How Travel Will Evolve in 2026—Everything You Need to Know

Travel in 2026 is set to be diverse, unexpected, and highly personalized. From nighttime adventures to farm stays and book-inspired escapes, travelers are seeking experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. Technology, local culture, and wellness are redefining how people explore the world.

Here’s what to expect in the year ahead.

Noctourism on the Rise

Freepik | ArtPhoto_studio | Travelers are embracing the night to escape rising temperatures and overtourism.

Noctourism is becoming a major draw for travelers looking to explore destinations after dark. From stargazing in remote locations to night safaris and evening museum tours, this trend responds to both rising daytime temperatures and overtourism in popular spots. A study by Booking.com found that 61% of travelers are choosing nighttime activities to avoid daytime heat.

In Japan, visiting Kyoto’s geisha districts after dark has proven far more enjoyable, as crowds thin and temperatures drop. Market research by FMI predicts that noctourism could grow into an £18 million industry by 2035. Activities like night tours, evening concerts, and late-night cultural experiences are increasingly part of travelers’ itineraries.

Retro Travel Experiences

Retro travel is capturing attention as travelers seek nostalgia over novelty. Summer 2025 saw Pan Am resume flights after 30 years, selling out a $59,950 ticket in just three days. In 2026, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, prompting restorations of historic roadside attractions. Oklahoma has introduced a neon grant to help businesses preserve vintage signage, reviving the classic charm of the American highway.

These experiences appeal to travelers seeking both history and unique photo-worthy moments, offering a blend of cultural immersion and playful nostalgia.

The Return of All-Inclusive Stays

All-inclusive vacations are making a comeback with a modern twist. In summer 2025, 45% of trips booked through Advantage Travel Partnership were all-inclusive, reflecting the convenience and value they offer. Modern all-inclusives are increasingly local-focused, featuring regional food, artisan products, and immersive cultural experiences.

Hotels like Sensoria in the Dolomites emphasize local ingredients and traditions. Guests may enjoy house-made bread using yeast sourced from the chef’s Italian grandmother, offering a deeply authentic experience within a fully serviced package.

Literary and Book-Themed Travel

Literary tourism is gaining momentum as travelers seek destinations inspired by books. Pinterest searches for “book club retreat ideas” have surged by 265%, and Skyscanner reports that 32% of travelers are interested in visiting locations mentioned in literature.

Book-themed accommodations and retreats provide opportunities to disconnect from digital devices and connect with stories in real life. Destinations like Jane Austen’s Bath or Bram Stoker’s Transylvania continue to attract visitors looking to combine reading with exploration.

Younger Cruise Passengers

Freepik | Cruise travel now attracts younger people who want fun, variety, and social experiences.

The cruise industry is attracting younger travelers, reshaping itineraries and onboard activities. The average age of UK cruise passengers fell from 57 in 2019 to 54.3 by 2024. Cruise lines now offer experiences like roller coasters, Broadway-style shows, late-night parties, and even tattoo parlors to engage Gen Z travelers.

Virgin Voyages exemplifies this trend, integrating entertainment and social experiences to appeal to a new generation of explorers at sea.

Personalized and Niche Retreats

Travel experiences are becoming highly individualized. Wellness retreats now target specific groups, such as menopause-focused breaks at Combe Grove in Bath or grief-support weekends in Dartmoor. Programs combine outdoor activity with mental health support, including surfing paired with one-on-one therapy.

These specialized trips cater to personal needs, offering meaningful learning and reflection alongside relaxation.

Running Vacations

Active travel, particularly running-focused trips, is growing. Airbnb and Strava report that 74% of Gen Z runners prefer rural “runcations,” exploring scenic countryside trails while staying active. Companies like Contiki have created dedicated running itineraries for travelers aged 18 to 35, with bookings increasing 105% from 2023 to 2024. Group runs and guided trail experiences are becoming key highlights of these active vacations.

Indigenous-Led Tourism

Indigenous tourism is expanding rapidly, with Australia and Canada offering new, culturally immersive experiences. In Australia, partnerships like the Anangu people with the Tasmanian Walking Company allow visitors to stay overnight in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time. The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub in Queensland showcases Eastern Kuku Yalanji culture.

In Canada, Nibiischii Park in Quebec is the first national park managed by the Cree Nation of Mistissini. These initiatives provide authentic cultural experiences while supporting local communities.

Agrotourism and Farm Stays

Interest in farm-based travel continues to rise, with travelers seeking hands-on experiences away from screens. Vrbo reports an 84% year-on-year increase in farm-stay interest, with guest mentions of farm experiences up 300%. Activities range from gardening classes at the Farmer’s Arms in the Lake District to beekeeping lessons at Mantel Farm in East Sussex.

Agrotourism offers immersive, educational experiences, connecting travelers with sustainable practices and local agriculture.

Sober Travel Experiences

Freepik | Younger generations are leading a surge in sobriety, fueling new sober-friendly options.

The number of adults abstaining from alcohol continues to rise, especially among younger demographics. UK research shows around 20% of adults now avoid alcohol, prompting providers to offer sober experiences.

Examples include Pattingham Vineyard in Staffordshire, which offers alcohol-free tours, and Restaurant Flore in Amsterdam, with juice pairings replacing wine. Dedicated sober travel companies, such as We Love Lucid and Hooked, cater to this growing audience.

Sports and Cultural Experiences

Major sporting events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, Winter Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games, will draw global attention. Beyond mainstream sports, travelers are increasingly seeking local athletic experiences, such as sumo wrestling in Japan or Muay Thai in Thailand. Expedia finds that 57% of travelers are likely to watch local sports while traveling, combining cultural insight with entertainment.

Central American Exploration

Central America is attracting more attention beyond Costa Rica’s cloud forests. El Salvador has seen an 81% increase in visitors since 2019, Guatemalans up 33%, and Panama 17%. Travelers are exploring colorful villages, world-class surfing spots, and lesser-known natural attractions, expanding interest in the region’s diversity.

Travel in 2026 emphasizes unique experiences, cultural immersion, and personalized journeys. From night adventures to sober and active trips, destinations are adapting to meet diverse interests and lifestyles. Travelers are seeking experiences that combine authenticity, well-being, and memorable stories.