EasyJet Holidays has published its yearly Great British Holiday Audit 2026, which provides information about the changing patterns of travel in Britain. The study findings show unexpected travel patterns which will affect how British people travel during the next twelve months. The upcoming trends show that travelers will choose their destinations based on special purposes while they take extended short-distance journeys and develop a growing interest in niche activities such as astronomy tourism.

As British travellers look beyond typical getaways, 2026 promises to be a year of cultural exploration, meaningful experiences, and increased use of technology in the booking process. Here’s an in-depth look at the trends to watch in the coming year.

The Rise of Meaningful Travel

A standout trend in the report is the growing demand for meaningful travel experiences. British holidaymakers are increasingly prioritising destinations that align with their personal passions and interests, whether that’s exploring cultural landmarks, attending significant sporting events, or immersing themselves in nature. More than ever, travellers are seeking deeper, more purposeful holidays, focusing on experiences that go beyond the typical tourist destinations.

One significant manifestation of this trend is the rise of astronomy tourism. With the total solar eclipse expected to be visible from parts of Spain in August 2026, many British travellers are planning trips specifically to witness this celestial event. Cities like Valencia, Ibiza, and Palma Mallorca are set to become key hotspots for stargazing enthusiasts. Additionally, dark sky tourism, which appeals to astrophotographers and stargazing aficionados, is becoming increasingly popular.

Long-Haul Short Flights: A Growing Trend

While short city breaks remain a popular choice, British travellers are also opting for longer short-haul flights, those lasting five to six hours. This shift has led to an increase in demand for destinations like Tunisia, Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, and even cities in Turkey and Cyprus, which have seen significant increases in bookings. This trend reflects a desire to explore less traditional destinations that are still relatively accessible within a short flight.

Interestingly, easyJet reported a 12% rise in flights to Tunisia, showcasing the increasing popularity of North African getaways. Meanwhile, cities like Tbilisi, which benefits from new direct routes from the UK, are becoming ideal options for British travellers seeking new cultural experiences.

Generational Shifts in Travel Preferences

The 2026 Great British Holiday Audit also highlights the influence of generational shifts on travel. Young travellers are seeking spiritual and cultural journeys, such as pilgrimages to destinations like Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Lourdes in France. These trips are especially popular among Gen-P travellers, who are younger generations focusing on spiritual and cultural experiences.

In contrast, empty-nester parents, those whose children are now grown, are rediscovering the freedom to travel, often choosing trips based on relaxation and flexibility. This group is taking advantage of off-peak travel opportunities, particularly before school holidays and term-time restrictions.

Technology-Driven Travel: Virtual Previews and Translation Apps

As technology continues to play an integral role in modern travel, nearly 50% of British holidaymakers are now using virtual reality (VR) tools, street view tours, and vlogs to preview destinations before booking their trips. This “try before you fly” approach is especially useful for exploring unfamiliar destinations from the comfort of home, making it easier to decide where to travel next.

Moreover, translation technology has gained popularity, with 22% of travellers relying on apps to navigate language barriers when travelling abroad. This trend enhances confidence, making destinations like Spain, Japan, or Korea more accessible to British tourists.

The Influence of Pop Culture and Sporting Events

Pop culture continues to influence destination choices. With the rise of shows like The White Lotus, more than a quarter of Brits are choosing their holiday destinations based on popular TV shows and films. Locations such as the south of France are expected to see a boost in bookings thanks to the return of the series. Similarly, literary tourism is booming, with fans flocking to Verona (Shakespeare’s setting for Romeo and Juliet) and Pamplona (home of Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises).

Additionally, sports tourism is seeing a boost, particularly in relation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With many Brits opting to stay closer to home, watching games in fan zones across Europe offers a way to enjoy the World Cup atmosphere without the hassle of long-haul travel.

The Future of Travel in 2026 and Beyond

The Great British Holiday Audit 2026 has shown that British people now travel differently than they used to. The modern trend of traveling for specific purposes occurs because people need to follow their personal interests and their passionate activities, with astronomy tourism and spiritual journeys serving as the main examples. Technology now provides travelers with better tools to discover destinations before their trips and their travel decisions get influenced by various cultural factors. The year 2026 will provide travelers with opportunities to experience different types of important journeys, which include both long-distance and short-distance flights and cultural exploration.

The way British travelers choose their holidays shows that they want to experience different activities from their regular lives while they travel.

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