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While travel is supposed to be about relaxation, the journey itself often brings emotional fatigue.

According to Booking.com’s inaugural Travel Happiness Index, 79% of South Korean travelers, 71% of Indian travelers, and 64% of Japanese travelers report experiencing negative feelings such as anxiety or stress over their trips.

In contrast, Chinese travelers emerge as the most relaxed across the region, with more than half reporting no negative emotions.

Across the region, nearly three in 10 travelers admit to feeling tired or drained by their trips, while one in five experiences pressure to make the most of every single moment away.

To deal with this vacation burnout, 73% of travelers now choose to slow down and enjoy local experiences in one place rather than rushing between multiple spots, and seek smarter deals.

For many, simply having an upcoming trip to look forward to provides a needed mood boost (86%) amidst everyday pressures.

The top sources of joy now center on enjoying natural scenery, spending quality time with loved ones, and savoring local food and drink, with family trips ranking as the most enjoyable style of travel for 59% of respondents.

Driven by a desire for authentic connection, more travelers are choosing vacation homes and unique local stays over traditional hotels, with over a third selecting these properties for better financial value.

This redefined approach to travel is also backed by strong regional resilience.

Travelers show a determination to keep exploring even when facing challenges like unpredictable weather, rising costs, and health concerns.

Rather than canceling their plans when problems arise, nine out of 10 travelers say they prefer to adapt by adjusting their timing, shortening their stay, or seeking out alternative destinations with a similar vibe.

Technology plays a crucial role as a reliable safety net during this adaptation process.

The survey highlights that 84% of respondents find digital tools make the planning and booking process easier, while 88% report feeling more confident when using trusted booking platforms.

Laura Houldsworth, managing director for Asia Pacific at Booking.com, says reliable digital platforms help strip away unnecessary problems, allowing travelers to focus less on their worries and more on the moments that make a journey truly worthwhile.

Conducted independently in May 2026, the online survey polled 10,136 travelers aged 21 and older across 10 key Asia-Pacific markets: Australia, mainland China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.