96% Indians Would Adapt Travel Plans Rather Than Cancel, Booking.com Finds

Indian travellers are showing a strong preference for adapting rather than cancelling travel plans when disruptions occur, with 96 per cent saying they would modify their plans instead of calling off a trip, according to Booking.com’s inaugural Travel Happiness Index.

The report, based on a survey of 10,136 travellers across 10 Asia-Pacific markets, found that travel remains an important source of happiness and wellbeing for Indians. The survey included 1,015 respondents from India and was conducted in May 2026.

Among Indian travellers who would adapt their plans during disruptions, 28 per cent would choose an alternative destination, while 19 per cent would postpone their trip. Another 19 per cent said they would change the timing or duration of their travel.

The report found that 99 per cent of Indian travellers associate travel with positive emotions, while 90 per cent said having a trip to look forward to improves their mood. Around 82 per cent consider travel essential to their overall happiness and wellbeing.

Happiness emerged as the most common emotion linked to travel at 55 per cent, followed by relaxation at 46 per cent and excitement at 43 per cent.

Indian travellers are also increasingly prioritising meaningful experiences over packed itineraries. About 78 per cent prefer local food and meaningful experiences, while 68 per cent said family trips are the most enjoyable.

Despite concerns including extreme weather and health and hygiene risks at 33 per cent each, crime at 29 per cent, inflation at 28 per cent and political instability at 24 per cent, travel continues to remain a priority. Around 70 per cent said they feel more confident about affording travel than before.

“Travel is increasingly becoming more than just a break from routine,” Santosh Kumar, regional head, South Asia at Booking.com, said, adding that travellers are choosing to adapt rather than put their plans on hold amid uncertainty.