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Travel News & Trends2026
Expert insights into the evolving landscape of 2026 travel."
Why Spain Is Leading the Slow Travel Movement
Travel trends each year aim to "reinvent exploration," but 2026 feels unique with a more mindful and human approach, centered around Spain. After extensive travels across the country, it’s clear that many areued by fast-paced vacations that prioritize quantity over. This year marks a shift towards slow travel, focusing genuine connections and cultural experiences. Spain exemplifies this with leisurely lifestyle, encouraging travelers to savor moments rather than rush through them, highlighting that true lies in the pace of.
In Spain is evolving towards slower, more intentional experiences. Key trends for 2026 include:
1. Slow Travel
More travelers are opting for longer stays fewer locations, immersing themselves in local culture and enjoying the pace of life rather than rushing through itineraries.
2. Wellness & Organic Living
Spain's cultural approach to meals emphasizes and routine, with fresh, local food promoting a slower lifestyle.
3.Small Villages & Hidden Towns
Lesser-known coastal villages and artistic offer authenticity and charm, appealing to those seeking peaceful, soulful experiences.
4. AI Travel Tools
As planning becomes overwhelming, AI tools simplify the process by personalizing itineraries and reducing decision fatigue.
5. Road Trips
2026 is set to be the year of the road trip, providing travelers with the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path at their own pace.
Trendy Countries for 2026
China and Türkiye are expected to become increasingly popular as travel destinations visitors from Southeast Asia and Europe. Global travel driven by entertainment is anticipated to grow, with more trips to amusement parks, concerts, and themed attractions Travelers are looking for nature, culture, and immersive experiences various sites. Today, Trip.com Group unveiled the key global travel trends for 2026, prominent destinations, noteworthy attractions and events, along with the changing motivations that shape travelers' choices worldwide.
Destinations Rising in Popularity: China and Türkiye
In recent years, China has become a favoured travel destination, thanks to its diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and unique experience.s According to Trip.com’s latest booking data, China is to be one of the fastest-growing travel spots for Southeast Asian (SEA) travelers in 2026, with significant year-on-year growth in flight bookings across various SEA markets. Notably, travellers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are projected to be the largest source markets for trips to China next year. While major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu are predicted to be the most popular among SEA travellers, cities such as Beijing, Harbin, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Xi’an are also anticipated to see increased interest, with flight bookings from SEA expected to rise significantly. This trend is likely to extend to Europe, as travellers seek to explore destinations beyond the continent. Asian locations, including China, Japan, Thailand, and Türkiye, are anticipated to be top vacation choices for European tourists next year. Particularly, travellers to the United Kingdom (UK) are expected to rank among the top ten source markets for China in 2026, while Thailand and Türkiye are poised to be the leading outbound destinations for German travellers.
Prominent Global Destinations
Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. According to Trip.com Group’s 2026 booking data, Japan is poised to be a leading choice for travellers next year, appearing among the top three outbound destinations for travellers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. The major cities of Tokyo and Osaka are anticipated to experience significant tourist demand and are likely to rank in the top 10 cities international travellers plan to visit in the coming year. Other sought-after destinations expected to feature in 2026 travel plans include China, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Millennials aged 29 to 44 will make up the largest segment of travellers, accounting for nearly half of the total booking volume, followedby Gen Z travellers aged 15 to 28.
Entertainment Surge: Theme Parks, Immersive Experiences, and Concert Travel
In Asia, renowned theme parks like Shanghai Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Universal Studios Japan are set to remain major tourism drivers, ranking among the top attractions in travellers' itineraries for 2026. Fan-centric experiences such as Harry Potter studio tours and K-pop concerts featuring stars like Seventeen and Taemin are anticipated to draw significant interest from international visitors, particularly those arriving from South Korea. Attractions based on beloved global franchises, including Jurassic World: The Experience in Thailand and the EVANGELION Anniversary Exhibition in Tokyo, are also on track to be popular destinations next year. Moreover, travellers are increasingly seeking entertainment-focused experiences abroad, including immersive shows and performances. Globally acclaimed productions such as Aladdin the Musical, Broadway shows in New York, The Sphere in Las Vegas, and The House of Dancing Water in Macau are expected to captivate international tourists.
Attraction Trends: Nature, Culture, and Unique Journeys
A notable trend among travellers from Southeast Asia and Germany is the rise of nature and adventure tourism, with growing interest in destinations like Zealand and China. Stunning locations such as Milford Sound and the Glow Caves in New Zealand, along with Wulong Karst in China, are poised to become top attractions for these travellers next year. In addition, nature-based destinations in China, including Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou and scenic areas like Mount Siguni, Bipenggou, and Huanglong National Scenic Area in Sichuan, are expected to be in high demand among Southeast Asian tourists. In Europe, travellers will be eager to delve into the region's rich history, with cultural landmarks the Louvre Museum in Paris, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Grossmünster in Zurich anticipated to be among the most booked attractions for the upcoming year. Looking ahead, train and cruise journeys are predicted to gain popularity, recent booking data from Trip.com Group reveals increasing interest in scenic experiences the Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Trai,n among Vietnamese travellers. Luxury cruises, such as those offered by Royal Princess and Opulence Cruise, are also expected to attract German tourists.
