These Are the Biggest Travel Trends for 2026, According to 14 Industry Leaders—and the Destinations Everyone’s Talking About

In 2026, it’s less about racking up trips and more about making each one count. Travelers are chasing big moments and unforgettable experiences—think the Winter Olympics, the World Cup, or cultural festivals—rather than hopping from place to place. From Eastern Europe’s charming cities and U.S. national parks to tropical islands and mountain retreats, people are picking destinations for the stories they’ll come home with. Across generations, the focus is on intentional travel, comfort, and personalization, whether that’s a boutique hotel stay, an RV road trip, or a short, high-energy getaway. Every trip is designed to be meaningful, memorable, and worth the journey. Here, a look at some of the biggest travel trends emerging—plus, where to go. 

Kayak

According to Kayak’s 2026 Travel Trends, travelers are planning a big year, with early search data showing about a 9 percent increase in interest in flights and hotels compared to 2025—even as airfare drops. International fares are down roughly 10 percent, while domestic prices have fallen about 3 percent, making long-haul trips to Asia and Europe more accessible and prompting earlier summer planning. Eastern Europe is emerging as a standout, with seven of the top 10 trending destinations—including Prague; Sofia, Bulgaria; Krakow, Poland; and Budapest—thanks to strong cultural appeal, affordability, and improving connectivity. Beyond price, cultural moments are shaping travel demand. Cities tied to major sporting and pop culture events, from Kansas City to Milan and Las Vegas, are seeing increased interest. Warm-weather destinations in the Middle East and Caribbean are also trending, with travelers setting price alerts early to secure deals.

American Express Travel

American Express Travel’s Trending Destinations 2026 points to a wide range of places gaining momentum next year, from dramatic natural landscapes to lively cities and coastal escapes. The Indian Himalayas top the list, appealing to travelers seeking striking scenery, adventure, and cultural depth. Established and emerging favorites like Killarney, Ireland; Las Vegas; Marrakech; and Marbella reflect strong demand for everything from scenic drives and nightlife to historic cities and Mediterranean sun. Elsewhere, island destinations such as Japan’s Okinawa Islands and Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula, mountain escapes like Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, and Mediterranean hubs including St. Julian’s, Malta highlight travelers’ growing interest in nature-rich and experience-driven trips. According to Amex, what unites these destinations is a desire for meaningful travel—whether through first-time adventures, cultural immersion, or settings that balance relaxation with a strong sense of place.

Capital One Luxury Trendcast

Capital One’s Luxury Trendcast 2026 finds that high-end travel is shifting away from traditional status signals and toward personalization, meaningful experiences, and seamless service. Based on a national survey of more than 3,000 U.S. luxury travelers, the report shows that affluent travelers now prioritize authentic connection, intuitive service, and moments that matter—whether through curated cultural engagement, flexible tech-enabled planning, or bespoke touches that make a trip feel uniquely personal. Comfort, convenience, and personalization consistently outrank status cues, signaling that luxury in 2026 is defined by how a journey feels, not just how it’s priced.

Going

Going’s State of Travel 2026 describes a year shaped less by sheer volume and more by intentional trips, viral demand, and strategic planning. After the post-pandemic travel surge, the industry is entering what the report calls the “one big trip” era, with most travelers taking fewer but more meaningful journeys, while Gen Z bucks the trend with more frequent, experience-driven travel. Social media and algorithm-fueled “trendification” are now major forces, with viral destinations prompting airlines to add capacity—often lowering airfare even as on-the-ground costs rise—and directly influencing routes and pricing. In 2026, comfort and premium experiences continue to gain traction as travelers prioritize better accommodations and upgraded cabins, though deals still matter, especially for younger travelers. The report also notes cooling interest in traditional European hotspots, growing curiosity about Asia, and increased attention to safety and political considerations as travelers balance aspiration with caution.

Expedia

Expedia’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel spotlights a wide range of travel behaviors shaping 2026, drawing on first-party data and insights from 24,000 travelers worldwide. The report highlights a surge in experiential travel, from Fan Voyage trips that blend local sports and culture with exploration, to set-jetting inspired by movies and TV shows, and Farm Charm stays that emphasize slow travel and reconnection with nature. Travelers are also embracing Hotel Hop itineraries that combine multiple stays in one destination, along with Readaways—literary-themed escapes fueled by book-driven inspiration. Expedia’s Destinations of the Year list, featuring search growth for places like Big Sky, Okinawa, and Sardinia, further illustrates where interest is rising fastest. Together, the Unpack ’26 trends point to a shift toward more intentional, localized, and culturally rich travel, with travelers prioritizing authentic experiences, distinctive stays, and meaningful connections.

RVshare

RVshare’s 2026 Travel Trend Report shows a travel landscape shaped by flexibility, comfort, and thoughtful experiences, as more Americans opt for intentional, easy-to-plan getaways over long bucket-list trips. Survey data points to rising interest in shorter journeys and repeat visits to familiar destinations, with RV travel offering freedom to explore at one’s own pace. Demand for one-way RV trips is growing—especially among Millennials—allowing travelers to design open-ended routes, while national parks and quieter nature destinations gain appeal as alternatives to crowded hotspots. Affordability and personalization are also key, with 87 percent of travelers seeking cost savings through off-season travel, multi-stop itineraries, and AI tools that surface hidden gems. Pet-friendly travel has become essential for many, and milestone moments like the FIFA World Cup and Route 66’s 100th anniversary are fueling renewed interest in road trips, reflecting a broader shift toward manageable, meaningful travel in 2026.

