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

A new research has revealed interesting insights into how food is playing a central role in shaping the holiday home experience for travellersIndian travellers are increasingly choosing holiday homes for the privacy and relaxed setting to enjoy meals the flexibility to cook the homelike environment that enriches culinary experiences and easier access to authentic local authentic diningThese 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 highlightsThe research by global digital travel company Bookingcom reveals how fooddriven experiences profoundly influence travel decisions As travellers seek more meaningful and personalised stays holiday homes have emerged as a key part of this evolving trendHoliday homes The secret ingredient for foodie staysThe 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 centFor 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 mealsDining 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 establishmentBlending tradition with modern tastesThere are four standout trends shaping the culinary holiday home travel experience across Asia Pacific From whorsquos taking charge in the kitchen to how travellers shop dine and define their foodie identities these trends reveal new insights behind the regionrsquos growing appetite for holiday home stays1 The new head chef in the holiday homeThe 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 Z2 Holiday kitchen personasHoliday homes are transforming more than just where we eat theyre revealing who we are when we step into the kitchen Four distinct holiday kitchen personalities among Indians are emerging1 The comfortdriven Traditionalist who favours family recipes 43 per cent and comfort foods 37 per cent2 The bold Experimenter who makes up a third 38 per cent of those that enjoy trying new recipes and cooking methods3 The laidback Minimalist who shifts to cooking simpler and quicker meals when staying in a holiday home 42 per cent4 The everentertaining Socialite known for their kitchen flair and lean towards communal or group cooking 32 per centTogether these personas show that the holiday home kitchen is no longer merely functional for Indians its a stage for flavour creativity and connection3 Trolley tourismForget souvenirs todays 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 cultfavourite 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 Its not just about eating well its 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 holidayhome bookers4 Portable PantryTravellers 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 explorationInterestingly 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 oilsgheebutter 28 per cent digestive mouth fresheners 27 per cent and readymade curry sauce or paste 26 per centFor utensils and kitchenware popular choices are electric kettle 31 per cent knives and peelers 30 per cent tiffin boxes or stainlesssteel 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 centIndians 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 foodfocused 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 centHoliday 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 scenesIn 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 selfcare and mental rejuvenation as 24 per cent book for wellness escapes and 21 per cent purely to unwindSantosh Kumar regional manager South Asia at the digital travel platform said Our lsquoTaste of Homersquo research shows that food is no longer just a part of the itinerary for Indians itrsquos the heart of the holiday home experience These accommodations offer travellers the freedom to cook connect and celebrate food on their own terms whether itrsquos experimenting with local ingredients recreating family favourites or discovering authentic dining spots nearby What wersquore seeing is a fusion of tradition and travel where cooking together becomes a shared expression of culture and lasting memoriesrdquo