As 2025 draws to a close, the world of travel is poised for a transformative year ahead, with new data-driven insights revealing the destinations, experiences, and booking habits set to define 2026. Drawing from a wide range of sources—including flight and hotel platforms, search engines, and travel agents—recent reports highlight a dynamic landscape shaped by shifting traveler priorities, technological advances, and a renewed appetite for meaningful journeys.
According to a comprehensive analysis published on November 13, 2025, the definition of a "top destination" is more subjective than ever. Expedia, SkyScanner, eDreams ODIGEO, and ABTA each crowned different locales as their number one trending spot for 2026. Yet, after cross-referencing all major rankings, a handful of countries consistently emerged at the top: Italy, Spain, France, the United States, and Japan. Italy, in particular, made an appearance in every "top 10" list, underscoring its enduring appeal among global travelers.
But it’s not just about the country—it's about the setting. SkyScanner data revealed that hotel bookings filtered for "rooms with a mountain view" surged by a staggering 103% over the past year. This spike signals a growing desire for remote, tranquil escapes. Destinations like Sapa in Vietnam and Banff in Canada have seen increased interest, while Bhutan, known as the world’s first carbon-negative country, experienced a sevenfold increase in flight bookings compared to the previous year. Google Trends further supports this shift, showing a rise in searches related to stargazing, aurora chasing, and volcano visits, hinting at the emergence of "astro travel" as a niche trend.
One of the most fascinating phenomena gaining steam is "set-jetting"—traveling to locations featured in movies and television shows. According to Expedia’s Unpack ’26 report, set-jetting is on track to become an $8 billion industry in the United States alone next year. The report found that a remarkable 81% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers plan their getaways based on something they’ve watched, with hotspots including Los Angeles (from the film "Nobody Wants This"), Yorkshire ("Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale"), Samoa ("Moana: Live Action"), and Wellington ("Avatar: Fire & Ash").
Experiences, too, are evolving. The desire for immersive and local adventures is fueling a rise in sports tourism—not just for major events like football championships or the Olympics, but also for unique local activities. Expedia notes that Muay Thai in Thailand, curling in Canada, baseball in South Korea, Lucha Libre in Mexico, and sumo wrestling in Japan are all drawing international crowds. Trip.com reports a surge in interest for Formula 1 and basketball among Asian travelers, while Google Trends points to a boom in searches related to endurance sports events such as Hyrox.
Another trend on the rise is the "readaway"—a trip centered around reading, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. Vrbo reports that 91% of travelers want a getaway focused on these themes, with a notable uptick in searches for book retreats. SkyScanner’s survey of 2,000 travelers found that 40% plan to lose themselves in a good book while away, and more than two-thirds consider reading time essential to their holiday experience. Penguin, the publisher, even teamed up with platforms to issue recommended travel reads, further fueling the trend.
Beauty tourism is also on the upswing. SkyScanner’s data, corroborated by Reddit’s year-on-year trends, shows growing communities centered on Korean beauty and European skincare. The so-called "glow-cation" is the next evolution of spa and wellness travel, with travelers seeking personalized treatments and longevity-focused experiences, especially in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Medical tourism is also becoming more mainstream, as people increasingly combine leisure with elective procedures.
For those who love food, the search for culinary souvenirs is taking a new turn. Trip.com notes a 43% year-on-year increase in food-related bookings, with Mainland China, Thailand, and Singapore leading the pack. Interestingly, SkyScanner observes a new fascination with local supermarkets as travel destinations. Whether it’s Tokyo’s vending machines or Iceland’s geothermal-baked bread, travelers are eager to bring home unique pantry items that capture the essence of their journey.
When it comes to accommodations, travelers are gravitating towards restored residences and historic properties. Hotels.com has coined terms like "salvaged stays" and "heritage havens" to describe this trend, which emphasizes a sense of story and place. Google Trends shows a global increase in interest for castle tours, while Expedia highlights standout properties such as Hotel Seiryu in Kyoto, Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall, and Hotel Place d’Armes in Montreal. The appeal lies in blending luxury with cultural immersion—a winning combination for discerning guests.
Hotel-hopping is another behavior gaining momentum, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. According to Hotels.com, the practice of staying in multiple hotels within the same city or trip has surged by over 1100% year-on-year. Popular destinations for hotel-hopping include Tokyo, London, Los Angeles, Paris, and Las Vegas. The trend allows travelers to experience different neighborhoods and hotel styles, often maximizing deals and discounts along the way.
Family dynamics are also shaping travel in new ways. Multi-generational trips are becoming more common, as Gen Z and Millennials increasingly travel with children, parents, and grandparents. SkyScanner and eDreams point out that such trips foster shared memories and deeper connections, while also offering financial benefits through cost-sharing. Whether it’s celebrating milestones or simply spending time together, these journeys are redefining what it means to travel meaningfully.
Perhaps the most transformative force in travel is artificial intelligence. SkyScanner reports that 54% of travelers are confident using AI to plan and book their trips for 2026. Most use AI to research destinations, but a third rely on it to build itineraries or compare flight and hotel options. Google notes a 190% year-on-year increase in searches for "help planning my trip," reflecting a growing dependence on real-time, personalized information. During their travels, many are turning to AI-powered chatbots, translation tools, and marketing assistants, making the travel experience more seamless than ever.
As the world gets ready for 2026, these trends paint a picture of a travel landscape that is as diverse and dynamic as the people shaping it. With technology, culture, and personal connection at the forefront, travelers are set to embark on journeys that are not just about the destination, but about discovery, meaning, and a little bit of magic along the way.
