India, October 29, 2025: Travel in 2026 will be all about self-expression, individuality, and technology-driven personalization, according to Booking.com’s 10th edition of Travel Predictions. The latest insights reveal that travellers are moving beyond generic itineraries to embrace journeys that reflect who they truly are — their passions, quirks, and dreams.
Based on a global survey of over 29,000 travellers across 33 countries, the report highlights how ultra-personalized travel experiences are redefining the industry. Indian travellers, in particular, are leading this wave of “self-first” exploration, blending technology, creativity, and emotion to curate unique travel moments.
Key trends shaping 2026 include:
- Romantasy Retreats: 91% of Indian travellers are eager to visit destinations inspired by fantasy fiction and storytelling worlds.
- Humanoid Homes: 94% are open to staying in robotic-enhanced vacation rentals, redefining luxury with automation.
- Turbulence Tests: 88% plan to use travel to test compatibility in relationships or friendships.
- Shelf-ie Souvenirs: Travellers are turning kitchens into cultural showcases with design-led or edible keepsakes.
- Roadtrip Rewired: 97% are ready to embrace shared and AI-guided road journeys for connection and discovery.
- Destined-ations: Astrology-led travel is trending, with 74% adjusting trips based on spiritual or cosmic cues.
- Glow-cations: High-tech wellness escapes focused on skincare and rest are on the rise.
- Hushed Hobbies: Quiet nature pursuits like foraging and birdwatching are gaining popularity.
- PastPorts: Technology is enabling memory-based travel, letting people relive special moments.
- Modern Milestone Missions: Travellers are celebrating personal wins — from new jobs to breakups — by booking trips “just because.”
“As we step into 2026, travel is becoming a bold act of self-expression,” said Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at *Booking.com. “Travellers are creating experiences that reflect their identities, passions, and values — and we’re evolving our platform to make those deeply personal journeys possible.”
From fantasy-fueled vacations to AI-powered itineraries, 2026 promises to be the year travellers truly celebrate The Era of You.
