slow. Travellers are favoring mountain, forest, quiet beach locations as opposed to the crowded tourist areas.
Many of these travellers choose to reside in one place longer rather than constant movement. Additionally, these travellers have begun embracing the thought of doing less and experiencing more out of their travel experience, particularly if they are coming from the hustle and bustle of city life and want to escape that lifestyle, nature offers both escape and healing.
Purpose-Driven Journeys
In 2026, people prefer individual interests when it comes to travel choices nowadays, rather than following current trends. Additionally, people travel experience choice are now being driven by personal interests in the areas of literature, wellness, art, spirituality, and creativity.
Literature enthusiasts will visit places that align with their interest in books,characters,authors. Wellness seekers will travel with a purpose for experiencing various forms of wellness (yoga, meditation, etc.) or alternative healing methods. These journeys feel more meaningful because they resonate with an individual’s passions, values, and beliefs, making travel deeply personal experience not just for social media.
Family and Multi-Generational Travel
Alongside solo and couple travelling, family/multi-generational travel is seeing a strong comeback where families travel together including grandparents, parents and children.
This trips focus more on bonding, creation of lasting memories and comfort, rather than luxury alone. Travel is now being seen as an opportunity to transform into quality time spent together in reconnecting with multiple generations at a time in this busy world.
Technology and Personalisation
Technology like AI is quietly shaping travel experiences nowadays. Utilisation of AI tools for trip planning and personalized itineraries allow travellers to design trips that match their preferences, pace, and lifestyle.
In addition, people want more flexibility and fewer restrictions previously. Technology provides the ability to simplify, enhance, and de-stress the travel planning process.
A New Meaning of Travel
In 2026 many Indians travel with intention not just for leisure. Initially, it was all about escape from everyday living; however, with changing times and a focus on towards one’s own personal growth and balance through the use of travel and tourism (this is referred to as intent of travel). Many indians are now looking to experience travel to improve their lives. Exploring everything from food, beauty and mindful retreats to purposeful travel journeys.