The 5 Biggest Travel Trends to Watch in 2026
Why 2026 Will Change the Way We Travel
Travelers are rethinking what a great trip looks like. A new report from Skyscanner shows that goals and habits are shifting fast, from how we book to what we do once we arrive. Instead of chasing the same old highlights, more people are following their curiosity, choosing hotels as the main event, and seeking connection along the way. Below are the five trends set to shape 2026, what is driving them, and how to try each one on your next getaway.
1) Shelf Discovery: Snacking Your Way Through a Destination
Travelers are heading to grocery aisles and vending machines to understand local flavor. In 2026, expect more visitors to treat supermarkets, konbini, and corner shops as first stops, right alongside cafés and markets. Skyscanner’s data shows 55% of U.S. travelers already “always” or “often” visit local supermarkets abroad. People are hunting for regional snacks and drinks, limited edition flavors from global brands they cannot get at home, and local twists on familiar items. This habit is not just about saving a few dollars. It helps travelers feel like residents, discover everyday food culture, and stock their rooms with easy breakfasts and late night treats. Think Tokyo’s inventive vending machines, a Paris Monoprix run for picnic supplies, or a grocery haul in Mexico City to sample seasonal candies and soft drinks.
How to try it: Plan one supermarket visit per city, set a small budget for impulse buys, and ask clerks or fellow shoppers which snacks are trending. Bring a reusable tote and you will fit right in.
2) Altitude Shift: Mountain Escapes Go Mainstream
Mountains are calling, and plenty of travelers are answering. Skyscanner reports that 80% of travelers are considering or planning a mountain trip for summer and fall 2026, while bookings using a “room with a mountain view” filter are up 103% year over year. The draw is clear. People want peace and quiet (62%), clean air and cooler temps (60%), and beautiful, remote stays (57%). Trails across the globe saw big summer spikes in 2025, including the Rob Roy Glacier Track in New Zealand, the Palm Jungle Loop Track in Australia, and Laguna Cinco Hermanos. The takeaway is simple. More families, couples, and friend groups are swapping dense city breaks for ridge lines, lakes, and dark sky nights.
How to try it: Book shoulder season dates for fewer crowds, filter for mountain views, and pair one big hike with low key days in alpine towns. Pack layers and a simple trail kit so you can say yes to last minute excursions.
3) Bookbound: Literature as Your Travel Planner
Stories are driving itineraries. Skyscanner notes that bookings using a “library” hotel filter are up 70% globally, and 55% of travelers have taken or would consider a trip inspired by books. As Penguin Books U.K. puts it, reading and travel feed each other. People want places that match the worlds in their hands. Top interests include visiting destinations featured in novels (33%), staying at book themed hotels (21%), and joining writing or reading retreats (14%). From Dublin and Edinburgh to Buenos Aires and Tokyo, libraries, independent shops, and author house museums are becoming anchor points, not afterthoughts.
How to try it: Choose one book set in your destination before you go, stay somewhere with a real library nook, and map a short walk that links a bookstore, a literary landmark, and a cozy café.
4) Catching Flights and Feelings: Travel for Connection
Next year’s trips are about people as much as places. According to Skyscanner, 53% of travelers have traveled or would travel abroad specifically to meet new people, whether for dating, friendships, or exploring with locals. When asked what matters most, travelers pointed to meeting people from different backgrounds (28%), making meaningful friendships (18%), and seeing a city with a local (14%). Nearly half (42%) say they are more open to new connections on the road than at home. This does not mean forced group activities. It often means choosing a social cooking class, a guided neighborhood walk, a hostel with private rooms but communal kitchens, or a boutique hotel bar where locals actually hang out.
How to try it: Join a small group activity on your first night to get comfortable, pick lodgings with shared spaces, and say yes to a casual invitation, whether it is a café run or a sunset viewpoint.
5) Destination Check-In: Booking the Trip for the Hotel
The hotel is no longer just a base. It is the reason to go. Skyscanner reports 56% of travelers have chosen a destination purely for the accommodation, and bookings using a “unique stay” filter are up 60% year over year. Millennials are leading the way, with 70% saying they have booked a getaway mainly for the property. Why the shift? The right hotel sets the tone for the entire trip. It offers a complete escape, space to relax without moving every night, and design details that feel like part of the experience rather than a backdrop. This could be a restored convent in a city center, a mineral spring lodge in the mountains, or a design forward beachfront inn that makes staying put feel luxurious.
How to try it: Start with the stay, then build your itinerary around it. Leave open blocks on your calendar for spa time, pool afternoons, or library hours. If the hotel has a chef’s garden, a rooftop cinema, or guided walks, treat those as core activities.
How to Use These Trends When You Plan
- Mix trends thoughtfully. Pair a mountain trip with a book themed hotel, or add a grocery crawl to a city break where you plan to meet new friends.
- Book with filters. Use “unique stay,” “library,” or “mountain view” to surface properties that match your vibe.
- Time it right. Shoulder seasons often deliver the best balance of value, weather, and space.
- Stay curious. Ask locals about favorite snacks, secret viewpoints, and reading spots. Small conversations often become the best memories.
The Bottom Line
In 2026, travel looks more personal. We are choosing trips that reflect how we want to feel, not just what we want to see. Whether you raid the snack aisle, chase the treeline, follow a novel, build new friendships, or book a stay that becomes the star, the common thread is intention. Pick the experience that speaks to you and plan with care. The result is a trip that moves at your pace and stays with you long after you are home.
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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
