2016 to 2026: How travel has changed in the last 10 years

Back in 2016, booking a trip meant juggling multiple websites, printing boarding passes, and relying heavily on human touchpoints at airports. Fast forward to today, and the entire experience has been reshaped by technology, global events, and changing traveler expectations.

Firstpost spoke with Mr. Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, who shared insights on how travel has changed from 2016 to 2026.

What was travel like in 2016?

Mr. Kumar says that a decade ago travel was largely shaped by structure and checklists. “Most trips were planned around school holidays, festive breaks or milestone events. Itineraries were often destination-first, focused on checking off iconic landmarks or well-known destinations,” he shares.

He also explains that “travellers prioritised on maximising their limited time, often seeing as much as they can and checking off lists.”

Predictions hinted towards change in travel

Speaking to Firstpost, Kumar mentions “our 2016 Travel Predictions research indicated that 58% of global travellers were prioritising experiences over material possessions. Sustainability was also entering travellers’ decision-making with 36% of travellers looking to choose more eco-friendly travel options.”

According to him, another early indicator was “bleisure” - the blending of work and leisure. “Nearly half of travellers (49%) said they extended business trips to include leisure experiences. In many ways, these behaviours hinted at the transformation we see today, where travel is increasingly shaped by personalised experiences.”

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What is travel like in 2026?

Mr. Kumar explains that “travel in 2026 has shifted from being transactions to identity-led, from ticking boxes to telling stories and from milestone-based to self-defined.”

He adds that today, travel is more emotionally driven, more immersive, and more unapologetically personal than ever before.

“If 2025 was the year travelers threw the rulebook out the window, 2026 is the year they wrote their own. We’ve moved past ‘cookie-cutter’ itineraries toward journeys that authentically reflect individual passions and values. Whether it’s finding solitude through a niche hobby or letting the stars guide a spiritual itinerary, 2026 is truly the year to travel your way,” says the travel trends expert.

What the data says

Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions research, based on insights from more than 29,000 travellers across 33 markets, shows that travel has become far more personal and experience-led.

“Instead of focusing on purely sightseeing, travellers are seeking deeper connections with the places they visit through culture, food, nature and local experiences,” says Mr. Kumar.

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What has changed and why?

On asking what has changed in the travel landscape, the expert says “over time, there has been a fundamental shift in how travel is viewed. Traditionally, travel was occasion or moment-led. In comparison, it has now become an integral part of people’s lifestyles. Travel is becoming deeply personal and travellers are actively rejecting standard itineraries to seek experiences that reflect their individuality.”

For example, in India, more than 70% of travellers say they do not need a specific reason to plan a trip. “Instead, travel is increasingly seen as a way to celebrate personal achievements or simply take a break from daily routines. In fact, 81% of Indian travellers say they justify a vacation simply because they feel they deserve one after working hard,” he shares with us candidly.

What are the upcoming travel predictions?

Mr. Kumar notices some other trends quietly rising on the travel front. Here are they:

1. Romantasy retreats: Travel inspired by fantasy worlds, books and films with 91% of Indian travellers say they would be interested in visiting a destination inspired by romantasy.

2. Humanoid homes: 2026 is the year of tech-first holidays, and travellers are ready to embrace futuristic homes where comfort meets curiosity. 94% of Indian travellers are open to booking robotic-enhanced homes.

3. Turbulence tests - Travel is becoming the ultimate compatibility test for all types of relationships this year. 88% of Indian travellers are open to taking a trip with a potential partner, colleague or new friend to see how well they click.

4. Shelf-ie souvenirs: Travellers are shifting away from traditional souvenirs like fridge magnets to purchasing designer kitchenware and artisan pantry items, with 84% of Indian travellers interested in buying them on vacation.

5. Roadtrip rewired: Road trips are evolving from private journeys to shared, social experiences with 97% of Indian travellers open to carpooling while travelling.

6. Destined-ations: Astrology and spiritual cues are increasingly influencing travel planning with 64% of Indian travellers saying they consider mystical or astrological influences when planning vacations.

7. Glow-cations: Wellness travel is shifting from simple relaxation to dedicated ‘glow-up’ vacations, with 93% of Indian travellers are open to booking a glow-cation featuring skin-specific treatments.

8. PastPorts: Travellers will consider trips to places tied to their personal history, with 89% of Indian travellers motivated to revisit a memory with family or close friends. Technology is reinventing nostalgia, helping people trace their roots, share stories across generations and relive memories in fresh ways.

9. Hushed hobbies: There is also a growing desire for nature-based trips centered around quiet, mindful activities. More than half (56%) of Indian travellers say they seek trips that help them reconnect with nature.