Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond conventional holidays, with digital detox experiences, wellness-focused stays, music-inspired journeys and history-led exploration emerging as key travel preferences for 2027. According to Skyscanner's latest Travel Trends 2027 report, changing consumer interests and value-conscious spending are expected to influence how Indians plan their trips in the coming year.
Based on Skyscanner's proprietary search data and a survey of 2,000 Indian travellers, the report identifies seven emerging travel trends. It also highlights growing interest in international holidays, with 58 per cent of respondents planning to travel abroad more frequently in 2027.
The report indicates that travellers are willing to spend more on experiences, with 56 per cent expecting to increase their flight budgets and 44 per cent anticipating higher accommodation spending. However, affordability continues to influence destination choices, as 67 per cent of respondents said they had changed or considered changing their travel destination to find better value.
Seven emerging travel trends for 2027
- Sound Bound: Music-led travel experiences
Music is increasingly becoming a reason for travellers to explore new destinations. Skyscanner's Sound Bound trend highlights the growing popularity of holidays centred around music festivals, carnivals and unconventional performance venues. Around 43 per cent of Indian travellers expressed interest in carnival experiences, while 38 per cent preferred distinctive settings such as volcanoes, pyramids and caves for music-related activities.
- Signal Severance: Holidays away from digital distractions
The demand for digital detox holidays is gaining momentum as travellers look for opportunities to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with their surroundings. Destinations such as Pokhara, Agatti and Phu Quoc have recorded search-interest increases of 166 per cent, 157 per cent and 133 per cent, respectively, reflecting growing interest in quieter and more immersive travel experiences.
- Gymcation: Combining fitness with holidays
Wellness and fitness are becoming important considerations when choosing accommodation. The Gymcation trend highlights travellers' preference for properties that support healthy routines even while they are away from home. According to the report, 91 per cent of Indian travellers are likely to book hotels offering nutritious, performance-focused breakfast options, while 53 per cent actively look for fitness facilities.
- Pilgra-merch: Travelling for exclusive purchases
Shopping is also emerging as a key motivation for travel, particularly when destinations offer products that cannot easily be found elsewhere. The Pilgra-merch trend reflects the growing interest in location-specific merchandise and exclusive purchases. Around 80 per cent of respondents said they had travelled to a particular destination or store to purchase an exclusive item.
- Sten Do Surge: Pre-wedding celebrations through travel
Pre-wedding celebrations are increasingly moving beyond traditional parties, with group travel becoming an important part of the experience. The Sten Do Surge trend points to rising interest in shared travel celebrations among couples and their friends. The report found that 73 per cent of Indian travellers preferred either a joint pre-wedding celebration or a combination of joint and separate events.
- Grand Odysseys: Exploring destinations through history and mythology
History, mythology and cultural storytelling are influencing travel decisions, with travellers showing interest in destinations connected to significant historical events and traditional narratives. Under the Grand Odysseys trend, 89 per cent of respondents said historical events, classical stories or myths had inspired their travel plans.
- Currency Chasers: Choosing destinations based on purchasing power
Travellers are becoming more conscious of exchange rates and the value their money can offer overseas. The Currency Chasers trend highlights how favourable currency conditions influence destination selection. Around 69 per cent of Indian respondents said currency strength was a factor they considered when booking holidays.
Bishkek, Rupsi and Okinawa see rising search interest
The report also identifies emerging destinations attracting increased attention among Indian travellers. Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan recorded the highest growth in search interest, rising by 748 per cent, followed by Rupsi in India at 502 per cent and Okinawa in Japan at 279 per cent.
Among destinations offering better value, Jaisalmer recorded a 43 per cent decline in prices, followed by Tashkent at 30 per cent and Kozhikode at 29 per cent.
Commenting on the findings, Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert at Skyscanner India, said Indian travellers are entering 2027 with a stronger desire to explore while becoming more thoughtful about their time and spending. He noted that travel decisions are increasingly being shaped by the type of experience people want, whether it involves disconnecting from technology, discovering new places, maintaining fitness or finding better value.
AI gains importance in travel planning
Technology is also playing a growing role in how Indian consumers research and organise holidays. More than half of the travellers surveyed said they planned to use artificial intelligence for destination research, while one in two intended to use AI to compare flights, accommodation and prices.
Social media platforms continue to be major sources of travel inspiration. YouTube was used by 78 per cent of respondents for travel ideas, while Instagram influenced 69 per cent.
The findings suggest that Indian travel preferences in 2027 will be shaped by a combination of personalised experiences, wellness, cultural interests and technology-led planning. While international travel demand remains strong, travellers are also placing greater emphasis on getting value for money and choosing holidays that align with their individual interests.
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