Travel continues to play an important role in the happiness and wellbeing of Indians, with most travellers showing a willingness to adapt their plans rather than cancel trips when disruptions occur, according to the inaugural Travel Happiness Index.
The study, based on a survey of 10,136 travellers across 10 Asia-Pacific markets, found that 96 per cent of Indian respondents would prefer to modify their travel plans rather than cancel their trips when faced with disruptions.
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Among those willing to adapt, 28 per cent said they would choose an alternative destination, while 19 per cent would postpone their trip. Another 19 per cent said they would change the timing or duration of their travel.
The report also highlighted the strong emotional connection Indians have with travelling. As many as 99 per cent of Indian travellers associated travel with positive emotions, while 90 per cent said that having a trip to look forward to improves their mood.
Around 82 per cent of respondents considered travel essential to their overall happiness and wellbeing. Happiness, relaxation and excitement emerged as the emotions most commonly associated with travel.
The findings also suggest that Indian travellers are increasingly looking for meaningful experiences instead of trying to fit as many activities as possible into their itineraries. About 78 per cent said they preferred local food and meaningful experiences while travelling.
Family holidays also emerged as a major source of enjoyment, with 68 per cent of respondents describing family trips as the most enjoyable form of travel.
The survey found that travel remains a priority despite concerns surrounding extreme weather, health and hygiene risks, crime, inflation and political instability. About 70 per cent of Indian respondents said they felt more confident about their ability to afford travel compared with the past.
Santosh Kumar, regional head for South Asia at Booking.com, said the findings indicate that travel is increasingly being viewed as more than simply a break from everyday life.
“Travel is increasingly becoming more than just a break from routine, it is an investment in wellbeing, relationships and personal enrichment,” Kumar said.
He added that the resilience of Indian travellers was particularly encouraging, noting that most people were choosing to adapt their plans during periods of uncertainty instead of putting their travel plans on hold.
The research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among respondents aged 21 and above across 10 Asia-Pacific countries. The online survey was carried out in May 2026 and included 1,015 respondents from India.
The findings underline the growing importance of travel for Indians, not only as a leisure activity but also as a way to improve mood, strengthen relationships and seek meaningful experiences.
