Travel Behavior in India

Despite a reputation for value-consciousness, Indian travelers are demonstrating a remarkable willingness to invest in expansive international experiences. And while they seek profound relaxation, they're also increasingly prioritizing active pursuits like "health and well-being," blurring the lines between leisure and self-improvement. Interestingly, this adventurous spirit is balanced by a strong focus on practical budgeting when it comes to accommodation.

The Savvy Traveler: Hybrid Planning is King

Forget the old dichotomy of 'DIY' vs. 'Agency.' Indian travelers have mastered the art of hybrid planning. While a healthy 43% choose to arrange trips "by yourself" (e.g., booking flights, hotels online), a substantial 36% prefer "both," meaning they mix direct bookings with agency support. They’re being practical: travelers might use agencies to handle harder parts of the trip, like visas or group tours, but still book flights or hotels on their own.

From Regional Focus to Global Exploration – An Outlier in APAC?

Looking at where people plan to travel in summer 2025, Indian travelers are going further than many others in Asia. While most Indonesian and Chinese travelers prefer nearby regions like Southeast Asia and East Asia, Indians are looking farther, with top picks including the Middle East and Australia/Oceania. Even North America and Western Europe rank high, showing a strong interest in long-distance travel. This is very different from places like Thailand or Japan, where faraway destinations are much less popular.

The Unwinding Quest: More Than Just Rest

The overwhelming preference for "Relaxation trips" for Indians is a global norm, echoing sentiments in Europe and Australia. This is the foundational need. However, the surprise lies in the prominence of "Health and well-being trips". This is a significant figure, placing India higher than many Western markets like Germany or France in this category. For a considerable segment of Indian travelers, holidays are increasingly seen as an opportunity for rejuvenation, detoxification, or spiritual enrichment, not just passive relaxation. This points to a potential growth area for specialized wellness tourism targeting the Indian market.

Smart Spending on Stays: Comfort Without Overspending

Indian travelers may dream big and want full travel experiences, but when it comes to where they stay, they make practical choices. Half pefer budget-friendly options, making it the most common choice. Only 17% go for luxury hotels (4 or 5 stars), while 29% choose mid-range stays like 3 or 4-star hotels. This shows a smart spending mindset. Many are happy to spend more on the trip itself, such as flights, experiences, destinations but want to save on accommodation so they can travel more often or enjoy other parts of the trip. For hotels and lodging providers, this means offering good value and comfort matters more than offering luxury.