Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’ with Local Adventures and AI Travel Planning

Published on December 4, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’ as the digital travel platform uncovers evolving travel habits. With domestic exploration on the rise, India’s inward wanderlust is becoming a key theme for 2026. Travelers are now more focused on discovering hidden gems and cultural treasures within their own borders. Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report highlights how Indian travelers are prioritising local adventures over international destinations, seeking meaningful experiences that align with their passions for relaxation, adventure, and culture. As this new trend emerges, AI is quickly becoming a trusted travel companion, helping Indian travelers plan more personalised journeys. Inward wanderlust is reshaping India’s travel landscape, with tech-driven solutions like AI, increasing value-conscious choices, and a growing interest in short, meaningful getaways. Read on to discover how Indian travelers are embracing this new era of exploration.

India’s Shift Toward Domestic Exploration: A Growing Trend

Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’ with a powerful shift toward domestic travel. Over 35% of Indian travelers plan to explore their own country more than venturing abroad in 2026. This marks a significant rise from last year, where only 25% favoured domestic destinations. As the allure of India’s lesser-known destinations grows, inward wanderlust is fast becoming the future of Indian travel. Travelers are increasingly drawn to unique cultural experiences, lower costs, and fewer crowds, which make secondary destinations all the more appealing. Unlike traditional hotspots, these lesser-known locales offer an opportunity for deeper cultural engagement and personal discovery. This shift is evident in the rising trend of exploring places closer to home, where India’s diverse landscapes and cultures become the backdrop for more meaningful travel experiences. Indian travelers are not just vacationing; they are uncovering rich, untold stories within their own country.

Passion-Driven Travel: Relaxation, Adventure, and Culture Lead the Way

Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’ highlights how Indian travelers’ motivations are evolving. While relaxation remains the number one reason for travel (67%), adventure and outdoor activities follow closely behind, with 28% of travelers seeking a thrill. Notably, culture (26%) is also a significant motivator. More Indians are now exploring spiritual or religious journeys, reflecting a shift towards purposeful travel experiences. These motivations speak to a broader desire to make travel not just about recreation but about connection, reflection, and self-growth. As Indian travelers seek more intentional journeys, they are gravitating towards destinations that offer not just relaxation but adventure and cultural enrichment. The trend towards inward wanderlust allows for deeper, more personal connections to India’s vast heritage, inviting travelers to explore not only new places but also new aspects of themselves.

Smart Spending and Planning: Value Takes Centre Stage for Indian Travelers

Value is a top priority for Indian travelers, with nearly half (47%) of respondents planning to spend INR 5000 or less per night on accommodation in 2026. Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends reveal how smart spending is shaping travel choices. Budget-conscious travelers are increasingly looking for ways to maximise every rupee spent, opting for budget-smart stays without sacrificing the quality of their travel experiences. If visa restrictions were not a factor, 84% of Indian travelers indicated they would travel more often, highlighting how easing travel regulations could lead to more frequent international travel. Despite this, the trend towards inward wanderlust shows that Indians are finding value in exploring their own country, enjoying diverse experiences while keeping costs in check. Value-focused travelers are embracing both affordability and experiences, ensuring that every trip is enriching and memorable.

Short Getaways with Loved Ones: The Rise of Meaningful Family Trips

As travel becomes more frequent and compact, Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’ with a focus on shorter getaways. The average trip in 2026 for Indian travelers is expected to last between 4-7 days, often spent with family (40%) or a spouse/partner (34%). This trend towards shorter, more meaningful getaways signifies a desire for quick escapes that offer fulfilling experiences without lengthy time away from work or routine responsibilities. These trips allow for deeper connections and quality time with loved ones, making them more impactful and memorable. Whether it’s exploring India’s cultural heritage, embarking on a family adventure, or simply enjoying moments of relaxation, inward wanderlust fuels this shift toward travel that’s both convenient and meaningful. Indian travelers are making the most of their time off, seeking short but enriching trips that align with their values and personal interests.

AI as India’s Trusted Travel Companion: A New Age of Planning

Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’ by showcasing how AI is revolutionising the travel experience. Nearly 68% of Indian travelers are likely to use AI for trip planning, making AI a trusted travel companion. This significant figure underscores how Indian travelers are embracing technology to craft personalised itineraries, discover local attractions, and make seamless translations while travelling. With 53% of respondents trusting AI-generated travel recommendations, Indian travelers are becoming more tech-savvy in their approach to travel planning. The rise of AI tools offers a more intuitive, efficient, and tailored travel experience, enabling travelers to explore new destinations and cultural experiences with ease. Inward wanderlust benefits immensely from AI’s ability to provide customized travel options, ensuring that every journey is unique and unforgettable.