Airbnb

Airbnb’s 2026 Travel Predictions point to a year shaped by short-but-intense trips, nature-forward escapes, and event-driven travel. Platform data shows Gen Z leading a rise in 1–2 day international getaways focused on high-energy culture, iconic food scenes, and viral destinations. At the same time, interest in stays near U.S. national parks is climbing, with park-adjacent searches up 35 percent as travelers seek outdoor adventure and restorative nature, fueled in part by milestone park anniversaries. Searches tied to major events like the Winter Olympics, Coachella, and the World Cup also dominate top travel dates, highlighting how experiential moments are driving travel planning in 2026.

Pinterest

Pinterest’s Predicts 2026 report suggests travel in the year ahead will balance adventure-driven escapes with ethereal, mood-rich destinations. Based on search and visual data, thrill-seeking “darecations”—trips built around adrenaline-fueled experiences like river rafting, major sporting events, and high-energy activities—are rising sharply, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. At the same time, the “mystic outlands” trend points to growing interest in fairytale-like, atmospheric landscapes, from the Scottish Highlands to the Faroe Islands and Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats, appealing to travelers drawn to visual wonder over classic beach vacations. Together, these trends show 2026 travel shaped by contrast and curiosity: fast-paced adventures paired with soulful, otherworldly settings that inspire visual storytelling and social discovery.

Chase Travel

Chase Travel’s 26 Trips to Take in 2026 highlights where booking demand and cultural curiosity are converging, with destinations spanning rugged deserts, coastal hideaways, Arctic wilderness, and global cultural capitals. From the sun-soaked Albanian Riviera and Chile’s Atacama Desert to Botswana’s Okavango Delta and solar eclipse viewing in Spain’s Basque Country, the list emphasizes experiential, wide-ranging travel. Standout U.S. picks like Route 66 for its centennial and alpine escapes in the Dolomites further reflect renewed interest in outdoor adventure and iconic landscapes. The report also points to broader motivations shaping the year ahead, including a strong appetite for nature-driven wonder, expanded access through new routes, and event-inspired trips tied to cultural moments and festivals. Together, Chase’s forecast paints 2026 as a year defined by inspiration, discovery, and purpose-driven itineraries.

Hilton

Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report centers on the rise of the “whycation,” showing travelers are increasingly choosing trips based on purpose and emotional motivation rather than destinations alone. Drawing on a global survey of more than 14,000 travelers, the report finds 2026 journeys shaped by the desire to rest, reconnect, recharge, and create meaningful memories. Travelers are gravitating toward intentional experiences like serene escapes, nostalgic road trips, and family travel driven by shared curiosity and play. Comfort and familiarity are also gaining importance, with guests bringing routines along and seeking experiences that feel both relaxing and enriching. Key themes include Hushpitality—a growing preference for calm and quiet—the return of home-like comforts on the road, and evolving multigenerational travel, from playful family trips to skip-gen getaways. Together, these trends reflect a shift toward more purposeful, emotionally grounded travel in 2026.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy’s The World Is Waiting: Where to Travel in 2026 spotlights destinations set to capture travelers’ attention, blending cultural depth, natural beauty, and event-driven momentum. Highlights include Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, newly connected by high-speed rail, and Glasgow, energized by music, culture, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The list spans Sardinia’s beach life, the Azores’ volcanic landscapes, Rabat’s rich heritage, and outdoor adventure in South Africa’s Western Cape, underscoring a mix of iconic and under-the-radar experiences. Northern Europe also stands out, with Finland’s long summer days, Sámi culture, and aurora views, while Bodrum’s Turkish Riviera and Madrid’s Grand Prix-fueled buzz round out a year of diverse global exploration. Together, Marriott’s picks reflect a travel year defined by destinations and experiences truly worth seeking out.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 frames next year as an era of personalized, passion-driven travel, where journeys reflect self-expression and connection as much as place. Highlights include “Glowmads,” trips centered on beauty and wellness rituals, and “Shelf Discovery,” which explores local culture through everyday food experiences like supermarket safaris. Mountain escapes are booming year-round under the “Altitude Shift” trend, while literature-inspired itineraries, multigenerational trips, solo travel for connection, and standout hotel stays are all gaining momentum as travelers define journeys by what they love and who they share them with.

Trip.com

Trip.com’s 2026 Global Travel Trends forecasts a vibrant year of broad mobility and immersive experiences, with Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Türkiye emerging as standout destinations with strong booking growth. The report highlights the continued appeal of entertainment‑led travel—from theme parks to concerts and fan‑driven cultural attractions—alongside a surge in sustainable mobility, including electric vehicle rentals and self‑driving trips. Nature and cultural immersion remain key, with travelers seeking scenic escapes, heritage cities, and flexible, experience‑rich journeys that balance adventure, culture, and authenticity.

Smartflyer

SmartFlyer’s 2026 Travel Trends predicts a year defined by intentional, joy-driven experiences that go beyond bucket-list travel—from transformational journeys and high-impact safaris to hotel-branded cruises. Travelers are booking purposeful trips now rather than “someday,” with group celebrations and multigenerational travel on the rise. Italy—especially Milan and the Dolomites ahead of the Winter Olympics—stands out, while private and semi-private aviation grows for reaching remote or coveted destinations. Culture as currency shapes plans around global events and seasonal moments, and hotel-backed boutique stays gain popularity. Festive family travel is shifting from sun-soaked resorts to European city escapes, highlighting 2026 as a year where experiences, access, and meaningful moments define where and how people travel.