Main Character Energy Takes Over 2026 Travel Planning: Booking.com Research Reveals Joyful, Optimistic and More Inclusive Travel Mindsets
In 2026, travel planning is no longer a task, it’s part of the joy of taking a vacation. It’s no longer just a means to an end; it’s the opening act of the vacation itself. With Indians planning their summer break, Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2026 data reveals a growing number of Indian travellers are channeling “Main Character Planning Energy”, where planning and booking is just as enjoyable as the trip itself. Three in four (75%) Indian travellers prefer planning the trip themselves, signalling a clear shift of how travel planning is viewed from being stressful to generating excitement. At Booking.com, this joy of planning is matched with easy, intuitive booking experiences, ensuring travellers can focus on what truly matters: making memories.
Decoding 2026 Booking Personalities that are Shaping Travel
Indian travellers are entering 2026 with positivity around travel and a desire for discovery. 81% of Indian travellers feel optimistic about their upcoming trips, while 80% plan on visiting a new destination, suggesting a year defined by first-time experiences and meaningful travel moments. At the same time, while the desire to travel is shared, how travellers approach planning continues to evolve. Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2026 data reveals five distinct booking personas shaping travel in 2026:
● The Enthusiastic Booker (63%): Leading the way, this persona enjoys making plans and happily takes the lead, even if it requires a lot of time and work. 63% of Indian travellers are proudly willing to take charge of planning and reservations, this persona emerges as the majority of travellers across age cohorts.
● The Shared Booker(14%): Likes being a main planner and organizer but frequently wishes others would offer more help or share the responsibility.
● Supportive Contributor (10%): The one who is happy to help with specific tasks (like research or booking one part) but prefers not to be the main leader
● Reluctant Booker (9%): The one who often prefers not to plan but ends up taking the lead because no one else will, making for 9% of Indian travellers.
● The Go-With-the-Flow Follower(4%): the one who prefers others to take the lead on planning and is grateful to simply enjoy the itinerary they create.
2026 Travel Squads: It’s Not Just the Destination, it’s Who You Travel With
Travel companions continue to play a defining role in shaping trips, with familial relationships anchoring travel decisions. Family travel remains dominant, with 56% of Indian travellers planning to travel with their family this year. This is followed by getaways with a group of friends (47%) or a friend (43%), while 34% plan to take trips with their significant others, 32% plan on travelling with colleagues from work, journeys with extended families stand at 30% and solo trips at 24%. These dynamics underscore a key shift: while travel companions may vary, the intent remains consistent, travellers are prioritising deeper, more meaningful connections.
Shifting Dynamics with Kids Leading the Way and Pets Joining the Journey
This year, children are likely to continue to influence travel plans. In 2025, 57% of Indian family travellers revealed that their children’s preferences “completely or significantly” dictated the itinerary. Whether it’s a beach break or a city escape, the focus remains on quality time and a successful holiday is one where their children are the happiest.
At the same time, the definition of “family” is expanding. Pet-inclusive travel is on the rise with 10% of Indian travellers planning to travel with their pets this year, almost double from 6% in 2025. From dining at pet-friendly restaurants or breweries (64%) and choosing pet-friendly hotels (62%) or alternative accommodations (61%), to exploring pet-friendly city centers or towns (59%), in 2025 Indian travellers chose experiences and destinations that accommodated their entire family—including pets. This reflects a broader shift towards more inclusive, flexible and personalised travel experiences.
Santosh Kumar, Regional Head, South Asia at Booking.com said, “We are seeing a shift in how Indian travellers are approaching travel in 2026. Planning is no longer just a means to an end, but an integral part of the travel experience itself. In 2026, travellers are more intentional and positive, with plans influenced by who they travel with, whether it’s family, children or pets. At Booking.com, we are enabling this by making every step of the journey, from inspiration to booking, seamless and flexible so travellers across India can plan with ease and focus on creating meaningful memories together.”
METHODOLOGY
Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
