Mumbai: For Indian travellers, the journey to happiness often begins long before take-off. A new survey by Booking.com has found that 99 per cent of Indian travellers associate travel with positive emotional wellbeing, highlighting the growing role of holidays as a tool for relaxation, resilience and personal fulfilment.
The findings come from Booking.com’s inaugural Travel Happiness Index, which surveyed 10,000 respondents across 10 Asia-Pacific markets, including more than 1,000 travellers in India.
The study found that anticipation plays a major role in travel happiness. Nine in 10 respondents said simply having a trip planned improves their mood, while 89 per cent said travelling helps them mentally and emotionally reset. Another 82 per cent described travel as essential to their wellbeing, while 77 per cent viewed an upcoming holiday as a way to cope with everyday stress.
Among the emotions most commonly associated with travel, 55 per cent of respondents cited happiness, followed by relaxation (46 per cent) and excitement (43 per cent). Feelings such as adventure and inspiration also ranked highly, while negative emotions remained relatively limited. Around 29 per cent said travel could leave them feeling tired, 26 per cent overwhelmed and 20 per cent stressed.
The survey also suggests Indian travellers are increasingly willing to adapt rather than abandon their holiday plans. Ninety-six per cent said they would change their itinerary instead of cancelling a trip if disruptions arise.
Among those willing to pivot, 28 per cent would choose a different destination offering a similar experience, 22 per cent would immediately book another location, while 19 per cent would either shorten or reschedule their trip. Only 4 per cent said they would cancel outright if their preferred destination became unavailable.
Health and safety continue to influence travel decisions. Respondents identified health and hygiene standards and extreme weather risks as their biggest concerns, both cited by 33 per cent of travellers. Other factors included crime rates (29 per cent), inflation at destinations (28 per cent) and access to healthcare (28 per cent).
Travel demand also remains strong despite broader economic uncertainty. The survey found that 89 per cent of Indian travellers plan to take at least one trip over the next year, while 70 per cent feel more confident about affording travel than they did previously.
Spending time with family and friends emerged as the biggest motivation for travel, cited by 41 per cent of respondents. Rest and relaxation followed at 37 per cent, while 32 per cent each highlighted food experiences and exploring new destinations. Personal growth and improving mental wellbeing were each selected by 31 per cent of travellers.
Indian travellers are also seeking greater value from their holidays. Around 78 per cent prioritise authentic local experiences and dining, 75 per cent want to explore neighbourhoods and local culture, while 71 per cent deliberately extend trips to unwind. Nearly seven in 10 said they adjust travel dates to secure better deals.
Digital tools continue to play a growing role in travel planning. Eighty-four per cent of respondents said technology makes organising holidays easier, with AI-powered planning tools gaining traction alongside online booking platforms.
Booking.com, regional head for South Asia, Santosh Kumar said travel has evolved beyond leisure for Indian consumers, becoming an investment in personal wellbeing and relationships.
The findings underline a broader shift in how Indians view travel, with holidays increasingly seen not as an occasional luxury, but as an important part of maintaining emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
