MAM
How Indian travellers are finding value in sustainable travel
Mumbai: Indian travellers today are seeking mindful experiences that allow them to travel and discover new places while being conscious of the environment. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2024, travelling inspires 75 per cent of Indian travellers to be more sustainable in their everyday lives and 93 per work want to ensure that trips they’re taking over the next year are more mindful and environmentally conscious.
Balancing travel with environmental responsibility
The desire to travel sustainably is evident among Indian travellers as 76 per cent of Indian travellers feel the environmental impacts of travel are important to them. At the same time, they are also cognizant that their travel has a broader impact on the environment as well as the destinations they visit. 73 per cent of Indian travellers are most likely to recognise the impact of their travel on the natural environment followed by local economies (62 per cent) and local communities (50 per cent). Travellers are also looking at destinations that complement their desire to support local businesses, embrace different cultures and provide opportunities for walking, using bicycles or public transport for travel.
With World Environment Day around the corner, Booking.com shares a list of destinations across India with a noteworthy number of accommodations with a credible third-party certification. From quaint coastal cities to cyclable towns, there’s a destination for every type of traveller that can help them have a more positive impact with their next trip, from check-in and beyond.
Top destinations with independent third-party sustainability certification in India*
Recognising the growing desire for mindful travel experiences, here are some of the destinations across India with the highest number of properties holding independent third-party sustainability certification (not ranked).
Bandipur
Coonoor
Kozhikode
Candolim
Agra
Jodhpur
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Vadodara
Chennai
Silver linings to clouds of doubt around sustainability
New areas of research in this year’s report have found that Indian travellers who are adopting and making more mindful travel choices feel that more sustainable travel experiences are adding value to their trips. Additionally, they believe that the potential for countering environmental impacts of travel/tourism comes from travel services like airlines and hotels (42 per cent) as well as travellers (41 per cent) and major sites and apps (38 per cent). This acts as a silver lining that can support travellers in balancing the adventure of exploration while still making responsible choices.
● The Best Version: 74 per cent of Indian travellers recognise that they are the best version of themselves when they travel more sustainably and consequently take home this positivity.
● Feeling Inspired: 75 per cent feel that witnessing sustainable practices while travelling inspires them to be more sustainable in their everyday life.
● Experiences: Local and Authentic: 95 per cent of Indians who did tours or activities for authentic, local and cultural experiences. Such local and cultural experiences help foster connections and take forward cultural exchange.
● Shopping Choices: 94 per cent of travellers shopped at small and independent stores which helps them experience the unique options available within the locality, along with being able to support the livelihoods of small-scale entrepreneurs.
● Conscious Travel Planning: 93 per cent of Indian travellers planned their trips so that they could walk, bike or take public transport allowing them to immerse themselves in the local experience completely. It also allows slowing down and taking in the culture, while being able to minimise the environmental impact. Additionally, 72 per cent of Indians also felt access to nature added value when staying at accommodations with sustainable practices.
According to Booking.com country manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar “Today for Indian travellers, sustainable practices not only enhance their travel experience but also inspire them to adopt similar habits in their daily lives. There is a desire to have a positive impact, with travellers more forthcoming in exploring activities that are driven by sustainability, whether it is indulging in cultural experiences or exploring local markets. Through collective efforts and a shared vision for sustainable tourism, we at Booking.com aim to make it easier to experience the world in a more mindful and responsible way.”
When you plan to buy medical insurance for your family, the first question is often about savings. You may assume that buying online automatically means paying less, but that is only part of the picture. The real issue is not just whether the premium looks lower, but whether the policy gives you suitable family health insurance without adding avoidable costs later.
Buying online can sometimes appear more budget-friendly because you can compare plans, review features, and complete the process without depending entirely on offline assistance.
Still, a lower visible price does not always mean better value. To understand whether you can truly save more, you need to look at the full buying experience and the policy terms together.
Why Online Purchase Can Look More Economical
When you explore family health insurance online, you usually get access to plan details in a more direct and organised way. This can make the buying journey feel simpler and more transparent.
A few reasons online purchases may seem cost-effective include:
● Easier comparison of policy features
● Direct access to premium details
● The ability to review inclusions and exclusions at your own pace
● Fewer chances of making a rushed decision
● More control over the plan selection process
This does not mean every online option is automatically cheaper. It simply means the online route may help you assess choices more carefully, and that itself can influence how much value you get from the policy you choose.
Saving Money is Not Only About a Lower Premium
A lower premium often catches your attention first, but that should not be the only measure of savings. If you buy medical insurance based only on what looks affordable at the start, you may overlook conditions that matter later.
A family health insurance policy should be judged on overall value, including:
● The scope of cover
● Waiting period terms
● Exclusions
● Room eligibility conditions
● Sub-limits, if any
● Claim-related terms
● Renewal conditions
If the premium is lower but the policy has stricter internal conditions, the apparent saving may not feel meaningful when you actually need hospitalisation support.
So, the better question is not only whether online purchase costs less, but whether it helps you select a plan that remains financially sensible over time.
Comparing Plans Online Can Prevent Overspending
One clear advantage of the online route is that it allows you to compare different options without pressure. This can help you avoid paying for features you may not need or missing features that matter for your family.
Before you buy medical insurance online, look closely at:
● Who can be covered under the plan
● How the sum insured works for the family
● Whether day care procedures are included
● How pre-existing illness rules are explained
● Whether add-ons are optional or built in
● How clearly the policy wording is presented
This level of comparison can support better decision-making. In many cases, savings come not only from the premium itself but from choosing a policy with fewer surprises.
Online Discounts Should be Viewed Carefully
Online discounts can make a plan look attractive, but they should always be read alongside the policy details. A discount may reduce the upfront cost, yet the true worth of the policy depends on what it covers and how it responds during a claim.
When reviewing discounted online plans, check whether the policy has:
● Treatment-specific limits
● Room rent restrictions
● Co-payment clauses
● Disease-wise waiting periods
● Claim deductions linked to the hospital category
● Limited cover for selected benefits
These points are important because a policy that looks cheaper at purchase may involve more out-of-pocket spending later. That is why discount-led buying should be replaced with detail-led buying.
Final Thoughts
Yes, buying online can sometimes help you save more when choosing family health insurance, but only if you look beyond the headline price. The online route may give you better visibility, easier comparison, and more time to review the policy terms.
That can support smarter choices and may reduce the chances of paying for a plan that does not suit your family well.
If you want to buy medical insurance online, treat savings as more than a discount. The real advantage lies in choosing family health insurance that balances affordability, clarity, and meaningful coverage for your household.
