Upcoming Travel Trends for 2026 Reveal More Personal, Passion-Driven Experiences with Skyscanner
Seven Trends Changing the Face of Travel in 2026
Travel in 2026 is steering towards personalization like never before. Trips are increasingly crafted around personal interests, passions, and lifestyle priorities, reflecting a growing emphasis on meaningful travel. These evolving preferences shape how—and why—people choose their next destinations, with a clear focus on what makes each journey feel “worth it.” Seven standout trends define this new era.
1. Glowmads: Beauty Rituals Shape Travel
More than just a destination choice, beauty routines now influence travel behavior. About 33% of global travellers aim to immerse themselves in local beauty cultures, inspired in part by social media platforms like TikTok. This trend extends from in-flight skincare rituals to visits to renowned local beauty retailers, especially in cities like Seoul, recognized worldwide for their beauty culture. The “how” of travel—the integration of beauty practices—is gaining equal weight to the “where.”
2. Shelf Discovery: Culinary Tourism Gets Local and Authentic
The concept of eating like a local has taken a twist. Instead of simply dining out, travelers are exploring local grocery stores and supermarkets—35% of travellers plan to do so on their next trip. From browsing Tokyo vending machines to savoring Iceland’s geothermal bread, food travel has evolved into a blend of cultural discovery and budget-friendly authenticity. This hands-on approach offers a unique snapshot of everyday life that restaurant reservations alone can’t match.
3. Altitude Shift: Year-Round Mountain Escapes
Travellers are elevating their vacation plans—literally. Over 75% consider mountain getaways beyond the typical winter ski season. Destinations such as the Dolomites, Annapurna, and the Canadian Rockies are attracting visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty in all seasons, not just snowy slopes. The appetite for peaceful, alpine retreats has risen dramatically, with interest in “mountain view” accommodations doubling worldwide.
4. Bookbound: Literature-Inspired Travels
For the book lovers, travel becomes a literary voyage. More than half of travellers have considered or booked trips inspired by literature. This trend ranges from tracing fictional characters’ journeys to planning slow, reflective reading retreats, or exploring the world’s most stunning bookstores and libraries. The surge in literary-inspired trips reflects a desire to combine escape with connection—a way to recharge through stories and places.
5. Catching Flights and Feelings: Social Connections on the Move
Meeting new people while travelling is gaining popularity, with 55% of travellers expressing interest or intentions to travel abroad specifically to meet friends, dates, or travel companions. The rise of “catch-up friends” and choosing travel buddies over online swiping points to a social shift—real-world connections are increasingly motivating travel plans. Solo travel bookings, in particular, have jumped sharply, showing a trend toward independent and connection-driven experiences.
6. Family Miles: Multi-Generational Travel Flourishes
Traveling with family is making a strong comeback, especially involving multiple generations. About 31% plan to embark on journeys with parents, children, and grandparents alike. These trips are not just cost-savvy but a heartfelt effort to reclaim quality time and build lasting memories. Younger generations getting creative about where and how to travel make this trend all the more dynamic.
7. Destination Check-In: Hotels as Experiences
Where to stay is becoming as important as where to go. Nearly 30% of travellers seek accommodations that are part of the overall experience or destination itself. Unique hotels with striking architecture, immersive design, or a standout vibe draw visitors who see lodging as a main event, rather than simply a place to sleep. This shift fuels the trend toward “dupe” accommodations often shared on social media, redefining what it means to explore the world.