Growing Appeal of Self-Driving Trips and Electric Vehicles
More travellers are conscious of their carbon footprint and are actively seeking sustainable transportation options. Data from Trip.com indicates a steady rise in electric car rental bookings since the introduction of carbon labels in April 2025, in Norway, Australia, and Japan, with travellers from Japan, Thailand, the US, South Korea and Australia leading this trend. This shift is likely linked to growing interest in self-driving trips. In Europe and Australia, Asian travellers, particularly those from South Korea, are opting for electric vehicles as their preferred means of transport,allowing them to explore at their own pace and convenience.
So what can we also expect from 2026?
These are some of the travel trends likely to guide how we see the world in 2026.
1. Luxury train hopping
What's the trend?
The resurgence of luxury rail travel is rapidly gaining traction, with a year-over-year increase in demand for leisurely itineraries that venture off the typical path. While numerous new routes have been introduced globally, many operate for just a few days. For example, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is set to unveil eight round-trip journeys from Rome each lasting between one to four nights. Wealthy travelers desire more than just a few nights of Gilded Age experiences; increasingly, they are combining multiple luxury rail journeys into romantic, multi-week trips that involve hopping from one train to another.
Why will it matter in 2026?
New routes to new destinations are driving the trend in 2026, with the demand for luxury train hopping. For the third year in a row, specialist travel agency Railbookers has brought back its headline-grabbing Around the World By Luxury Train trip, which visits nine countries in 60 days But due to demand, also launching four shorter month-long itineraries next year; these link beloved routes such as the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and South Africa’s Rovos Rail with some of the new lines, including Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, which set out .with a new line of its Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train embarking in May 2026 from Paris to the Amalfi Coast.which will continue into 2027 with the long-anticipated launch of a new Orient Express train from Accor.
2. Ancestry travel
What’s the latest trend?
With shows like Who Do You Think You Are? and Long Lost Family captivating audiences, the to reconnect with one's heritage has evolved into a meaningful. Discovering your ancestors' origins helps you understand your own place in the world. In Italy, My Bella Vita Travel researches into travel experiences: this specialised tour operator creates family trees using government archives, conducts on-site investigations in towns, and designs itineraries that allow travelers to explore the streets their ancestors once walked. From genealogical cruises through Ances.com’s travel branch to hotels offering expert consultations, modern trips now begin with a family tree.
Why will this be significant in 2026?
In a overflowing with digital content and constant scrolling, travelers crave authentic experiences and a true sense of belonging that can't be replicated online. At Dromoland Castle in Ireland, resident genealogist Lorna Moloney assists guests their journeys with just a name or photo. Similarly, African Antry’s Family Reunions guide travelers to DNA-linked destinations for heartfelt ceremonies and reunions. As genealogy becomes more accessible through digital records and DNA tools, people are eager to translate their family history into tangible experiences and significant events. When someone discovers a connection, it's evident in their expression; it's not only about the past but also how it shapes their identity today. In 2026 ancestry travel will transform from mere escapism to a profound return home.
3.Astro-cruising
What’s the trend?
As the cruise industry continues to boom, each line strives harder to draw more travelers its way. One of-the-moment way of doing so is to accentuate rare spectaculars in the sky. More companies now showcase astro-cruising, with the northern lights and solar eclipses landing starring roles.
Why will it matter in 2026?
With the sun currently in a period of high solar activity, travelers are booking cruises that offer possible sightings of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which occur between autumn and early spring in northern skies. This natural electrical phenomenon, a jaw-dropping light display caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with upper atmosphere gases, glows in waves, arcs and swirls of red, blue, green and pink.Another big event next year is the total solar eclipse on August 12. Ships possess an edge over viewing these phenomena on land as they can relocate if weather obstacles develop. Multiple cruise lines are crafting eclipse-themed itineraries in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
4.Five-star hotels at sea
What's the trend?
When you think of an ultra-luxury hotel, brands such as Mandarin Oriental or Bvlgari might come to mind. What you might not think of is a cruise ship—although that could soon change. Luxury cruises are continuing to grow in popularity, and major hotel companies are increasingly cashing in on the trend.
Why will it matter in 2026?
More high-end, cult-favorite hotel companies are launching their first cruise ships in 2026. First up is Four Seasons’ 679-foot-long, 95-suite Four Seasons I, which will debut in March 2026 with facilities such as an omakase restaurant and a “marina” with water toys
5. Period drama set-jetting
What’s the trend?
Bonnets and bustles at the ready: in 2026, set-jetting is going full period drama, with the UK’s coastline and crags likely to become the next fan pilgrimage sites thanks to a crop of literary adaptations by female directors. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is getting the Dolly Alderton treatment, with filming taking place in Deal, Botany Bay, Rye and the Peak District; while Daisy Edgar-Jones stars in the latest iteration of Sense and Sensibility, directed by Georgia Oakley and shot in Dartmoor and Devon. Chloe Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s tear-jerking Hamnet uses the Herefordshire village of Weobley to stand in for Stratford-upon-Avon; and Wuthering Heights’ iconic moors are being revived by Emerald Fennell, with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi playing out Brönte’s tortured love story on the Yorkshire Dales to a twisted, suitably gothic soundtrack courtesy of Charli XCX.
