- Indians rank among top global travelers in 2026.
- Domestic travel intent leads all global markets.
- Travel insurance adoption sees strong momentum in India.
India also leads all global markets in domestic travel intent, with 60 percent planning to holiday within the country, compared to a global average of 42 percent, according to the index. The survey was conducted by Ipsos across 11,010 respondents in 10 countries.
"The findings highlight the growing importance of domestic travel and the increasing role of technology, including AI, in shaping travel planning and decision-making," said Charu Kaushal, Allianz India’s managing director. "Travellers increasingly view protection and preparedness as an essential part of the overall travel experience."
The strong intent to travel, however, comes with a note of caution. Rising costs are weighing on many Indian travelers, with 76 percent cutting non-essential spending to keep holidays affordable and 72 percent scaling back vacation plans because of higher prices. As many as 82 percent worry travel costs will climb further. The mood is one of wanting to travel but being more careful about spending.
As travel gets more complex, more Indians are also turning to travel insurance for peace of mind. Around 85 percent said they are likely to buy travel insurance for their summer holidays. Medical assistance and repatriation support were valued by 89 percent of insured travelers and 65 percent expect round-the-clock digital support from their insurers.
Parikshit Kohli, Allianz India’s sales director for travel, said travel insurance is increasingly seen not just as a financial safety net but also as an essential part of stress-free travel.
“Indian travellers today are more informed, digitally connected and aware of managing travel related uncertainties,” he added.
Beyond the basics, Indian travelers are increasingly chasing experiences. Around 75 percent plan to attend concerts or festivals, 73 percent are looking at wellness retreats, 74 percent are interested in cruises or expedition-style travel and 71 percent plan to catch a sporting event during their trips.
Technology is also playing a bigger role in how Indians plan their trips. Around 82 percent said they use or plan to use AI tools for vacation planning, while 78 percent feel vulnerable to cyber risks while traveling. Geopolitical concerns are shaping destination choices too, with 83 percent saying global instability and stricter border controls are influencing where they go.
Around 73 percent plan to extend trips to mix work and leisure, also known as “bleisure” travel. Also, 77 percent intend to work remotely from another location for a few weeks, pointing to a quiet but steady shift in how Indians think about travel today.
A recent Airbnb report showed Gen Z travellers in India prefer short, frequent and personalised trips over a single annual holiday.
