October 20, 2025, by Isa de Laat

These seven trends show how we'll travel in 2026

Inspiration
October 20, 2025, by Isa de Laat

These seven trends show how we'll travel in 2026

Finally, Travel is becoming more personal than ever. According to the brand new Travel Trends 2026 Report Skyscanner's upcoming year will revolve around meaningful experiences, personal development, and genuine connection. Because yes, we're online more than ever, but our wanderlust doesn't care. We want to feel, taste, discover. And above all: be offline without guilt.

Less mass tourism, more "this feels good" destinations. And with a little help from AI, we'll soon plan our trips more efficiently and consciously. Oh, and don't think we'll leave our suitcases in the closet: 84% of travelers says they will go out just as often or even more often in 2026 than this year. This seven trends show how we will reshape travel next year.

Glowmads
Aka The Beauty Trend. Packing the self-care routine seems to be just as important as packing your suitcase. According to Skyscanner, 16% of Dutch people want to discover local beauty culture, from Korean sheet masks to French pharmacy classics. 18% are inspired by TikTok (guiltyIn 2026, it's no longer just about where you go, but also how you travel. Wearing a sheet mask on the flight, taking a detour for that one cult-favorite cream, or spending an entire afternoon in a Japanese beauty store. Seoul remains the beauty mecca, but the rest of the world is doing its part too. Tip from Flip: just TikTok what you need to stock up on in your destination.
Shelf Discovery
A staple of any holiday is, of course, the supermarket safari. Think you're the only one finding happiness in supermarkets in another country? Well, 49% of travelers have explored local supermarkets abroad. "Eating like a local" means, in 2026, visiting the snack aisle at the supermarket. And yes, we're talking about vending machines in Tokyo and Slurpees at 7-Eleven, but geothermally baked bread in Iceland and chips in France also count.

AI is playing an increasingly important role: from handy assistants to true travel agents. Multiple systems work together to manage everything, from inspiration to roadside assistance. And yet, social media and search engines remain the go-to places for inspiration and planning. A nod to our own channels ;).

Altitude Shift
Head for the mountains! And all year round. 68% of travelers are considering or planning a mountain vacation in the summer or fall of 2026. And it's no longer just about the ski slopes; peace, space, and breathtaking views are increasingly high on the list. From the Dolomites to the Annapurna and the Canadian Rockies, alpine escapes around the world offer the perfect place to unwind outside peak season. And hotels with rooms featuring mountain views are incredibly popular; Skyscanner saw a 103% increase in bookings in one year. Go!
Bookbound
We're already shouting it from the rooftops: reading is all the rage. More and more Dutch people are combining their wanderlust with their love of literature. A whopping 34% have booked or would consider a trip inspired by a book. Whether it's following in the footsteps of fictional heroes, planning a peaceful reading retreat, or discovering the world's most beautiful bookstores and libraries: travel and literature are increasingly going hand in hand. It's no surprise, then, that hotels with a literary twist are booming: Skyscanner saw a 70% increase in bookings worldwide using the "library" filter.

And while travelers are increasingly avoiding crowds and peak season, old habits die hard: more than three-quarters spend at least 20% of their holidays in the same destinations, often because they don't know where else to go.

Catching Connections
Travel is for the destinations…but also for the people you meet along the way. More than a third of travelers (37%) have traveled abroad, or have considered traveling abroad, to make new connections. And yes, that means friendship, dating, or a new travel buddy! From dating in far-flung cities to finding a road trip buddy: Gen Z and Boomers in particular are embracing this solo trend. It's no surprise that hotels with a "solo" filter are seeing a significant boost worldwide: an 83% increase in bookings compared to last year.

Family Miles
Bring the whole gang! Multigenerational travel is all the rage. 23% of travelers traveled with family, from parents and children to grandparents. There's nothing better than creating memories together that will last a lifetime. Because budgets are a factor and many twentysomethings still live at home, families are getting creative with how and where they travel. From cozy vacation homes to unique resorts, quality time with the whole family is paramount.

Destination Check-in: the hotel trend 
Hotels are no longer just a place to sleep. For 48% of travelers, accommodations are part of the travel experience itself. From impressive architecture to captivating design and unique atmospheres: the place you stay increasingly defines your destination. Younger travelers, in particular, are inspired by social feeds and discovering unique hotels that make the trip itself unforgettable.

About Skyscanner

About Skyscanner

Thanks to Skyscanner for these insights. A big thumbs up anyway shoutout To Skyscanner, because they help travelers worldwide plan their trips easily and confidently. Every month, they connect millions of travelers in 52 countries with over 1200 trusted partners: from flights to hotels and car rentals.

Since its founding in 2003, Skyscanner has been driving innovations worldwide that put travelers first. Using the latest technology, we simplify the complexity of travel, allowing you to see the best options at a glance. We search around 100 billion prices every day.

Skyscanner

More tips