Why will this be significant in 2026?
Those eager to explore blend of nostalgia and BookTok will a variety of new, heritage-inspired accommodations as their backdrop. The historic Dent Reserve is set to welcome Cathys with six newly opened Coachhouses and the four-bedroom Dunkirk Farm House overlooking the stunning moors of North Yorkshire. In 2026, they will also offer limited HX Luxe tours in Norfolk and Scotland along with a quarterly book club to bring their estates to life. Additionally, book lovers can enjoy a new reading retreat at the beloved University Arms in Cambridge, featuring a reading list, personal reading journal, and a “book butler” to inspire their next literary journey.
6. Bathhouses as social spaces
What's the trend?
When you touch down in a city you’ve never visited before, chances are the hottest place to meet and mingle will be a new wave of bathhouses and spas, which are repositioning themselves away from individualistic self-care to become alternative social spaces, with holistic programming and dedicated zones for striking up conversations. Gone are the days when bathhouses meant silent retreats or special-occasion spa visits. The new generation of urban bathhouses is designed explicitly for conversation and connection, with memberships creating a club-like atmosphere and major capital investments signalling a bigger shift.
Why will this be significant in 2026?
Many parts of the world have long-standing social traditions around communal bathing and saunas, which are not just fleeting trends. However, venues in areas without such customs highlight this evolution; for instance, Cascada in Portland, Oregon, exemplifies how bathhouses are becoming community focal points. Cascada offers wellness programming across multiple floors, featuring an underground sanctuary for quiet soaking complemented by ground-floor social areas with an indoor pool in a lush conservatory and an outdoor communal space. By early 202, Cascada will enhance this social experience with a new restaurant and bar overlooking the outdoor hot tub and sauna area. Its membership model fosters interactions between regulars and aparthotel guests, while access to popular fitness instructors and wellness classes creates a vibrant neighborhood hub rather than a traditional spa visit. Additionally, Rosewood has repositioned its Asaya brand as a “social wellness club,” launching at The Chancery Rosewood London and Rosewood Doha featuring heat rooms and bathhouses designed to promote social connections.
7. Viking wellness
What’s the trend?
The idea of Vikings might conjure up images of vicious warriors, but there were also peaceful Norse settlers who lived a life rich in mythology, ritual and wellness, rooted in nature and focused on the elements. These practices are alive and well in Nordic destinations such Eleven Deplar Farm, the remote hotel on Iceland’s Troll Peninsula, but they’re crossing the icy North Sea to the UK and even reaching unexpected hotspots such as St Barts.
Why is it significant in 2026?
Scandi-inspired wellness, featuring hot-cold therapy and hygge, has become mainstream. However Viking wellness elevates this concept by raw, elemental experiences. At Eleven Deplar Farm, guests participate in a Viking sauna that includes guided breath work, intense heat, cold plunges, and ritualistic chanting and birch twig tapping. “Guests breathe the same invigorating Icelandic air and drink the same pure water that nourished the Vikings, leaving them feeling grounded and connected to an ancient tradition,” shares general manager Kurt Berman. Similar wellness experiences can be found along the Göta River in Gothenburg, Sweden, once traversed by Viking traders. Meanwhile, at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa in St Barts, a trio Nordic baths made from red cedar wood also embraces Viking contrast therapy. Communal dining plays a significant role in this trend, featuring large tables and shared, like the hay-smoked sirloin cooked over open fires at Ekstedt at The Yard in London’s Westminster. Forget the horned and heavy mead; it's time to embrace a more elemental approach to wellness.
8. Sailing for serenity
What’s the trend?
Many travelers are rethinking their usual holiday plans to accentuate wellbeing. Cruise lines are rising to the challenge by adding more Eastern and holistic therapies to their spa offering and expanding the role of spas in voyages. Ships now offer day-long onboard wellness retreats and even entire wellbeing-themed cruises for the growing number of passengers seeking relaxation equally, if not more, than exploration and indulgence.
Why will it be significant in 2026?
Cruise lines have evolved to match hotels and other land-based retreats their wellness offerings. On Explora Journeys, guests indulge in a full-day ocean wellness retreat featuring sound healing, gong baths under the stars, guided reflection, and controlled breathing exercises. Scenic Luxury & Tours focuses on wellness-themed sailings that reduce port to enhance onboard rejuvenation, with two sailings in April and October dedicated solely to mind-body rejuvenation. Crystal’s Aurōra spa boasts a specialist in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, while its new Chariot of Light treatment utilizes LED light therapy to restore passengers’ circadian rhythm. By, Crystal will also host two wellness-themed voyages led by experts in longevity science, detox, yoga, and somatic therapy, and riverboats are joining this wellness trend as well.
