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One can travel for many reasons – to discover something new, to break away from routine, or simply to see whether a place resonates with them. While practical considerations such as budgets, leave approvals, and logistics often determine travel plans, a growing number of Indian travellers are also looking beyond the tangible. Take Manya’s case for instance. The marketing professional had planned to leave for an overseas vacation July 10, but she changed her plans after her tarot reader advised her to travel after July 16. “I was disappointed because the earlier dates worked better for me, but I followed her advice. Later, I got to know that my biggest work shoot was scheduled for July 11, so I would have had to cancel it if I had travelled then,” she tells us.

She is not the only one following what the star say. According to Booking .com’s Travel Predictions 2026 report, astrology , spirituality, and mysticism are increasingly influencing how some travellers decide where and when to go. The report identifies an emerging trend called ‘Destined-ations’, where travel decisions are shaped not just by itineraries and budgets, but also by horoscopes, planetary movements, and spiritual guidance.

‘Travellers are seeking journeys that combine spirituality, mindfulness and wellness’
Industry experts say this growing interest in spiritually influenced travel is also reflected in the choice of destinations of travellers. Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head, Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services & Innovation at Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, points out, “We are witnessing a strong rise in purpose-led and spiritually motivated travel, with travellers increasingly planning journeys around festivals, auspicious dates, planetary alignments and the Hindu calendar. Beyond traditional pilgrimage, today’s travellers are seeking journeys that combine spirituality, mindfulness, wellness, and cultural immersion. This trend is particularly resonating with younger travellers, who view travel not just as exploration, but also as a means of selfdiscovery and inner balance.”

What is astrocartography

It's a branch of astrology that maps the position of planets at the time of your birth onto the globe. Believers use the resulting cartography lines to identify cosmos-approved destinations that may bring them love, luck, ambition or healing.

Nearly 73% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials say they are influenced by astrological or spiritual considerations when making travel decisions
Source: Booking.com


‘70% would reconsider a trip based on a horoscope warning’
Some people are highly practical in their day-to-day lives, while others consult planets, birth charts, or tarot cards before making major decisions – including planning a holiday. The questions to astrologers were usually, “Will I travel abroad?” or “Will I get a visa?” Experts say the nature of these consultations is changing now.
“Questions today are more likely to be, ‘Will this destination open up opportunities for me?’ ‘Will it change my energy?’ or ‘Will it help me find peace and clarity?’” says Deepali .

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking. com, notes, “Our data shows that nearly three in four Indian travellers (74%) say they would consider changing or cancelling travel plans if a spiritual advisor suggested the timing was not right. Similarly, 70% would reconsider a trip based on a horoscope warning, while two-thirds (66%) say they would actively adjust their plans to avoid travelling during Mercury retrograde.”

Not just the planetary movements but atsronomical happenings, like solstice, are also being considered for planning. “For many travellers, these influences extend beyond timing. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they consider astrological or spiritual cues when planning a holiday, whether that means aligning trips with moon phases and solstices or seeking destinations that resonate with their personal beliefs and interests,” adds Santosh.

'From astro predictions to astrocartography'

Astrology's influence on travel is not limited to choosing auspicious dates or avoiding Mercury retrograde.

Some travellers are also turning to astrocartography, a branch of astrology that maps planetary influences across geographical locations.

"Each planet represents a different kind of energy, and the places where those planetary lines fall can influence how a person feels or what experiences they may attract there," explains Deepali Rawtani, tarot card reader and chakra healer.

"Whether a place feels beneficial depends on an individual's birth chart and the planetary energies activated there. The same city may feel inspiring for one person but challenging for another," she says.

Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), adds, "Astrocartography, or locational astrology, has been attracting growing interest among younger travellers in recent years. The rise of remote and flexible working has given people greater freedom to choose where they live, work, and travel."



A desire for meaningful travel experiences

Tarot mentor and spiritual healer Madhu Kotiya believes spiritual guidance can offer useful insight, but should never replace practical considerations.

"If someone is planning travel or relocation, they should also consider finances, safety, health, job opportunities, and family circumstances. Spiritual guidance can offer another perspective, but the final decision should always be balanced, practical, and personal," Kotiya tells us.

Whether travellers consult horoscopes before booking flights, choose dates based on planetary movements, plan pilgrimages around auspicious calendars, or explore astrocartography, the motivation appears similar - a desire for travel that feels more meaningful and personally relevant.

For many travellers today, a holiday is no longer just about where they go, but also about how the journey aligns with their beliefs, aspirations, and sense of self.


- Shloka Sachdev, a teacher, shares, "When planning a trip, I consider not only which country to visit but also the timing. This time, when I was booking tickets for Seoul, I consulted my tarot card reader. She advised me to delay the trip and avoid traveling during a specific period. I changed my travel dates accordingly, and it worked out well for me."


- Manya, a marketing professional, adds, "With the crisis in West Asia, I decided to seek tarot reading before making plans. I eventually chose to visit Europe, and a tarot reading was very helpful. I wanted to stay near the water but wasn't sure whether that was a good idea. Drawing cards helped me decide on the location. I was in two minds while planning the trip, but I booked everything after the reading."