Revealed: our travel predictions for 2026

Now in its tenth year, Tripeden.com’s Travel Predictions spotlight how people want to experience the world. Based on insights from more than 29,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, our research shows that people are planning trips that will let their true selves shine.

In 2026, travel will go far beyond one-size-fits-all itineraries. It’s becoming more individual, more experimental, and more true to who people really are. Discover the trends shaping these shifts – and how you and your properties can tap into them to attract and delight tomorrow’s travellers.

1. Romantasy Retreats to escape reality

Books that combine romance and fantasy are exploding in popularity. 71% of travellers are interested in visiting ‘romantasy’-inspired destinations – not just for sightseeing, but for immersive experiences with mystical forests, medieval banquets and themed accommodation.

2. Humanoid Homes to embrace tech-first hospitality

Holiday rentals are evolving beyond privacy and space to include futuristic convenience, with 77% of travellers ready to embrace homes enhanced by robotic helpers. Practical perks lead the way – travellers are most interested in cleaning bots (49%) and robotic chefs (39%).

3. Turbulence Tests to test the strength of relationships

In 2026, many people will use travel as a compatibility check. Whether it’s a potential romantic partner, a colleague or a new friend, travellers are planning creative and revealing trips to see how well they click (69%) and how well they handle discomfort and ambiguity in remote locations (62%).

4. Shelf-ie Souvenirs to showcase memories for the kitchen

Fridge magnets are out – instead, travellers are looking for new mementos to display in the kitchen. 68% would consider buying designer kitchenware or pantry items on their trips, while 26% look for edible souvenirs to help them relive a destination every time they cook.

5. Roadtrips Rewired to share spontaneous drives with new friends

Road trips are shifting from family getaways to adventures with new connections, with 79% of travellers saying road trips make travel more spontaneous and flexible. Meanwhile, 65% are using AI to map scenic, off-the-beaten-track routes for ultra-tailored experiences.

6. Destined-ations to follow spiritual advice

For many people, a trip needs to feel cosmically aligned. Astrology, moon phases and spiritual cues are becoming legitimate trip-planning tools – nearly half of travellers (47%) would consider changing or cancelling their plans if a spiritual guide advised against the timing.

7. Glow-cations to get skin-specific treatments

Wellness travel is evolving beyond relaxation – 80% of travellers would book trips focused around personalised, skin-focused treatments. Meanwhile, 75% are interested in suites that feature circadian lighting and soundscapes to improve rest and skin repair.

8. Hushed Hobbies to reconnect with nature

In an overstimulating world, the quiet trip is making a comeback. 43% of travellers say they would take a trip specifically to feel closer to the natural world. One in four (25%) plan to turn to calmer hobbies on vacation that priortise patience and reflection.

9. PastPorts to make memories the destination

The desire to revisit and relive personal history is a powerful motivator. 66% of travellers would consider recreating a memory or photo by using technology to pinpoint the exact location where it happened. These trips are emotional and sentimental, often focusing on family and friendship.

10. Modern Milestone Missions to celebrate personal wins

Travel is no longer reserved for honeymoons or festive periods. People are justifying trips for any reason – from landing a new job or promotion (24%) to marking the end of a relationship (14%). 67% don’t even need a reason, meaning booking decisions can be made spontaneously.

Help your properties tap into these travel predictions for 2026

With the right solutions, you can help your properties create experiences that meet evolving guest expectations and boost bookings:

• Use the Photo API to help properties showcase high-quality, eye-catching images that showcase what makes them Romantasy Retreats or Humanoid Homes.
• Make sure bed arrangements are accurate with the Rooms API to set Turbulance Test travellers up for success.
• With the Facilities API, properties can highlight facilities such as parking for Roadtrips Rewired adventurers, spa and wellness centres for Glow-cationers, and quiet pastimes such as fishing or canoeing for Hushed Hobbies enthusiasts.
• Value adds solutions help your properties create products and services that guests can easily book in advance – perfect for Glow-cationers seeking spa treatments.
• Our Promotions API can help your properties easily set up Last-minute Deals, capturing demand from the Modern Milestone Mission travellers who make spontaneous trips.

By ensuring your properties are ready to meet the unique demands of travellers in 2026, you can make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

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* Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12–24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled. Respondents completed an online survey in July–August 2025.