India travel trends show rise in spontaneous and group journeys

Recent data and industry observations indicate a shift in travel behaviors among Indian consumers, characterized by a rise in spontaneous and group-oriented journeys.

A study titled ‘Travel Research 2026’, commissioned by Booking.com and conducted by YouGov, reveals that more than half of Indian travelers are increasingly taking trips without specific milestones or major life events. The research found that 58% of Indian travelers have taken at least one trip without a specific reason, while 57% have taken two to three leisure trips in the past year that were not linked to celebrations or significant life changes.

Parallel to this trend of spontaneity, there is a growing emphasis on the social aspect of travel. Companies like Thrill Hikers, which began in 2018 with a group of twelve strangers in Spiti Valley, highlight how group itineraries are being used to foster connections between travelers who start as strangers and build communities through shared experiences.