From AI trip planning to travel insurance: How are Indians redefining travel in 2026?

Gone are the days when a holiday meant simply booking tickets and packing bags. Today's Indian traveller is more digital, more informed and more prepared, reshaping the travel landscape in the process.

In Short

• 87% Indians plan to travel this summer, above global average
• 60% prefer domestic trips for value and flexibility
• 82% use AI for personalised travel planning

Remember when planning a holiday meant flipping through travel brochures, calling hotels and relying on a friend's recommendation? Those days seem increasingly distant.

Today's Indian traveller is planning trips with the help of artificial intelligence, comparing destinations based on climate risks, buying travel insurance before departure and even extending holidays to work remotely from another city or country.

Indian travellers are not just travelling more, i.e,, they are travelling differently, according to a new travel survey by Allianz Partners. While the appetite for holidays remains strong, the way people plan, spend and protect themselves during trips is undergoing a significant transformation.

THE GREAT INDIAN TRAVEL RUSH IS STILL ON

Despite concerns about rising prices and global uncertainty, Indians remain among the world's most enthusiastic travellers.

87% of Indians plan to travel this summer, well above the global average, reported Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index . Travel continues to be viewed as an important part of life, with many people prioritising holidays even when household budgets are under pressure.

But the modern traveller is becoming more selective. Instead of simply booking a holiday, people are carefully weighing costs, safety, convenience and overall value.

As Charu Kaushal, Managing Director at Allianz Partners India, says, Indian travellers continue to show strong confidence and enthusiasm for travel. However, she says the biggest change lies in how people are planning and prioritising their vacations.

STAYING CLOSER TO HOME

One of the most striking trends is the growing preference for domestic travel.

Six in ten Indian travellers plan to holiday within the country this summer, making India the strongest domestic travel market among the countries surveyed.

This shift reflects changing consumer priorities. Travellers are looking for experiences that offer value for money without sacrificing quality. Domestic destinations also offer greater flexibility at a time when global travel can be affected by geopolitical tensions, visa restrictions and fluctuating costs.

Whether it is the beaches of Goa, the mountains of Uttarakhand or the backwaters of Kerala, many travellers are discovering that memorable holidays do not necessarily require a passport.

AI IS BECOMING A TRAVEL COMPANION

Perhaps the biggest change in travel behaviour is the growing use of technology.

The survey found that 82% of Indian travellers have already used or plan to use artificial intelligence to organise their holidays. From building itineraries and finding hidden attractions to comparing hotel options and estimating travel costs, AI is quickly becoming part of the planning process.

Kaushal says technology is playing an increasingly important role in shaping travel decisions. She believes travellers are becoming more digitally enabled and are using tools such as AI to create more personalised and efficient travel experiences.

This trend highlights how technology is moving from being a convenience to becoming a core part of holiday planning.

TRAVELLING FOR EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST DESTINATIONS

Another major shift is the rise of experience-led travel.

Increasingly, people are planning holidays around what they want to do rather than where they want to go. Concerts, sporting events, wellness retreats, festivals and hobby-based activities are becoming powerful travel motivators.

Three out of four Indian travellers say they are likely to attend concerts, festivals or performing arts events during their trips. Many are also planning holidays around sporting events, wellness experiences and adventure activities.

The trend suggests that travellers are seeking memories and personal experiences rather than simply ticking destinations off a bucket list.

SAFETY IS NO LONGER AN AFTERTHOUGHT

The excitement of travel is now accompanied by a greater awareness of potential risks.

Indian travellers are paying closer attention to geopolitical developments, stricter border controls, flight disruptions and personal safety concerns when choosing destinations.

The survey found that concerns about global instability, travel delays, health issues and lost luggage are influencing travel decisions for a large number of people.

At the same time, climate-related concerns are becoming harder to ignore. Extreme weather events and environmental risks are now part of the travel planning conversation, with many travellers factoring these issues into destination choices.

According to Kaushal, travellers today are paying much closer attention to safety, flexibility and preparedness than they did in the past.

WHY TRAVEL INSURANCE IS BECOMING ESSENTIAL

One of the clearest signs of changing traveller behaviour is the growing demand for travel insurance.

A remarkable 85% of Indian travellers say they are likely to purchase travel insurance for their holidays this summer. This reflects a growing understanding that travel disruptions, medical emergencies and unexpected changes can happen at any time.

Rather than seeing insurance as an optional expense, many travellers now view it as an essential part of trip planning.

Kaushal says travellers increasingly see protection and preparedness as integral parts of the travel experience. As travel becomes more complex, having access to support and assistance provides reassurance and peace of mind.

The survey also found growing demand for digital services, with many travellers expecting round-the-clock support and emergency assistance through mobile apps.

WHEN WORK AND HOLIDAYS BLEND TOGETHER

The line between work and leisure is becoming increasingly blurred.

Remote working has given many professionals the freedom to extend trips, work from holiday destinations and explore flexible lifestyles. A growing number of Indians are combining business and leisure travel or considering longer-term remote working arrangements.

This shift reflects broader changes in how people view work-life balance. Travel is no longer confined to annual holidays. For many, it has become part of everyday life.

THE NEW INDIAN TRAVELLER

The Indian traveller of 2026 is confident but cautious, adventurous yet practical.

They are embracing technology, seeking meaningful experiences and prioritising safety in ways that were less common just a few years ago. They are travelling more thoughtfully, paying closer attention to costs, risks and preparedness while still making room for discovery and adventure.

The holiday itself remains important. But increasingly, it is the planning, protection and personalisation behind the journey that define how Indians travel today.

- Ends