By the time it is 2026, the travel demand will be mostly for the experiences that fit their virtues, interests, and ways of living. Sky Scanner, the top travel platform globally, pointed out the seven significant trends influencing travel tomorrow, focusing on personalisation, meaningful relations, and more immersive experiences. The trends have shown that travel is not simply a way out anymore, but a means through individualism, wellness, and cultural exploration to get deeper inside.

Trend 1: Destination Check-in

For many travellers in 2026, the journey doesn’t end when they arrive at their destination, it’s part of the experience. Hotels and accommodations are becoming the main attraction for more and more travellers. Around 29% of global travellers plan to choose their destination based on where they’ll stay, prioritising unique and immersive properties that double as part of the travel adventure. With an increasing number of options, from boutique hotels with world-class design to off-the-beaten-path stays in stunning locations, the idea of accommodation as the destination itself is reshaping the way travellers plan their trips. This shift is driven by younger travellers, who are increasingly influenced by social media and trends in unique, photogenic stays.

Trend 2: Glowmads

Beauty culture is no longer confined to the beauty counters, it’s influencing how people travel. In 2026, the rise of Glowmads, travellers who incorporate beauty routines and wellness rituals into their journeys, is expected to grow. About 33% of global travellers are eager to explore local beauty cultures, and the rise of TikTok and social media is amplifying this trend. Whether it’s indulging in skincare while on a long-haul flight or visiting iconic beauty stores abroad, this trend is elevating the travel experience, making it not just about the destination but about personal well-being and self-care along the way.

Trend 3: Shelf Discovery

Culinary tourism has evolved from traditional dining out to more immersive, hands-on experiences. In 2026, travellers are swapping restaurant reservations for visits to local supermarkets and grocery stores. About 35% of global travellers are planning to shop at local markets during their holidays, with an increasing interest in learning about local ingredients and snacks. From Tokyo’s vending machines to Iceland’s geothermal-baked bread, travellers are seeking authentic, affordable culinary experiences that provide a true taste of local culture. This “Shelf Discovery” trend combines food with culture, offering a more personal, budget-friendly way to dive deeper into a destination’s flavours.

Trend 4: Altitude Shift

High-altitude destinations are becoming more popular, not just for ski slopes, but for serene getaways year-round. With over three-quarters of travellers considering a mountain escape for summer or autumn 2026, the trend is clear: people are looking for peace and adventure in elevated locations. The Dolomites, Canadian Rockies, and Annapurna are some of the top spots gaining traction. Skyscanner data reveals a 103% year-over-year increase in hotel bookings for rooms with mountain views, indicating a growing desire to connect with nature and enjoy the quietude and beauty of alpine environments, even in the off-season.

Trend 5: Family Miles

Multi-generational travel is on the rise, with 31% of global travellers planning trips with extended family. This trend is more than about splitting costs; it’s about creating lasting memories together. Whether it’s a family reunion in a tropical paradise or an educational trip to historic landmarks, the focus is on shared experiences across generations. The growing trend of younger people living at home and the budget-conscious nature of modern travel are also contributing factors to this rise in multi-generational holidays. Family travel is no longer just about the parents and children; it’s about grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins all coming together to bond over new experiences.

Trend 6: Bookbound

In 2026, travel will increasingly align with personal interests, including literature. Over half of travellers (57%) say they’ve either booked or would consider a trip inspired by a book or literary destination. Whether it’s following in the footsteps of fictional characters, spending time in a quaint reading retreat, or visiting the world’s most beautiful libraries and bookshops, people are combining travel with a love for literature. This trend is also influencing how travellers search for accommodation, with Skyscanner’s “library” filter seeing a 70% increase in use year-over-year, showing how literature and travel are merging for a more thoughtful, restorative holiday experience.

Trend 7: Catching Flights and Feelings

In 2026, travel will become a means for social connection in a way never seen before. About 55% of travellers have either gone overseas or plan to, with the intention of meeting new people. This could be for dating, forming new friendships, or even finding travel companions. As travel becomes more personal, some are shifting from digital interactions to face-to-face connections. The rise of solo travel, combined with dating apps and social media platforms, is encouraging people to seek more organic, real-world connections. Skyscanner has already noted an 83% increase in hotel bookings using the “solo” filter, suggesting that more people are willing to travel alone to meet others and explore new relationships.

The Future of Travel: Personal, Purposeful, and Profound

The 2026 travel trends indicate that the future of travel is all about curating experiences that align with personal passions, cultural immersion, and deeper connections. With 84% of travellers intending to travel abroad as much or more in 2026 than in 2025, the demand for meaningful and enriching travel experiences is set to increase. The rise of AI and smarter travel tools will further enhance the ability to personalise and streamline the travel planning process, offering tailored recommendations that meet the unique needs of every traveller.

A New Era of Travel Personalisation

According to Skyscanner’s 2026 forecasts, the future of travel will be highly personalised, with trends such as experiences tailored to one’s preferences, self-care, and connecting with others. Mountain retreats, literary escapades, and glowmad beauty rituals will be some of the ways through which The Year 2026 will be marked by travel that is curated and elegant. Travel suppliers will have to change and invent new ways to attract customers with different and valuable experiences as the passing of time makes travellers desire richer and rewarding journeys.

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