Indians turn to travel for motivation, personal growth and wellbeing: A practical reader guide

Disney pin collecting took off in the 1990s after the company launched pin-trading programs in its parks

New Delhi, As many as 81 per cent of Indian travellers say having a trip on the calendar gives them a purpose to work towards, highlighting travel’s growing role in personal wellbeing and motivation, according to Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report.

Among those who trust their family the most, nearly one in six non-parents say their mother is their most trusted source of travel advice. The report also found wellbeing to be another important factor shaping travel decisions. The key trends shaping travel in 2027 include the travel trust equation, growth getaways, wellness rewired and the micro-travel mindset. Over 52 per cent of Indian respondents feel pressure to get every detail of their trip right, while 41 per cent are now planning experiences based on their intrinsic preferences, indicating a shift towards more personalised and rewarding travel experiences. Similarly, the report found that 42 per cent of Indians have travelled solo to meet friends or family at their destination, reflecting a growing preference for travel that combines independence with meaningful social connections. Around 69 per cent of Indian travellers trust hotel staff as a travel-planning resource. Around 82 per cent of Indian travellers actively seek experiences that calm the body and reset the nervous system, while 86 per cent say travel enables them to recharge mentally and physically in ways they cannot easily achieve at home.

The report, based on a global survey of more than 14,000 travellers across 14 markets including over 1,000 Indians found that Indian travellers are increasingly moving away from pursuing a “perfect holiday” and prioritising experiences that offer flexibility, personal growth, wellbeing and authenticity.