Global Research Reveals Each Country's Travel Motivation, Indonesia Turns Out to Have a Unique Trait

Every journey begins with one thing: motivation. Testing adrenaline on high cliffs, seeking tranquility by the beach, or simply breaking away from routine. Recent research reveals that a person's reasons for traveling can be heavily influenced by their nationality.

This research was conducted by Booking.com with 53,492 respondents aged 18 and over. Additionally, all respondents had traveled at least once in the past 12 months and played a role in decision-making.

The survey was conducted online between October 16 and November 12, 2018, to capture global travel patterns more accurately.

This study not only captured tourism preferences but also revealed the vast landscape of travel motivations across different cultures.

Indonesia: Making Relaxation the Primary Goal

Amid bustling cities and non-stop work, most Indonesian travelers have a simple motivation: relaxation.

As many as 90% of Indonesian travelers stated that taking time to relax is their most important travel motivation.

For many, traveling is no longer about seeing the world, but about creating space for themselves.

Denmark and France: Freedom to Choose Destinations

Danes and French share the same spirit in travel. They want freedom to do whatever they desire. For them, traveling is an escape from highly structured routines. Journeys become spaces for spontaneity.

Argentina: Traveling for Nostalgia

For many Argentinians, travel is a journey through time. About 73% of travelers from this country choose to revisit places holding unforgettable memories. Nostalgia becomes their guiding compass.

China and Taiwan: Seeking Life's Simplicity

In fast-paced, competitive cultures, travelers from China (83%) and Taiwan (76%) instead seek simplicity. They want to experience a calmer, slower life closer to nature.

Japan, Germany, Hong Kong: Escaping Home Demands

Workloads, social expectations, and structured lifestyles drive Japanese (66%), German (72%), and Hong Kong (80%) travelers to choose journeys as an escape from domestic pressures. Travel becomes a survival tactic – an attempt to steal a pause.

India and Philippines (and Indonesia): Social Status Remains Key Driver

In some cultures, travel remains tied to social status. Indonesian (75%), Indian (75%), and Filipino (80%) travelers cite visiting places their friends haven't been as their motivation.

This isn't just travel; it's a way to build social identity.

Russia, Germany, Netherlands: Pursuing Challenges and Thrills

Meanwhile, Russian, German, and Dutch travelers tend to pursue high-energy experiences. They seek challenges and excitement during leisure time. For them, travel is an arena for exploration and self-validation.

The Global Face of Travel: A Mirror of Cultural Differences

This research illustrates how travel is never merely geographical displacement. It reflects culture, life preferences, and humanity's way of feeling whole again.

From nostalgia, social status, and challenges to escapism or simple relaxation. Each passport carries a different story about what makes someone rise, pack their bags, and set out to explore the world anew.