9 in 10 Indians Press Ahead With Summer 2026 Trips as 30% Switch Destinations

3 articles · Updated · Business Today · May 13

Nearly 9 in 10 Indians have planned or already booked a summer 2026 holiday, with 77% confident about travelling in the next three months despite volatile airfares and rising costs.
58% believe July offers cheaper flights than August, underscoring a more tactical approach as travellers track fares, keep alternatives open and adjust plans around global disruptions.
30% are changing destinations rather than cancelling, while 81% are open to lesser-known places and 60% are actively seeking quieter spots over crowded hotspots.
Zostel said bookings at offbeat destinations rose 88% year on year, with 60% of guests first-time travellers, and it is steering demand away from overcrowded places such as Shimla.
Bangkok, Denpasar and Singapore top Skyscanner's most popular destinations, while cheaper options include Kozhikode at ₹4,985, Diu at ₹6,809 and Puducherry at ₹11,435.

With travellers demanding both extreme luxury and budget trips, can India’s tourism industry successfully serve two different masters?

As major airlines cut flights, can India's aviation infrastructure actually support the nation's projected massive travel boom?

Is the 'offbeat travel' trend a solution to overtourism, or are we creating the next set of overwhelmed hotspots?