1 month ago
Anti-Itinerary Travel Gains Popularity Among Indians
More and more Indians are choosing to travel without strict plans.
Instead of booking everything in advance, they prefer to decide where to stay and what to do once they arrive.
This way, they can discover hidden spots, meet locals, and enjoy their trips without feeling rushed.
For example, Priya and Mohit from Delhi book their flights first and then find a place to stay after they arrive.
Arjun, who lives in Barcelona, often books his flights last minute and decides his stay based on how he feels when he gets there.
Experts say this trend is growing because people want to relax and enjoy their holidays rather than just tick off places from a list.
However, this approach can sometimes lead to higher prices and other challenges.
Indians are increasingly opting for itinerary-free travel, prioritizing flexibility and spontaneity.
Priya and Mohit from Delhi book flights first and decide on accommodations and activities upon arrival.
Arjun Narayanan, based in Barcelona, books flights last minute and decides his stay based on his feelings upon arrival.
Experts note a shift towards experiencing places at one's own pace rather than ticking destinations off a bucket list.
The trend is driven by remote work, easier digital bookings, flexible cancellation policies, and visa-on-arrival destinations.
- Who
- Indians, particularly younger generations and seasoned travellers
- What
- A shift towards anti-itinerary travel, prioritizing flexibility and spontaneity over fixed plans
- Where
- India and international destinations like Bali, Malaysia, and Egypt
- When
- Over the past year, with increasing popularity
- Why
- To escape the exhaustion of packed schedules and to prioritize rest and local experiences over sightseeing
Proponents of Anti-Itinerary Travel
Critics of Anti-Itinerary Travel
Flexibility vs. Structure
Proponents of Anti-Itinerary Travel
Proponents argue that anti-itinerary travel allows for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries, making travel more enjoyable and less stressful.
Critics of Anti-Itinerary Travel
Critics point out that this approach can lead to higher hotel prices, sold-out stays, transport challenges, visa documentation issues, and even safety concerns.
Key facts
- Primary Category
- CULTURE
- Secondary Category
- Travel
- Tertiary Category
- Trends
- Quaternary Category
- Anti-Itinerary
- Key Figures
- Priya Verma Kumar, Mohit Kumar, Arjun Narayanan, Gajanan Joshi, Ashish Sidhra, Dr. Chandni Tugnait
- Key Locations
- Delhi, Barcelona, Cairo, Dahab, Bali, Malaysia, Indonesia
- Key Statistics
- 66% of travellers book within days or weeks of departure (Airbnb & YouGov report)
Quotes
Priya Verma Kumar
Indian traveler, co‑author of the itinerary‑free travel example
“"Earlier, travel was often about achieving a goal. People wanted to visit a destination, tick it off their bucket list, and move on."”
indianexpress.com
“"I never really know how much I’ll like a place until I get there, so I prefer taking things one day at a time."”
indianexpress.com








