Skyscanner released its Travel Trends 2026 Report in New Delhi on Thursday (October 9), unveiling seven key travel trends along with the top trending and best-value destinations for the coming year.
Neel Ghose, Skyscanner travel trends and destinations expert, presented the findings, emphasising that 2026 will be “the year travel gets more personal”.

“This is not just about where people are travelling but why they are travelling. Travellers are bringing their full personalities into their journeys, seeking authentic experiences that reflect their identities,” he said.
According to Skyscanner’s data, Indian travellers are planning to travel more in 2026, backed by higher budgets and rising disposable incomes. Three out of five Indian travellers have set higher budgets for flights while one in two have increased their accommodation budgets.
India leads globally in adopting AI for travel planning, with 86 per cent of travellers confident about using AI tools to plan their trips. “This is the highest global adoption rate across all Skyscanner countries. People are using AI not just for destination research or comparing flights and hotels, but also for inspiration,” noted Ghose.
The report highlighted a growing interest in destinations that reflect travellers’ desire for unique cultural and personal experiences. Jorhat in Assam topped the list with a remarkable 493 per cent year-on-year surge in searches. Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka followed, recording a 325 per cent rise in searches. Other trending destinations include Queenstown (New Zealand), Chiang Rai (Thailand), Manila (the Philippines), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Varanasi (India).
The report underscored India’s shift from being a price-conscious to a value-conscious market. Tirupati topped the list of best value destinations, with airfares falling 18 per cent year-on-year despite growing demand. Langkawi followed with a 17 per cent drop while Berlin recorded a 16 per cent decline. Dehradun and Phuket also emerged as strong value destinations for 2026.
In terms of key travel trends the report highlighted growth of multi-generational travel with 47 per cent of adult Indians travelling with their parents while 38 per cent are travelling across three generations.
Mountains are also in demand.
“A staggering 92 per cent of travellers are considering or planning a mountain escape in summer or autumn 2026,” Ghose said. Rishikesh, Manali, the Swiss Alps and the Rockies are among the favourites.
Culinary exploration is moving beyond Michelin-starred restaurants. Over 75 per cent of Indian travellers always or often visit local supermarkets abroad, seeking authentic and everyday food experiences. Skincare and beauty rituals are shaping travel plans with 45 per cent of Indian travellers trying beauty treatments abroad.
Many Indian travellers are planning trips to meet people they connected with on dating apps. Forty-four per cent are more open to meeting new people while travelling, with 26 per cent saying they feel freer to be themselves on the road.
According to the report, 84 per cent of Indian travellers have booked or would consider a trip inspired by literature, highlighting a growing cultural curiosity.
Accommodation choices are influencing travel decisions like never before.
“More than ever, travellers are choosing where to go based on where they want to stay,” Ghose said. Eighty-two per cent of Indians have selected a destination purely because of accommodation.
The launch event was attended by Suryakumar Yadav, Skyscanner’s first-ever brand ambassador in India and captain of the Indian Men’s T20I cricket team.




























