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Image credit – iStock-1153172622 Booking.com has released its 2026 Travel Forecast report, which unveils specific global travel trends for the coming year. Marking its 10th anniversary, the annual study highlights the growing desire among travelers to embrace authenticity, uniqueness and technology-driven personalization in every aspect of their travels.
Travelers in 2026 will reject standardized itineraries and instead seek experiences that reflect their own quirks, passions, and aspirations. Based on responses from more than 29,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories, the research paints a vivid picture of a world where travel becomes an act of self-expression – a celebration of ‘who I am, what I want and what I love’.
One of the most important trends shaping the new travel era is “Romantasy Retreats,” inspired by the global boom in romantic fantasy. Nearly 91 per cent of Indian travelers express interest in destinations that recreate the worlds of mythical dragons and fairies, while 79 per cent are open to participating in role-playing retreats inspired by their favorite fantasy books or movies.
Next, Human Homes points to the future of vacation rentals, as 94% of Indians are open to booking AI and robot-assisted stays. Travelers are drawn to cleaning robots, robotic chefs, and smart, energy-efficient systems that blend convenience and innovation — a sign that technology not only enhances convenience, but also curiosity.
Travel in 2026 will also test relationships through ‘disruption tests’, with 88 per cent of Indian travelers open to taking trips that assess compatibility with partners or friends. Role-playing adventures, budget challenges, and remote vacations are redefining how people communicate on the go.
Culinary creativity is another specific transformation, which can be seen through “Shelf-ie Souvenirs,” where travelers turn their kitchens into cultural showcases. Eighty-four percent of Indian travelers want to bring home specially designed kitchenware or local pantry items, turning souvenirs into symbols of heritage and design.
Meanwhile, the classic road trip gets a modern twist in ‘Roadtrip Rewired’, with 97 per cent Indians expressing interest in car-sharing or AI-powered rides to meet new people and explore flexible routes.
Astrology also finds its place in ‘destinations’, with 74% of Indians open to adjusting travel plans based on horoscopes, moon phases or spiritual advice, blending mysticism with modern exploration.
Wellness travel is also evolving with “Glow-cations,” with 93% of travelers open to skincare trips powered by AI tools, hydration technology and hotel suites tailored to the circadian rhythm.
Other trends include “silent hobbies,” where travelers turn to quiet activities such as bird watching and foraging; “PastPorts,” where nostalgia and AI-powered photo mapping help people revisit fond memories; and “Modern Milestone Missions,” where personal victories — from new jobs to health goals — become reasons to celebrate through travel.
Commenting on the findings, Santosh Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia at Booking.com, said:
“As we enter 2026, travel is transforming from a simple escape into a form of self-expression. Trips are now built around interests that were once considered niche or highly personal. Travelers are using trips to test relationships, enter fantasy worlds, transform their homes with culinary souvenirs, and reimagine familiar experiences like road trips and vacation rentals using the latest technology. At Booking.com, we are constantly evolving to meet this demand, ensuring every traveler can find the choice, flexibility, and convenience needed to transform the trip of their dreams To the truth.”
With these insights, Booking.com asserts that 2026 will redefine not just where people go, but why they travel – ushering in the era of “You,” where every trip becomes a reflection of personal identity and purpose.
