The Neurodivergent Traveller's Must-Haves: Insights from Booking.com Research

From ‘travel rehearsals’ and sensory-friendly spaces to AI-driven live navigation, Indian neurodivergent travellers highlight key solutions for a more inclusive travel experience

• 74% of Indian neurodivergent travellers would like quiet spaces in airports, hotels and other key locations
• 74% express a strong desire for ‘travel rehearsals’ - controlled experiences allowing them to navigate trip scenarios in advance
• Almost four out of five (79%) believe AI-driven tools could significantly enhance their journeys by minimising anxiety and helping them identify quieter, more accommodating environments

INDIA, 19th March 2025 - Building on its mission to make travel easier for everyone, Booking.com’s latest research* highlights the challenges neurodivergent travellers face and the opportunity for the industry to work together to create a more seamless and accessible experience.

According to Neurodiversity Celebration Week, an estimated 15-20% of the global population has a neurological difference. While 79% of neurodivergent Indian travellers feel the available support meets their needs, Booking.com research shows that more than half (68%) still experience difficulties while travelling highlighting the need for better support, clearer communication and greater understanding.

Inclusive by design

Booking.com’s research highlights key solutions that neurodivergent travellers are seeking to make their journeys more accessible, comfortable, and less stressful.

• Pre-travel preparation: A majority (74%) express a strong desire for ‘travel rehearsals’ - controlled experiences that allow them to navigate trip scenarios in advance. This could lead to more airlines introducing check-in, onboarding and flight familiarisation experiences for Indian travellers to practice their journey in advance or attractions sharing details of high-intensity parts of their experience, such as strobe lighting, before guests arrive.
• Sensory-friendly spaces: More than three-quarters (77%) would like access to sensory rooms where they can decompress and regulate their surroundings, while 74% would like to see more designated quiet spaces during travel. Additionally, 75% of Indian neurodivergent travellers want hotels and airlines to provide ‘block out noise’ options to reduce auditory overload. Could hotels start offering noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines alongside standard amenities like hairdryers and toiletries?
• More inclusive design: 76% call for more accessible and inclusive accommodations, such as providing floor plans in advance, or offering contact-free check-in, while 75% would like aircraft cabins designed with greater consideration for physical comfort and personal space.

Enhancing industry capabilities

While infrastructure is changing to better physically support travellers, 77% of Indian neurodivergent travellers advocate for industry-wide training programs to equip travel professionals to better support their needs, especially as it relates to venturing somewhere unknown.

Potential for AI navigation

There’s excitement about the potential for technology and artificial intelligence to provide solutions for a more inclusive experience and to help neurodivergent people travel the world more confidently. Almost 4 out of five (79%) are interested in AI-powered tools that give real-time travel updates, helping them navigate delays and itinerary changes with less stress. While the same (79)% see the potential for AI-driven solutions to guide them through busy airports and hotels, identifying quieter spaces where they can find respite from sensory overload. Through technology there is opportunity to provide personalised experiences at a large scale.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “Every traveller’s experience is unique and our findings reveal numerous opportunities to better understand the challenges neurodivergent travellers face. At Booking.com, we believe that travel should be a positive experience for everyone. While hotels and airports are working towards adapting to neurodivergent needs, by sharing these insights, we hope to inspire industry-wide collaboration, creativity and innovation, ultimately building a travel environment that's more inclusive and welcoming for all.”