New travel report says 77 per cent Indians cope with daily life by thinking about their next trip

A new research report reveals that travel happiness of people in India is shaped not only by the experiences travellers seek but also by the confidence ease and reassurance that help make those experiences possibleReleased by Bookingcom as a part of its Travel Happiness Index that explores the emotional financial and social drivers of travel among travellers amid rising global uncertainty it draws on insights from 10000 travellers across 10 APAC markets including India the inaugural index identifies what makes trips truly memorable stressfree and worthwhile for the travellersThe Travel Happiness Index combines two dimensions of traveller behaviour the factors people say are important to a good trip and the factors they prioritise most strongly when making tradeoffsTravel brings joy and the anticipation makes a differenceFor many Indian travellers travel not only remains a priority but the joy of it begins long before departure The index says 99 per cent people associate travel with positive emotions and for many it also plays an important role in their mental and emotional wellbeing In addition to travel helping them recharge 9 in 10 90 per cent say having a trip to look forward to lifts their mood while 77 per cent say this anticipation helps them cope with daily demandsHowever travel is not without its pressures some Indian travellers say trips can leave them feeling tired or drained 29 per cent pressured to make the most of their time away 24 per cent or uncertain 22 per cent and anxious 20 per cent Todayrsquos travellers are constantly balancing their desire for meaningful experiences expectations logistical considerations and the realities of modern travel making smooth stressfree journeys just as essential as the trip itselfDriven by this need for ease Indian travellers are taking control of their journeys through intentional planning1 82 per cent of Indian travellers view travel as essential to their overall happiness and personal wellbeing with the emotional return on investment beginning long before departure2 Trips primarily evoke positive feelings of happiness 55 per cent relaxation 46 per cent and excitement 43 per cent3 The planning stage plays a vital role in establishing a positive mindset with 82 per cent stating planning makes them feel more in control of their journey and 80 per cent preferring to organise itineraries in advance4 Primary motivations for taking a trip include spending quality time with family and loved ones 41 per cent escaping daily routines to reset 37 per cent and seeking out food and dining experiences 32 per centTravellers are redefining ldquoworthwhilerdquo around simple momentsIndian travellers are increasingly finding fulfillment not in packed itineraries or bucketlist pursuits but in the simple meaningful moments on a trip Appreciating natural scenery 26 per cent spending quality time with travel companions 28 per cent and enjoying good food or drinks 16 per cent contribute to trip satisfactionAt the heart of many happy trips is connection whether with travel companions family or the people and places encountered along the way Family in particular stands out with 68 per cent Indian travellers saying family trips are the most enjoyableThese evolving definitions of what makes a trip worthwhile are shaping how Indian travellers plan their journeys with more intention and value in mind1 78 per cent prioritise trying local food and incorporating meaningful experiences2 69 per cent choose dates or destinations based on travel deals3 71 per cent extend their trips to create more time to rest recharge and fully enjoy their destination4 41 per cent choose vacation homes apartments and unique stays for better value for money while 34 per cent say such stays help them experience destinations in a more authentic local wayUncertainty is reshaping travel but not stopping itDespite ongoing concerns around extreme weather 33 per cent health and hygiene risks 33 per cent crime levels 29 per cent inflation 28 per cent and political instability 24 per cent these factors are rarely dealbreakers with Indian travellersrsquo remaining resilient and committed to travel While affordability remains an important consideration careful planning and intentional choices are helping travellers make trips feel worthwhile with 70 per cent stating they feel more confident in their ability to afford travel than beforeEven when faced with disruption 96 per cent of Indian travellers are willing to adapt rather than abandon their plans1 28 per cent opt for alternative destinations that offer a similar vibe2 19 per cent choose to postpone their trip3 19 per cent adjust the timing or duration of their travelTrust technology and flexibility help travellers book and travel with confidenceDigital tools have become an integral part of the modern travel journey with 84 per cent of Indian travellers stating they make planning and booking easier1 77 per cent say digital tools like search engines booking platforms and AIpowered tools make it easier to find and compare options2 75 per cent say these tools inspire them to discover new destinations and experiences3 87 per cent feel more at ease when booking through a trusted platformSantosh Kumar regional head South Asia at Bookingcom said Travel is increasingly becoming more than just a break from routine it is an investment in wellbeing relationships and personal enrichment Our inaugural Travel Happiness Index shows that Indian travellers are planning their trips more thoughtfully seeking authentic local experiences and finding ways to make their trip feel more worthwhile Whats particularly encouraging is their resilience rather than putting their plans on hold during uncertainty most are choosing to adapt and make the most of their trips