77 pct Indians cope with daily life by thinking about their next trip: Report

A new research report reveals that travel happiness of people in India is shaped not only by the experiences travellers seek, but also by the confidence, ease and reassurance that help make those experiences possible.

Released by Booking.com as a part of its Travel Happiness Index that explores the emotional, financial and social drivers of travel among travellers amid rising global uncertainty, it draws on insights from 10,000 travellers across 10 APAC markets, including India, the inaugural index identifies what makes trips truly memorable, stress-free and worthwhile for the travellers.

The Travel Happiness Index combines two dimensions of traveller behaviour: the factors people say are important to a good trip and the factors they prioritise most strongly when making trade-offs.

Travel brings joy and the anticipation makes a difference

For many Indian travellers, travel not only remains a priority but the joy of it begins long before departure. The index says 99 per cent people associate travel with positive emotions and for many, it also plays an important role in their mental and emotional wellbeing. In addition to travel helping them recharge, 9 in 10 (90 per cent) say having a trip to look forward to lifts their mood, while 77 per cent say this anticipation helps them cope with daily demands.

However, travel is not without its pressures: some Indian travellers say trips can leave them feeling tired or drained (29 per cent), pressured to make the most of their time away (24 per cent), or uncertain (22 per cent) and anxious (20 per cent). Today’s travellers are constantly balancing their desire for meaningful experiences, expectations, logistical considerations and the realities of modern travel, making smooth, stress-free journeys just as essential as the trip itself.

Driven by this need for ease, Indian travellers are taking control of their journeys through intentional planning:
1. 82 per cent of Indian travellers view travel as essential to their overall happiness and personal wellbeing, with the emotional return on investment beginning long before departure.
2. Trips primarily evoke positive feelings of happiness (55 per cent), relaxation (46 per cent) and excitement (43 per cent).
3. The planning stage plays a vital role in establishing a positive mindset, with 82 per cent stating planning makes them feel more in control of their journey and 80 per cent preferring to organise itineraries in advance.
4. Primary motivations for taking a trip include spending quality time with family and loved ones (41 per cent), escaping daily routines to reset (37 per cent) and seeking out food and dining experiences (32 per cent).

Travellers are redefining “worthwhile” around simple moments 

Indian travellers are increasingly finding fulfillment not in packed itineraries or bucket-list pursuits, but in the simple, meaningful moments on a trip. Appreciating natural scenery (26 per cent), spending quality time with travel companions (28 per cent) and enjoying good food or drinks (16 per cent) contribute to trip satisfaction.

At the heart of many happy trips is connection, whether with travel companions, family or the people and places encountered along the way. Family, in particular, stands out, with 68 per cent Indian travellers saying family trips are the most enjoyable.

These evolving definitions of what makes a trip worthwhile are shaping how Indian travellers plan their journeys, with more intention and value in mind:
1. 78 per cent prioritise trying local food and incorporating meaningful experiences.
2. 69 per cent choose dates or destinations based on travel deals.
3. 71 per cent extend their trips to create more time to rest, recharge, and fully enjoy their destination.
4. 41 per cent choose vacation homes, apartments, and unique stays for better value for money, while 34 per cent say such stays help them experience destinations in a more authentic, local way.

Uncertainty is reshaping travel but not stopping it
Despite ongoing concerns around extreme weather (33 per cent), health and hygiene risks (33 per cent), crime levels (29 per cent), inflation (28 per cent), and political instability (24 per cent), these factors are rarely dealbreakers, with Indian travellers’ remaining resilient and committed to travel. While affordability remains an important consideration, careful planning and intentional choices are helping travellers make trips feel worthwhile, with 70 per cent stating they feel more confident in their ability to afford travel than before.

Even when faced with disruption, 96 per cent of Indian travellers are willing to adapt rather than abandon their plans:
1. 28 per cent opt for alternative destinations that offer a similar vibe.
2. 19 per cent choose to postpone their trip.
3. 19 per cent adjust the timing or duration of their travel.

Trust, technology and flexibility help travellers book and travel with confidence 

Digital tools have become an integral part of the modern travel journey, with 84 per cent of Indian travellers stating they make planning and booking easier.

1. 77 per cent say digital tools like search engines, booking platforms, and AI-powered tools make it easier to find and compare options.
2. 75 per cent say these tools inspire them to discover new destinations and experiences.
3. 87 per cent feel more at ease when booking through a trusted platform 

Santosh Kumar, regional head, South Asia at Booking.com said, “Travel is increasingly becoming more than just a break from routine, it is an investment in wellbeing, relationships and personal enrichment. Our inaugural Travel Happiness Index shows that Indian travellers are planning their trips more thoughtfully, seeking authentic local experiences and finding ways to make their trip feel more worthwhile. What’s particularly encouraging is their resilience, rather than putting their plans on hold during uncertainty, most are choosing to adapt and make the most of their trips.”