From forgetting passports to carrying namkeen: Booking.com’s latest research reveals the Indian travellers’ quirks, hiccups and comforts

INDIA, 15th July 2025: Every trip promises a postcard-perfect moment, but it's often the unexpected happenings that truly become lasting memories. Booking.com's latest research, in collaboration with YouGov, delves into these unforgettable aspects of the Indian holiday experience. From the panic over a forgotten phone charger and the comforting presence of homemade namkeen, to the chaos of luggage mix-ups and the appeal of hotel freebies, the report unpacks the relatable quirks shaping Indian travellers' journeys.

The Packing Puzzle: What We Leave Behind

The holiday packing process for Indian travellers is a fascinating mix of preparation and the inevitable oversights, both in what they forget to pack initially and what they leave behind at their destination. From the frequently forgotten essentials to the surprising takeaways that make it back home, Indian travellers reveal their common packing habits and quirks.

• The "Oops, I Forgot!" List:  The most commonly forgotten item by Indian travellers when packing includes phone chargers or adapters (35%) followed by toothbrushes or toothpaste (33%), medicines (29%) and earphones (28%). Beyond the usual suspects, Indians often miss essentials like umbrellas (26%) and sunglasses (25%) —and  critical travel documents as well (21%).
• The "Forgotten at the Destination" List: Nearly half (42%) Indian travellers leave behind clothing items like socks, shirts, tops during their holidays, the other commonly forgotten items include electronics like earphones, chargers or power banks (37%), toiletries (36%), glasses (30%) and jewellery/watch (22%). Important documents such as passports or IDs (17%) are also left behind—along with some truly unexpected items such as hair extensions or wigs (15%), teeth aligners (13%) and even pets (12%).
• The "Accidental Souvenirs" (Things That Come Home): Some of the items that make it back home - as a memory of their trip - include toiletry kits (including shampoo, lotion and brushes) are the most common (44%), followed by coffee or tea bags (41%), slippers (25%) and newspaper (28%).

The Jitters and Joys of the Journey

Common challenges often take away from the overall enjoyment of the journey. For Indian travellers, the top spoilers for a getaway include transportation issues like delays and cancellations (37%), closely followed by unpredictable weather disrupting outdoor plans (34%). The struggle to find suitable food options that cater to personal preferences or dietary needs (30%), the exhaustion of a packed itinerary that leaves little room to relax (27%) along with the discomfort of noisy hotel neighbours (26%).

However, even amidst potential hassles, humour often emerges. When asked about their funniest travel incidents, Indian travellers shared plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Topping the list is the relatable experience of attempting to speak the local language with hilariously wrong results (52%). Followed by accidentally walking into the wrong hotel room (42%), the momentary panic of luggage mix-up (38%) and the travel planning blunder of incorrectly booking travel dates, accommodations, flights or locations (29%). Interestingly, one out of four Indians revealed reaching the airport on a wrong date was among their top slip-ups.

Familiar Flavours and Local Finds

Indian travellers stay true to their roots while exploring new destinations, , when it comes to both snacks and souvenirs. When on the move, familiar comfort foods top the list, with dry snacks like namkeen, khakhra and biscuits being the most preferred. They also revealed a preference for bringing back souvenirs that reflect the local culture.

• When it comes to travel snacking, Indian travellers’ top picks are dry snacks like namkeen, khakhra and biscuits (54%), followed by energy-boosting dry fruits and nuts (41%) and chocolates, candies or mints (39%) that offer a readily available treat.
• 37% of Indian travellers prefer traveling with the comfort of home-cooked foods such as thepla, paratha or puri and for 33% coffee and tea sachets are also a popular essential for that quick caffeine fix.

Indian travellers often look for souvenirs as tangible reminders of their experiences.

• A majority (64%) revealed that their top souvenirs are clothing unique to the destination followed by edible snacks sourced from local supermarkets or vendors (58%).
• Classic mementos like fridge magnets, mugs, snow globes and keychains (50%) remain popular as well as local crafts which also hold appeal (46%).

"It’s fascinating to see how Indian travellers seamlessly blend convenience with cultural connection on their journeys. 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. At Booking.com, we strive to make travel easier and more enjoyable by offering everything you need for a seamless journey, from accommodations, flights and rental cars to local experiences, all in one place.”

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com