If you’re already thinking about your next trip or just curious where travel is headed, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year. After years of pandemic-related ups and downs, travel is not only back, but evolving fast. Travelers are planning earlier, spending more intentionally, and choosing destinations and experiences that feel more meaningful.
Whether you’re dreaming about hitting the beach, taking a slower-paced cultural trip, or a last-minute weekend getaway, this year’s trends reflect a shift toward smarter, more personal travel. People are thinking more about how, when, and why they travel, and it’s changing how trips are planned.
Here’s what to expect in 2026.
1. Year‑Round Mountain Escapes
A big theme in Skyscanner’s recent 2026 travel trends is what they call the Altitude Shift. It’s when travelers are increasingly seeking out year‑round alpine and mountain destinations, not just for winter sports but for peace, fresh air, and natural beauty. From the Canadian Rockies and Austria’s alpine towns to lesser‑known mountain regions, people are booking mountain views and outdoor experiences throughout the year.
This trend reflects a greater shift toward well‑being travel and a desire to reconnect with nature, escape crowded city centers, and enjoy various landscapes. In fact, hotel searches for rooms with mountain views have gone up, showing that people are prioritizing destinations where calm and fresh air are part of the destination itself.
Many travelers are even planning remote work getaways or mini digital detoxes in mountain settings, combining light adventure with quiet downtime. As travelers crave balance and fresh perspectives, altitude is becoming the new beach.
2. A Shift Toward Meaningful Travel
One of the biggest shifts heading into 2026 is how people are thinking about why they travel. More and more, travelers want experiences that feel intentional, whether that means connecting with a local community, supporting sustainability efforts, or just slowing down and unplugging.
They’re also thinking more about how travel fits into their personal goals, whether that’s mental health, creativity, lifelong learning, or time with loved ones.
This growing desire for “meaningful travel” shows up in a few ways:
- Longer, slower trips: Instead of quick weekend getaways, travelers are planning more extended stays, often in fewer locations. It’s less about checking boxes and more about feeling immersed in a place.
- Hands-on experiences: Cooking classes, artisan workshops, and volunteering opportunities are rising in popularity, especially when they’re locally led and grounded in authentic culture.
- Eco-conscious choices: Travelers are paying closer attention to sustainability, looking for hotels with green certifications, tour operators that give back to the community, and transportation that minimizes their carbon footprint.
This trend isn’t just about being responsible, but also about wanting travel to feel personal and rewarding. People want to come home with stories, skills, and real connection, not just a camera roll of “Instagrammable” moments.
3. Top Destinations: Classic & Up‑and‑Coming
As travel continues to rebound in 2026, certain destinations are drawing particular interest from travelers around the world. Some are familiar favorites, like cities and regions people have loved for years, while others are newer, up‑and‑coming spots offering fresh experiences or quieter alternatives.
Trusted classics still shine. European cities like Paris stay at the top of many bucket lists thanks to their world‑class museums, cuisine, and culture, while Tokyo, Rome, and Madrid continue to attract visitors looking for iconic urban experiences.
At the same time, some lesser‑known or emerging destinations are gaining real traction for 2026. Places like Big Sky, Montana are getting more attention with their vast landscapes and outdoor adventures, and Okinawa, Japan, is appealing to both beach lovers and culture seekers. Places like Panama’s Chiriquí Province offer lush nature and eco‑resort experiences, and smaller European locales, including Sardinia and the Cotswolds, are enticing travelers who want charm beyond your typical tourist hubs.
Meanwhile, Eastern Europe has seen a surge in interest, with places like the Czech Republic rising sharply on U.S. travelers’ radars, drawn by affordability and rich history.
4. The Rise of “Set-Jetting” and TV-Inspired Travel
One of the most fun travel trends gaining momentum in 2026 is “set-jetting”, which is basically planning a trip based on a movie or TV show’s filming location. Whether it’s a quiet village featured in a streaming hit or a dramatic landscape from a fantasy series, travelers are flocking to destinations they’ve seen on screen, according to Expedia Group’s forecast for the year.
Streaming platforms have global reach, and it shows in where people are booking trips. Iceland, Scotland, South Korea, and southern Italy are just a few examples of places seeing increased tourism thanks to shows that spotlight their scenery and culture. Even small towns that aren’t traditional tourist hubs are getting attention after a major show puts them on the map.
For example, Thailand saw a big bump in interest after the second season of White Lotus sparked global wanderlust, according to Expedia’s data. Fans weren’t just looking to relax in a tropical setting, they wanted to visit the specific beaches and hotels seen in the show.
It’s not just about recreating a scene, but also tapping into a feeling or mood. Travelers are using film and TV as inspiration to explore places they might not have normally considered, often adding a sense of storytelling and connection to their itineraries.
Travel companies are catching on too, with more themed tours, experience packages, and “behind-the-scenes” travel guides catering to fans.
5. Workcations Are Evolving Into “Balance Breaks”
The concept of the “workcation,” where people mix remote work with leisure travel, is still going strong in 2026, but it’s also shifting. Instead of just setting up a laptop in a tropical location, more travelers are being intentional about carving out “balance breaks”, mini getaways that prioritize rest, inspiration, and a change of scenery without necessarily being tethered to Zoom calls.
With burnout still top of mind for many professionals, these trips are often framed as a reset rather than a relocation. Think long weekends in the mountains, solo retreats at wellness resorts, or even digital detox escapes in nature. Some are booking accommodations that offer both good Wi-Fi and access to restorative activities like guided hikes, spa services, or meditation classes.
Hotels and travel brands are adapting too. Properties are promoting flexible check-in/check-out times, productivity-friendly spaces, and even “wellness zones” for unplugging after work hours. The idea is to blend productivity with intentional relaxation — not just multitask in a new timezone.
Whether you’re logging on or logging off, 2026 travelers are leaning into travel that supports their overall well-being, not just their out-of-office auto-reply.
Final Thoughts
Travel in 2026 is all about intention, whether that means slowing down, exploring new destinations, or finding inspiration in unexpected places. The trends shaping this year show that travelers are seeking more than just a getaway. They’re looking for experiences that feel thoughtful, enriching, and balanced.
As you plan your next trip, don’t forget the practical side too. Delays, cancellations, and unexpected hiccups are still part of the travel landscape, and being prepared can make all the difference. Travel insurance from sites like TravelInsurance.com can offer invaluable peace of mind and help protect your plans, especially for big trips or non-refundable bookings.
You can compare policies from multiple providers all in one place and get a quote in just a couple of minutes by filling out a short form about your trip.
With a little extra planning, you’ll be set up to enjoy the moments that matter most, wherever your 2026 travels take you.
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