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Published on Dec. 30, 2025
Travel in 2026 is less about checking boxes and more about choosing trips that actually fit your life. Travelers are craving meaning, flexibility, and experiences that feel personal — whether that’s slowing down in nature, booking shorter international escapes, or planning trips around food, wellness, or once-in-a-lifetime moments. The result is a new wave of travel trends that rethink not just where we go, but why we go in the first place.
From intentional “whycations” and off-peak adventures to tech-powered planning and a renewed love of trains, road trips, and immersive local culture, the travel trends for 2026 reflect a shift toward smarter, more thoughtful getaways. Here’s what’s shaping the future of travel, and how it could influence your next trip.
Antarctica tops the list of travel destinations in 2026 – Photo courtesy of Oscar Farerra / HX Expeditions
HX Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising 100 years ago with a small group of intrepid travelers. Since then, interest in this adventurous, experience-driven, immersive travel style has grown exponentially. In 2026, expect to see more small-group vacations to far-off destinations led by expert guides all over the world, from Alaska to the Galapagos Islands. In particular, travel to Antarctica will be one of the most popular journeys over the next year.
Make it happen: Take a Highlights of Antarctica cruise with HX.
According to Hilton, travelers will be looking to take more time off to enjoy their hobbies, from fishing and mixology to pasta-making and surfing. For nearly every hobby, there is a trip that fits this 2026 travel trend.
Make it happen: Hilton Hotels offer a range of workshops worldwide, and Conrad Hotels and Resorts offer customized experiences that blend personal interests with a local twist.
Food experiences are a delicious travel trend for 2026 – Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
Seeking out great restaurants while on vacation is nothing new. However, in 2026, more travelers are expected to take more food-focused trips. “Food has become such a priority that over half of travelers cite ‘discovering local food and drink spots’ as the primary reason for booking walking tours,” says Jean-Gabriel Duveau, VP of Brand at GetYourGuide.
Interest in coffee is also skyrocketing. According to Duveau, coffee tour bookings rose by 54% in 2025 and will increase further in 2026. “A third of travelers now rank coffee culture above nightlife when planning their next getaway,” he explains.
Make it happen: In 2026, GetYourGuide expects specialty food tours such as Saint Germain: Gourmet Chocolate and Pastry Walking Food Tour to grow in popularity.
Events like the FIFA World Cup will drive sports tourism in 2026 – Photo courtesy of On Location
Sports tourism is one of the most significant travel trends for 2026, according to Brent DeRaad, president and CEO of Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau in Texas. Instead of just coming for the game, fans are showing greater interest in discovering the destination, he says.
In 2026, the FIFA World Cup will drive this trend, with matches played across North America. Host cities, including Arlington, Seattle, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Guadalajara, and Toronto, are gearing up to welcome an influx of soccer fans. These host cities, and others, hope that fans will stay to explore local culture and cuisine while in town for the match.
Make it happen: World Cup tickets can be hard to come by. FIFA has partnered with On Location to create hospitality packages complete with guaranteed World Cup tickets. Fans can purchase single-match packages or customize their experience with multiple games based on location or team. On Location can also arrange local adventures, including a dance class with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders or a bagel-making class in New York City.
Over the past year, family trips have grown 87% according to Intrepid Travel. “Families are using travel to unplug from screens and reconnect through shared experiences,” according to Leigh Barnes, president for the Americas for Intrepid Travel. Parents report that children need a ‘digital detox,’ and travel is a great way to get kids off screens, he says. Expect multigenerational vacations to rise in 2026, as well.
Make it happen: Intrepid Travel introduced several new family trips for 2026, including a journey through Greece, a safari in Botswana, and the chance to explore the Amazon and Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Intrepid also increased its discount for travelers under 18 from 10% to 20% to make this travel trend more accessible.
Travelers will be finding time to unplug in the coming year – Photo courtesy of Steven Piper / Under Canvas
Vacations have always been a great way to relax and escape the demands of work and daily life. However, in 2026, the desire to disconnect and build community with other travelers is expected to rise, according to Laurie Blair, senior vice president of Global Marketing and Loyalty at World of Hyatt. “We know that one constant that will remain for travelers will be the desire to slow down, reconnect with themselves and those around them,” she says.
Vacations that bring travelers closer to nature with easy access to slow-paced activities will be more popular than ever in 2026.
Make it happen: Head to an Under Canvas for glamping sites near a national park to unplug. Join with other like-minded travelers to cook, hike, participate in a reading retreat, or paint.
Finding the darkest skies for northern lights and other celestial viewing tops travelers’ lists – Photo courtesy of Off the Map Travel
Travel demand that includes dark skies and the aurora borealis is booming, according to Alex McNeil, HX Expeditions’ chief expedition officer. One reason for this travel trend is increased light pollution, which makes it harder than ever to see the stars, he says. The astrotourism travel trend for 2026 is fueled by the desire to see the northern lights, which should be intense until the end of the year.
Make it happen: For something close to home, visit any of the dark sky parks across the country. For something more extreme, book the HX Expedition Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights cruise and travel above the Arctic Circle to chase the aurora borealis.
Cultural immersion will be focus for travelers in 2026 – Photo courtesy of Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
In an era when everything is starting to look the same, travelers are seeking out in-depth cultural experiences in greater numbers. As a result, travel in 2026 will reflect a growing desire to tap into a destination’s soul rather than simply checking off landmarks on a list.
In 2026, travelers are seeking out “the flavor, rhythm, quirks, rituals, and human stories that give them a sense of place,” says Jody Diamond, the president of Diamond Public Relations, which specializes in luxury travel. In 2026, travel trends will dive deeper into the daily rituals that define a destination, from local cuisine and craft traditions to community gatherings and street culture, she explains.
Make it happen: The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa hosts immersive cultural events, including tequila tastings with locally made spirits and an annual Dia de Los Muertos dinner.
Washington, D.C., and other cities will celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026 – Photo courtesy of Washington.org
In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, and travelers plan to hit the road to participate in celebrations nationwide. “Throughout 2026, nowhere will the celebration for America’s 250th be more spectacular than the nation’s capital,” says Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president of Destination DC.
The nation’s capital will host events throughout the year, including special exhibits, festivals, and a huge July 4th party. Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City are also planning special events to mark America’s big birthday.
Make it happen: The Conrad is offering a Capital Celebration package in Washington, D.C., that includes daily Americana programming, an American whiskey tasting, and access to a rooftop July 4th party with a fantastic view of the fireworks.
After years of excitement over AI trip-planning tools, travelers are increasingly frustrated by AI’s limitations, mistakes, and cookie-cutter itineraries. “AI is a useful planning tool, but it can only take you so far. It can’t walk a neighborhood, taste a dish, or understand what a place feels like,” says Johnny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.
In 2026, travel trends are swinging back toward using human travel advisors, especially local experts. Dealing with a real person makes a real difference, he explains. Tapping locals who share their on-the-ground experience helps them understand what each traveler truly values, in a way no algorithm can.
“That human insight is what turns ideas into the perfect itinerary,” Cooper explains. “We’re seeing a clear rise in people wanting that personal, human touch rather than something automated.” By seeking advice from a human, trips become more impactful and create better memories, he adds.
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