Stories
Indian Travelers Embrace "Boring" Holidays: The Rise of Slow Travel and Doing Less
- •Indian travelers are shifting from packed itineraries to "slow travel," prioritizing rest, relaxation, and unplanned moments over extensive sightseeing.
- •An Airbnb study found 64% of Gen Z travelers deliberately leave itineraries unplanned, and 80% value small moments over famous attractions.
- •Travelers like Misha Bhatt and Kanak Agrawal now seek experiences like long walks, local art, and simply being present, rather than rushing through multiple destinations.
- •The appeal of "doing nothing" stems from a desire to escape constant stimulation and the pressure of everyday responsibilities, with many finding it a luxury.
- •While social media still influences travel, there's a growing trend towards unscripted, personal trips, with 95% of Gen Z wanting unique experiences and 90% seeking less-recommended places.
Key Questions Answered
Airbnb's 2026 study of 2,012 Gen Z respondents across 11 Indian cities found that 64% deliberately leave parts of their itinerary unplanned. Additionally, two in three young travellers stated they travel with the intention of doing nothing, resting, slowing down, or staying in, while 80% noted that small moments matter more than famous attractions.
Data from Airbnb's 2026 study shows that seven in 10 Indian Gen Z respondents prefer taking three short trips rather than one long annual holiday, with 87% opting for trips lasting under a week. Furthermore, two- to six-night domestic trips during the studied summer period rose by nearly 80%.
Counselling psychologist Aayushi Patni explains that everyday life is increasingly structured around alarms, meetings, deadlines, and constant digital stimulation from work and social media. Consequently, a packed holiday can feel like carrying these pressures to a new location, driving a deep need for quiet, unstructured time where travellers can detach psychologically from burnout.
