According to the findings, only 38 per cent of travellers are yet to book their summer holidays, though they continue to actively explore options, reflecting a strong and ongoing interest in travel planning. The study highlights a clear behavioural shift toward smarter, more flexible, and value-driven holiday decisions.
Planning complexity, however, is increasing. Nearly 48 per cent of travellers are factoring in fluctuating airfare trends, while 45 per cent are closely evaluating overall trip value and total travel costs. Travel advisories influence 34 per cent of decisions, and operational disruptions, including airport closures, impact 32 per cent of planned trips.
Despite these challenges, there are early indicators of more informed decision-making. Around 58 per cent of respondents believe July offers cheaper flight fares compared to August, demonstrating growing awareness of price optimisation and travel timing.
Neel Ghose, Travel and Destinations Expert at Skyscanner India, stated that Summer 2026 is emerging as one of the most intent-driven travel seasons in India. He noted that travellers are not withdrawing from travel plans but adapting to constraints by remaining flexible on destinations and responding to shifting costs and conditions. He further added that there is a visible transition from popular hotspots to alternative destinations, supported by tools that help track fares and identify better-value travel windows.
The report also highlights a significant shift in destination preferences, with 81 per cent of travellers open to lesser-known destinations and 60 per cent actively seeking quieter and less crowded locations. Additionally, nine in ten travellers now consider it important that their spending benefits local communities and small businesses, indicating a growing focus on responsible tourism.
Zostel, a hostel network featured on Skyscanner, has reported an 88 per cent year-on-year growth in offbeat destinations, with 60 per cent of travellers being first-time visitors, many from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Aviral Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Zostel and Zo World, observed that smaller-town India is increasingly becoming the starting point of travel experiences rather than just a backdrop, reflecting a more curious and confident traveller base.
Flexibility is also shaping travel execution. While 58 per cent of travellers remain constrained by fixed dates due to work or education commitments, 30 per cent prefer switching destinations instead of cancelling trips, underscoring adaptability as a defining feature of modern travel planning.
Group travel continues to present challenges, with Indians spending over 15 hours on average coordinating a group trip. Nearly half of respondents consider this process more stressful than major life events such as moving homes or planning a wedding, largely due to difficulties in aligning budgets, preferences, and schedules.
Beyond logistics, travel is also evolving as an emotional experience. The report highlights a curated summer soundtrack created in collaboration with musician and artist Mayur Jumani, featuring familiar travel sounds such as aircraft take-offs, airport announcements, luggage trolleys, and security checks, capturing the emotional rhythm of journeys.
The report further outlines travel preferences for Summer 2026. Among the cheapest destinations, Kozhikode in India records an average seat price of 4,984.80 INR, followed by Diu at 6,808.84 INR, Puducherry at 11,435.28 INR, George Town in Malaysia at 12,029.24 INR, Jammu at 13,126.64 INR, Shillong at 13,751.60 INR, Krabi in Thailand at 18,355.72 INR, Phnom Penh in Cambodia at 24,599.12 INR, and Victoria in Seychelles at 46,836.04 INR.
The most popular destinations include Bangkok in Thailand ranked first, followed by Denpasar in Indonesia, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Tokyo in Japan, Phuket in Thailand, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Seoul in South Korea, and Kathmandu in Nepal.
The findings collectively underline a transformative shift in Indian travel behaviour, where intent remains strong but execution is increasingly shaped by flexibility, value optimisation, and conscious destination choices.
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