What makes Indian travel unique? From forgotten passports to packing namkeen, travel habits revealed

Uncover the quirks that make Indian travel truly unforgettable—from forgotten chargers to favorite snacks! (Image: Canva)

While social media dazzles with flawless images of exotic beaches and famous landmarks, the real spirit of Indian travel lies beyond the filters. It’s found in the frantic last-minute hunt for a forgotten phone charger, the comforting crunch of homemade khakhra miles away from home, and the amusing attempts to navigate unfamiliar languages with a mix of charm and confusion.

A recent report by Booking.com, in collaboration with YouGov, lifts the curtain on these candid and often humorous facets of Indian travellers’ journeys in 2025.

Rather than focusing on polished perfection, the study uncovers the fascinating blend of careful planning and delightful mishaps that define Indian travel. From the essentials frequently left behind, to unexpected souvenirs tucked away in suitcases, and from travel blunders turned into cherished memories to the ever-present home-cooked snacks, these authentic details shape the Indian holiday experience just as much as the destinations themselves.

Whether it’s the frustration of a forgotten charger, the comfort of familiar flavors far from home, or the laughter sparked by a last-minute booking blunder, this report highlights the resilience, humor, and heart that define every Indian traveller’s experience. Let’s take a closer look at the charming habits and amusing missteps that embody the spirit of Indian travellers—a blend of resourcefulness and joy that turns every trip into a story worth telling.

The Packing Puzzle: What Indians Forget, Leave Behind, and Bring Home by Mistake

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: Indian travellers frequently forget vital items while packing, with 35% admitting to leaving behind phone chargers or adapters. Toothbrushes and toothpaste slip the mind for 33%, while medicines are often forgotten by 29%. Earphones are missed by 28%, and essentials like umbrellas (26%) and sunglasses (25%) also get overlooked. Most concerning is the 21% who forget critical travel documents such as passports or IDs.

From forgotten chargers to wrong bookings—Indian travellers know how to turn oops into unforgettable memories! (Image: Canva)

● The “Forgotten at the Destination” List: Nearly half (42%) leave clothing items such as socks, shirts, or tops behind at their holiday spot. Electronics like chargers, earphones, or power banks are abandoned by 37%, toiletries by 36%, glasses by 30%, and jewellery or watches by 22%. Important documents like passports or IDs are left behind by 17% of travellers. The report also reveals surprising forgotten items: 15% left hair extensions or wigs, 13% forgot teeth aligners, and 12% even left pets behind.

● The “Accidental Souvenirs” (Things That Come Home): Some things find their way back home unintentionally. Hotel toiletry kits (including shampoo, lotion, and brushes) top the list at 44%, followed by coffee or tea bags at 41%. Slippers are brought back by 25%, and newspapers by 28%—unexpected keepsakes that remind travellers of their trips.

Challenges That Test Indian Travellers’ Patience

Travel rarely goes perfectly, and for Indians, transportation issues are a major headache, with 37% citing delays or cancellations as trip spoilers. Unpredictable weather disrupts plans for 34%, while 30% struggle to find food that suits their tastes or dietary needs. Overpacked itineraries that leave little room to relax frustrate 27%, and noisy hotel neighbours bother 26% of travellers.

Funny Slip-Ups That Become Travel Stories

Indian travellers have plenty of humorous mishaps to share: 52% admitted to awkward or failed attempts at speaking the local language, 42% mistakenly entered the wrong hotel room, and 38% experienced luggage mix-ups. Booking errors affect 29%, who have messed up travel dates or accommodation bookings, and one in four have turned up at the airport on the wrong day.

A Taste of Home and Treasures from Afar: What Indian Travelers Can’t Do Without

Comfort food travels with Indian tourists everywhere—54% pack dry snacks like namkeen, khakhra, and biscuits. Dry fruits and nuts are popular with 41%, chocolates and candies with 39%, and homemade favourites such as thepla, paratha, or puri are taken along by 37%. Coffee and tea sachets are essential for 33%.

When it comes to souvenirs, Indian travellers prefer items that reflect the local culture. Clothing unique to the destination is the top pick for 64%, followed by edible local snacks for 58%. Traditional keepsakes like fridge magnets, mugs, and keychains remain popular with 50%, while 46% choose handcrafted local crafts.

The report paints a vivid picture of Indian travellers — meticulously prepared yet delightfully human. They travel with home comforts, stumble through amusing mistakes, and collect souvenirs both planned and accidental. These authentic experiences are what make every trip a story worth telling.