Hungry for Travel: How Food is Shaping Holiday Home Stays in India

Here’s a detailed look at Booking.com’s “Hungry for Travel: How Food is Shaping Holiday Home Stays in India” research, which explores how culinary experiences are transforming the way Indians choose and enjoy holiday homes:

Food as the Heart of Travel
- 88% of Indian travellers say food influences their travel decisions.
- 82% choose destinations specifically for food spots or restaurants.
- Holiday homes are preferred because they offer privacy, flexibility, and kitchen access, enabling travellers to cook, dine, and connect on their own terms.

Trolley Tourism
- 84% of Indian travellers enjoy visiting local supermarkets or food markets while on holiday.
- Frequent holiday-home bookers: 87% shop at local markets.
- Shopping for fresh, regional ingredients is becoming part of the travel experience.

Holiday Kitchen Personas
Four distinct foodie identities are emerging among Indian travellers:
- Traditionalist: Favors family recipes (43%) and comfort foods (37%).
- Experimenter: Loves trying new recipes and cooking methods (38%).
- Minimalist: Prefers simpler, quicker meals (42%).
- Socialite: Enjoys communal or group cooking (32%).

Portable Pantry
- 95% of Indians bring food or cooking items with them.
- Popular items: dry fruits (41%), pickles (37%), spices (36%), instant noodles (36%), chutneys (30%), oils/ghee (28%).
- Kitchenware: electric kettles (31%), knives/peelers (30%), stainless steel containers (28%), pressure cookers (25%).

Preferred Holiday Homes
- Beach houses (37%), private villas (33%), city apartments (28%), country cottages (25%), lakeside cabins (20%).
- Holiday homes are chosen for both relaxed getaways and celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, wellness escapes).

Generational Trends
- Cooking roles are shifting: only 29% default to mum as cook.
- Gen X (48%) and Millennials (42%) most often cook family recipes.
- Millennials (26%) most frequently cook their own food, compared to Gen Z (22%) and Boomers (9%).
- 28% of Indians cook to host at holiday homes, rising to 30% for Gen Z.

Big Picture
Food is no longer just a highlight of travel—it’s becoming a cultural gateway. Holiday homes are evolving into spaces where travellers:
- Cook together
- Shop locally
- Blend tradition with modern tastes
- Create lasting memories around meals

This study shows how culinary experiences are reshaping Indian travel culture, making holiday homes the go-to choice for food-loving travellers.