However, with overtourism and travel fatigue transforming the tourism landscape, that perspective is starting to evolve. More and more, travellers are opting to slow down; spending extended periods in a particular location, engaging in local experiences, and prioritising relaxation over tightly packed agendas.
This emerging trend, commonly known as “slow travel,” has become one of the hallmark themes in tourism this year. From extended stays to off-peak vacations and rural getaways, both industry reports and travel companies indicate that more travellers are swapping fast itineraries for a more deliberate approach to travel.
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This change is increasingly evident in travel statistics. A recent report from digital travel platform Agoda highlights a rising demand for quieter, slower-paced locations, especially in India’s Himalayan region.
According to Agoda, this trend is already apparent in traveller habits. They noted a 154% year-on-year rise in accommodation searches for Dharamshala, followed by a 65% increase for Rishikesh and 17% for Uttarkashi, as travellers increasingly lean towards areas celebrated for their natural beauty, wellness options, and a more leisurely lifestyle.
While Dharamshala has long been linked with Tibetan Buddhist culture, meditation centres, and forest trails, Rishikesh continues to attract visitors for its yoga practices, ashrams, and wellness retreats along the Ganga’s banks. In contrast, Uttarkashi has emerged as a quieter Himalayan option for those seeking a deeper mountain experience.
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Moreover, Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook revealed that 67% of Indian respondents cited relaxation as their main reason for travelling, reflecting a desire to escape the fast pace of city life rather than to maximise their itinerary. Agoda pointed out that the search interest in Dharamshala and Rishikesh is driven not only by domestic travellers but also by individuals from international markets, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and the UAE.
This shift is also observable on a global scale. Expedia Group’s “Unpack ’26” report has identified a marked rise in interest for destinations that provide natural surroundings, open spaces, and a slower pace of travel, evidenced by year-on-year increases in flight and accommodation searches on its platform. Big Sky, Montana, saw the highest increase at 92%, followed by Okinawa, Japan (71%), Sardinia, Italy (63%), and Phu Quoc, Vietnam (53%)—locations known for their stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
The report also highlights a broader transformation in travel preferences, illustrating changes not only in destination choice but also in travel styles. In its “Farm Charm” section, Vrbo indicated that 84% of travellers showed interest in staying on or near a farm as the “slow travel movement” gathers steam, with mentions of farm-related experiences in Vrbo guest reviews rising 300% year-on-year. “The most sought-after farm stay features also include nature walks or hiking (73%), the opportunity to interact with farm animals (62%), and harvesting produce or picking fresh fruit (42%).”
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(Edited by : Asmita Pant)
