From solo adventures to family escapes, here are the biggest travel trends shaping 2026

 The travel landscape is evolving rapidly as we move through 2026, with travellers seeking more meaningful, sustainable, and personalised experiences than ever before. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or organising a family getaway, this year’s biggest trends are reshaping how we explore the world. Here’s your guide to the travel movements that are defining 2026. 

AI-powered personalisation: your digital travel concierge 

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising trip planning, with 13% of travellers now using AI-generated itineraries. These smart tools don’t just suggest destinations – they create hyper-personalised journeys tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style. AI is also helping combat over-tourism by recommending hidden gems and alternative destinations, ensuring your travel has a positive impact. 

Top tip: Use AI tools to discover lesser-known neighbourhoods in popular cities like Lisbon’s Príncipe Real district or Tokyo’s Yanaka area instead of crowded tourist centres. 

Sustainable & regenerative tourism takes centre stage 

With over 70% of travellers prioritising eco-friendly options, sustainable tourism has moved beyond buzzwords to real action. Travellers are choosing: 

• Accommodations with verified eco-certifications
• Carbon-neutral flights and train travel
• Hotels with zero-waste kitchens and solar power
• Regenerative tourism experiences that restore ecosystems

Top tip: Costa Rica leads the way with its carbon-neutral tourism goals, whilst the Maldives offers solar-powered resorts. In Europe, Slovenia combines stunning nature with exceptional environmental protection. 

Solo travel: safety meets adventure 

Solo travel is focusing on destinations that balance excitement with security. Solo travellers are seeking places that offer rich cultural experiences, natural beauty, and strong safety records. 

Top Solo Destinations for 2026: 

• Japan – Exceptional safety, efficient transport, and endless cultural discoveries
• New Zealand – Adventure activities with well-established solo traveller infrastructure
• Canada – Vast natural landscapes and welcoming, safe cities
• Georgia – Emerging gem with incredible hospitality and affordability
• Slovenia – Compact country perfect for solo exploration with stunning Alpine scenery

Top tip: Tech-enabled safety features are becoming standard, from GPS tracking devices to apps that connect solo travellers with local safety networks. 

Family travel: wellness meets adventure 

Family travel in 2026 emphasises meaningful experiences over packed itineraries. Parents are prioritising: 

• Nature-based escapes
• Destinations that offer outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters

Check out:  

• Costa Rica – National parks with sloths, monkeys, and zip-lining adventures 
• Canadian Rockies – Banff and Jasper with family-friendly hiking and lakes 
• New Zealand’s South Island – Accessible glaciers and adventure activities for all ages 
• Iceland – Geothermal spas and glacier hiking for all ages 
• Bali – Family-friendly resorts with yoga, cooking classes, and temple visits 
• Northern Thailand – Eco-lodges in Chiang Mai with elephant sanctuaries and cultural experiences 

Top tip: Multi-generational families are embracing slow travel – longer stays in single destinations to deeply experience local culture rather than rushing through multiple locations. 

 Emerging destinations: The new hidden gems 

Travellers are moving beyond traditional hotspots to discover fresh destinations that offer authenticity without the crowds: 

• Georgia: Tbilisi – Ancient history meets vibrant nightlife; world-class wine regions in Kakheti, as well as dramatic mountain landscapes in Svaneti
• Slovenia – Ljubljana – Charming capital with car-free city centre; Lake Bled – Fairy-tale setting with island church; Vipava Valley – Emerging wine region 
• Portugal Beyond Lisbon and Porto: Azores – Volcanic islands perfect for outdoor adventures; Óbidos – Medieval walled town 

Digital nomad revolution 

Remote work is fuelling a new wave of location-independent travellers. Countries are responding with specialised visas and infrastructure: 

Top Digital Nomad Hubs: 

• Thailand – Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer excellent co-working spaces
• Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi provide affordable living with high-speed internet
• Portugal – Lisbon’s tech scene attracts remote workers
• Barbados – Welcome Stamp visa allows year-long remote work

Micro-adventures: Big experiences, small scale 

The trend towards micro-adventures allows travellers to explore nearby nature and cultural sites without extensive planning or expense. These short, accessible adventures might include: 

• Urban hiking trails in cities like Vancouver or Cape Town
• Weekend camping in national parks near major European cities
• Cultural walking tours in your own region
• Local food festivals and farmers markets across Japan’s countryside or Italy’s small towns

Noctourism: The night experience 

A growing trend sees travellers specifically seeking nighttime activities and destinations that come alive after dark: 

• Iceland – Northern Lights tours and midnight sun experiences
• Japan – Night markets and illuminated cherry blossoms
• Morocco – Marrakech’s night markets and desert stargazing
• Finnish Lapland – Aurora hunting and winter night activities

Sports tourism surge 

Travel centred around sporting events and activities is exploding: 

• Marathon tourism – Running major city marathons from Berlin to Tokyo
• Cycling adventures – Following routes like Spain’s Camino or Denmark’s North Sea Cycle Route
• Wellness sports retreats – Combining fitness with destination experiences in Swiss Alps or Austrian Tyrol

Top tips from ALL THAT for planning your 2026 travels 

• Embrace technology – Use AI tools for personalised planning and hidden gem discovery
• Prioritise sustainability – Choose eco-certified accommodations and low-carbon transport
• Consider slow travel – Stay longer in fewer places for deeper experiences
• Explore emerging destinations – Beat the crowds in places like Georgia and Slovenia
• Mix micro and macro – Combine local adventures with bigger trips
• Focus on wellness – Whether solo or with family, prioritise experiences that restore and rejuvenate

The travel trends of 2026 reflect our evolving relationship with exploration – we’re seeking deeper connections, more responsible choices, and experiences that truly enrich our lives. Whether you’re a solo adventurer ready to explore Japan’s hidden temples or a family planning a wellness retreat in Costa Rica, this year offers incredible opportunities to travel more meaningfully than ever before. 

Sources 

• Global Web Index Travel Trends Report
• Roam Right Solo Travel Trends Analysis
• IGES US Tourism Travel Trends 2025
• Go Ahead Tours Travel Blog
• Accor Travel Trends 2025
• Pick Your Trail Travel Insights
• Stay Upon Sustainable Tourism Report
• Travel Hype Industry Analysis