A revealing insight into the Indian traveller has unpacked a behind-the-scenes look at how the adventurers of the world's largest democracy are uncannily at one with the rest of the ordinary travelling public.
From forgetting their pets to toothbrushes to loving hotel toiletries and coffee, the results chime with what travellers across the globe already know: we're all succours for freebies, but can easily forget the most important things in life.
The Summer Travel Research 2025 report, commissioned by Booking.com and YouGov, canvassed over 1,000 domestic and international travellers from 10 cities in India.
The survey's "Accidental Souvenirs" (Things That Come Home) revealed the items that make it back home as a memory of their trip. Toiletry kits (including shampoo, lotion, and brushes) are the most common (44%), followed by coffee or tea bags (41%), slippers (25%), and newspapers (28%).
When it comes to packing, Indian travellers are in sync with their global counterparts. The most commonly forgotten items include phone chargers or adapters (35%), toothbrushes (33%), medicines (29%) and earphones (28%). Along with everything else, at least 21% forget their travel documents.
However, when leaving things behind, at least 42% of Indians commonly forget clothing items, such as socks, shirts, and tops. Other widely forgotten items include electronics like earphones, chargers or power banks (37%), toiletries (36%), glasses (30%) and jewellery/watch (22%).
Other eye-openers that are easily forgotten include passports or IDs (17%), hair extensions or wigs (15%), teeth aligners (13%) and, ironically, pets (12%).
As for challenges that can put a dampener on holiday experiences, the Indian guest relates a common thread of experiences that we all have. From transportation issues like delays and cancellations (37%), unpredictable weather (34%), finding suitable food options that cater to personal preferences or dietary needs (30%), as well as the exhaustion of a packed itinerary that leaves little room to relax (27%) and the discomfort of noisy hotel neighbours (26%).
Amid the downs, Indians do share a sense of humour on their travels. The survey revealed that the funniest travel incidents to be attempting to speak the local language with hilariously wrong results (52%), accidentally walking into the wrong hotel room (42%), the momentary panic of a luggage mix-up (38%) and the travel planning blunder of incorrectly booking travel dates, accommodations, flights or locations (29%).
At least one out of four Indians reported reaching the airport on the wrong date was among their top slip-ups.
The survey revealed that Indian travellers remain true to their roots when exploring new destinations, particularly when it comes to snacks and souvenirs. When it comes to travel snacking, Indian travellers' top picks are dry snacks, such as namkeen, khakhra, and biscuits (54%), followed by energy-boosting dry fruits and nuts (41%), and chocolates, candies, or mints (39%), which offer a readily available treat.
Interestingly, 37% of Indian travellers prefer travelling with the comfort of home-cooked foods, and for 33% coffee and tea sachets are a popular essential.
As many as 64% revealed that their top souvenirs are clothing unique to the destination, and edible snacks sourced from local supermarkets or vendors (58%). Classic mementoes, such as fridge magnets, mugs, snow globes, and keychains (50%), remain popular, as do local crafts, which also hold appeal (46%).
"It's fascinating to see how Indian travellers seamlessly blend convenience with cultural connection on their journeys," Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, said.
"While packing quirks and forgotten essentials are common, these habits reflect a deep emotional connection to both home comforts and local experiences. Our data highlights that while unexpected travel twists may disrupt the best-laid plans, it's often these moments, along with the memories of local experiences, that truly define a traveller's journey."
'Summer Travel Research 2025' focused on 100 respondents from 10 cities comprising Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Jaipur.
The survey, which included an even split between domestic and international travellers, was conducted online in April and May 2025.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
