82 per cent of Indians have chosen a destination solely to visit a particular restaurant or for food: Research

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

A new research has revealed interesting insights into how food is playing a central role in shaping the holiday home experience for travellers.

Indian travellers are increasingly choosing holiday homes for the privacy and relaxed setting to enjoy meals, the flexibility to cook, the home-like environment that enriches culinary experiences and easier access to authentic local authentic dining.

These culinary moments are becoming more than just mealtime, they are opportunities for connection, cultural immersion and creating lasting memories that transform food into cultural gateways rather than just travel highlights.

The research by global digital travel company Booking.com reveals how food-driven experiences profoundly influence travel decisions. As travellers seek more meaningful and personalised stays, holiday homes have emerged as a key part of this evolving trend.

Holiday homes - The secret ingredient for foodie stays
The diversity of food trends and preferences profoundly influences how travellers explore the world, with holiday homes emerging as the accommodation of choice for culinary exploration. Holiday homes are a chosen accommodation type for this culinary exploration in India, with 97 per cent of foodies altering their cooking and eating habits whilst travelling. They frequent local markets (84 per cent), experiment with new recipes (38 per cent), cook local dishes (37 per cent), and try new appliances (34 per cent).

For Indians, food significantly shapes travel, with 88 per cent influenced by it and 82 per cent selecting destinations for specific food spots. Holiday homes offer privacy (39 per cent), flexibility (34 per cent), kitchen access (33 per cent) and freedom to eat at any time (33 per cent), supporting fresh, communal meals.

Dining out is also a holiday highlight for all Indian foodie travellers, with more than half (59 per cent) regularly eating at local restaurants whilst abroad.

Additionally, 36 per cent book holiday homes for better access to local dining experiences. Ultimately, 82 per cent of Indians have chosen a destination solely to visit a particular restaurant or food establishment.

Blending tradition with modern tastes
There are four standout trends shaping the culinary holiday home travel experience across Asia Pacific. From who's taking charge in the kitchen to how travellers shop, dine, and define their foodie identities, these trends reveal new insights behind the region's growing appetite for holiday home stays.

1. The new head chef in the holiday home
The "chef" role in holiday homes is shifting. Only 29 per cent of Indian travellers default to their mum as cook. Younger generations are now confidently taking the lead, blending family recipes with new ideas. Gen X (48 per cent) and millennials (42 per cent) most often cook family recipes, compared to Gen Z (40 per cent), and Boomers (34 per cent). Millennials (26 per cent) also most frequently cook their own food, versus Gen Z (22 per cent) Gen X (21 per cent), and Boomers (9 per cent). Notably, more than one out of four (28 per cent) of Indians cook to host at their holiday homes, rising to 30 per cent for Gen Z.

2. Holiday kitchen personas
Holiday homes are transforming more than just where we eat; they're revealing who we are when we step into the kitchen. Four distinct holiday kitchen personalities among Indians are emerging:

1. The comfort-driven Traditionalist who favours family recipes (43 per cent) and comfort foods (37 per cent).
2. The bold Experimenter who makes up a third (38 per cent) of those that enjoy trying new recipes and cooking methods.
3. The laid-back Minimalist who shifts to cooking simpler and quicker meals when staying in a holiday home (42 per cent).
4. The ever-entertaining Socialite, known for their kitchen flair and lean towards communal or group cooking (32 per cent).

Together, these personas show that the holiday home kitchen is no longer merely functional for Indians; it's a stage for flavour, creativity and connection.

3. Trolley tourism
Forget souvenirs; today's travellers are filling their shopping baskets with fresh produce and pantry staples. Across Asia Pacific, holiday homes are fuelling a rise in "trolley tourism", where visits to local food markets, foodie festivals, and trendy or cult-favourite supermarkets are becoming part of the travel experience. Indian travellers, in particular, are embracing this trend, choosing to support local businesses and cook with fresh, seasonal or regional ingredients during their stays. It's not just about eating well; it's about shopping smart and connecting with the local food scene. Notably, 84 per cent of Indian travellers enjoy visiting local supermarkets or food markets on holiday, a figure that rises to 87 per cent among frequent holiday-home bookers.

4. Portable Pantry
Travellers across Asia Pacific are bringing their kitchens with them. They pack favourite spices and appliances, creating a "portable pantry" for comfort, tradition, and convenience. This makes holiday kitchens familiar while allowing destination exploration.

Interestingly, a majority 95 per cent of Indians bring food or cooking items. Their favourites include: Dry fruits or favourite snacks (41 per cent), favourite pickles (37 per cent), own spices (36 per cent), instant noodles (36 per cent), favourite chutney (30 per cent), cooking oils/ghee/butter (28 per cent), digestive mouth fresheners (27 per cent) and ready-made curry sauce or paste (26 per cent).

For utensils and kitchenware, popular choices are electric kettle (31 per cent), knives and peelers (30 per cent), tiffin boxes or stainless-steel containers (28 per cent), thermos flask (27 per cent), tea strainer, pressure cookers and cooking pots (25 per cent) and portable grill pan (22 per cent).

Indians also choose types of homes that allow them to cook, dine and connect, from beachside barbecues to city kitchens. 37 per cent of foodie travellers prefer beach houses for food-focused stays. Other popular options include private villas (33 per cent), city apartments (28 per cent), country cottages (25 per cent) or lakeside cabins (20 per cent).

Holiday homes are also ideal for both relaxed getaways and major celebrations, offering guests the flexibility to cook nourishing meals, host lavish feasts, or balance both with exploring local food scenes.

In India, celebrating friendships and meaningful connections are among the main reasons for booking holiday homes, highlighted by 25 per cent travelling with friends, followed by 21 per cent booking for birthdays or anniversaries. Moreover, many prioritise self-care and mental rejuvenation as 24 per cent book for wellness escapes and 21 per cent purely to unwind.

Santosh Kumar, regional manager, South Asia at the digital travel platform, said, "Our ‘Taste of Home' research shows that food is no longer just a part of the itinerary for Indians, it's the heart of the holiday home experience. These accommodations offer travellers the freedom to cook, connect and celebrate food on their own terms, whether it's experimenting with local ingredients, recreating family favourites or discovering authentic dining spots nearby. What we're seeing is a fusion of tradition and travel, where cooking together becomes a shared expression of culture and lasting memories."