2026 Travel Outlook Report: Agoda Reveals Key Travel Trends Across Asia and India

Updated on December 2, 2025

A brand-new 2026 Travel Outlook Report by Agoda has revealed the biggest travel trends set to define how Asia travels in the coming year. The insights highlight a strong shift toward local exploration, hidden-gem destinations, micro travel, meaningful experiences, and the growing influence of AI in trip planning.

As travellers across Asia rethink the way they explore, Agoda’s report shows a clear desire for better value, shorter getaways, richer cultural experiences, and more intentional travel habits.

A brand-new 2026 Travel Outlook Report by Agoda has revealed the biggest travel trends set to define how Asia travels in the coming year. The insights highlight a strong shift toward local exploration, hidden-gem destinations, micro travel, meaningful experiences, and the growing influence of AI in trip planning.

As travellers across Asia rethink the way they explore, Agoda’s report shows a clear desire for better value, shorter getaways, richer cultural experiences, and more intentional travel habits.

Asia Travel Trends 2026: What the Agoda Report Reveals

According to the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook Report, travellers across Asia are set to embrace:

✅ 1. Local Adventures Over Long-Haul Trips

A major trend for 2026 is the increasing preference for nearby destinations over long international vacations. Travellers want quick escapes packed with value, convenience, and authentic experiences.

• Lesser-known destinations are gaining attention
• Weekend trips and short breaks are becoming the new norm
• Travellers want more trips, but more intentionally planned

✅ 2. Food as a Major Travel Motivation

Food continues to emerge as a top reason to travel across Asia. From street food to hyperlocal culinary experiences, travellers are now prioritising destinations that offer unique flavours, regional cuisine, and food-led adventures.

✅ 3. Rise of Micro Travel

One of the most interesting habits shaping 2026 is micro travel—ultra-short breaks that allow travellers to unwind without long planning or heavy budgets.

Micro travel is especially popular among:

• Working professionals
• Young couples
• Families seeking quick refreshers

✅ 4. Budget Conscious but Experience Focused

Travellers are looking for better value without compromising on quality. This means:

• Budget-friendly stays
• Smart itineraries
• Off-season travel
• Hidden gem locations offering premium experiences without premium pricing

✅ 5. AI-powered Travel Planning

AI continues to transform travel, with many Asian travellers now relying on AI tools for planning, inspiration, itinerary building, and even language assistance.

AI helps travellers:

• Discover unique destinations
• Personalise trips
• Optimise budgets
• Reduce planning time

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India Travel Trends 2026: The Rise of ‘Inward Wanderlust’

In India, Agoda’s report reveals a powerful shift toward domestic travel, driven by what it calls “inward wanderlust.” Indian travellers are showing deeper appreciation for exploring their own country, especially through meaningful, culturally rich, and hyperlocal experiences.

# Key Trends Among Indian Travellers in 2026

⭐ 1. Hidden Gems Are the New Favourite

Small towns, lesser-explored regions, rural escapes, and cultural hubs are attracting more Indian travellers than ever before.

Destinations offering:

• Nature-based experiences
• Heritage tours
• Authentic village stays
• Culinary trails

…are seeing a surge in interest.

⭐ 2. Meaningful, Intentional Travel

Travellers no longer want to just “check off” destinations. Instead, they look for experiences that bring:

• Personal growth
• Cultural immersion
• Mindfulness
• Deeper human connections

⭐ 3. Domestic Travel Continues to Grow

Despite strong outbound ambitions, Indians prefer exploring India’s diversity first—from the Himalayas to the Northeast, Central India to the islands.

⭐ 4. AI Tools Fuel Smarter Travel

AI is enabling Indian travellers to plan:

• Faster
• Smarter
• More personalised trips

Everything from itinerary recommendations to hidden-gem discovery is now assisted by AI platforms, improving travel confidence and efficiency.

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Expert Insight: A More Purposeful Era of Travel

Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands, summarised this shift perfectly:

“While frictionless travel continues to fuel outbound ambitions, it’s clear that domestic exploration remains firmly on the minds of Indian travellers. Every corner of the country has something novel and exciting to offer, and this renewed curiosity is shaping a more meaningful and more intentional era of travel. This shift is supported by the rise of AI tools that make planning easier and more personalised than ever. India’s travellers are not just exploring more, but exploring with deeper intention.”

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What These 2026 Travel Trends Mean for the Future

The findings from Agoda’s Travel Outlook Report indicate a major transformation in how Asia—especially India—will travel in 2026.

🧭 More Local Exploration

🍲 Food-led experiences will dominate travel choices

✈️ Shorter, frequent getaways will rise

🤖 AI will be a standard part of travel planning

🌏 Domestic tourism in India will boom

💡 Travel will be more meaningful, intentional, and value-driven

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Final Thoughts: 2026 Is the Year of Smart, Local & Purposeful Travel

As 2026 approaches, travellers across Asia are gearing up for a year filled with authentic experiences, smarter planning, and mindful exploration. With domestic wanderlust rising in India and AI reshaping how trips are designed, the future of travel looks more exciting—and more intentional—than ever.