From Glowmads to Bookbound! The new overland travel trends of 2026 that are about to take over your life and your bottom line

Published October 31, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

From Glowmads to Bookbound, the new travel trends of 2026 are about to take over your life and your feed in ways you never imagined. Exciting travel trends for 2026 reveal how the world of travel is evolving into something more personal, emotional and unforgettable.

From Glowmads chasing global beauty rituals to travelers finding inspiration in literature and libraries, 2026 will redefine how we explore and connect. Travel is no longer just about destinations, it is about self-expression, discovery and purpose. As Glowmads and Bookbound adventurers turn travel into an art form, this new wave of wanderlust will dominate social media feeds and reshape the way we travel forever. The new overland travel trends for 2026 are more than just predictions—they’re a movement. Travel And Tour World encourages readers to read the entire story to discover how these groundbreaking trends will change your travel life.

Skyscanner unveils the travel trends for 2026 that are redefining how we explore, experience and connect the world in the coming year. The global travel giant’s 2026 Travel Trends Report highlights seven leading trends – Glowmads, Shelf Discovery, Altitude Shift, Bookbound, Catching Flights and Feelings, Family Miles and Destination Check-in – that are set to reshape the way travelers plan their trips. Travel trends for 2026 reflect how global travel has become more personal, purposeful and connected than ever before. Skyscanner insights reveal that travelers are now prioritizing value, emotion and meaning over distance and cost. Travel And Tour World encourages readers to explore these trends shaping the future of global travel.

Skyscanner 2026 report highlights a new era of personal travel

Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report signals a shift towards a more beneficial and individualized approach to travel. As travelers enter 2026, they are crafting journeys that reflect their identities, passions and priorities. Research shows that rising costs of living have encouraged people to choose experiences that they feel are truly “worth it.” Every journey is now guided by passion, curiosity and connection. From beauty-inspired journeys to literature-led journeys, travelers are moving beyond traditional sightseeing to self-expression. Skyscanner suggests that the future of travel is a highly personal one – shaped by inner desires, cultural discovery and purpose-driven adventures that align with one’s lifestyle and values.

Glowmads: Beauty culture becomes the new passport

In 2026, the Glowmads trend takes beauty beyond vanity and into the heart of travel. Skyscanner data reveals that 33% of global travelers want to experience local beauty culture, while 20% admit to being influenced by TikTok and social media when choosing destinations. Beauty rituals have now become travel itineraries. Travelers visit skincare boutiques in Seoul, minimalist wellness spas in Tokyo, and luxury perfume shops in Paris. In-flight skincare procedures, spas, and popular local beauty shops have become essential experiences. Glowmads proves that beauty and travel are interconnected – turning self-care into a journey and global beauty culture into a new form of exploration.

Shelf discovery: Supermarkets become the new culinary hotspots

Shelf Discovery redefines culinary travel by shifting the focus from Michelin stars to supermarket shelves. According to Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Report, 35% of global travelers now plan to explore local grocery stores during their vacations. This trend is about authenticity and curiosity – “eating like a local” by discovering the snacks, flavors and everyday foods that define a culture. Travelers are trading five-course meals for Tokyo vending machines, geothermally-baked Icelandic bread, and Mexican market fare. Supermarket safaris provide cultural depth at a low cost. Shelf Discovery celebrates the world’s food diversity and shows how the humble snack aisle can tell a nation’s story.

Elevation Shift: Year-Round Mountain Escape Ascents

Skyscanner identifies ‘Altitude Shift’ as the defining travel trend for 2026, with more than 76% of travelers considering a mountain escape during the summer or fall. The mountains are no longer just for winter skiing, but a haven of peace and mindfulness. From the Dolomites to the Canadian Rockies and Nepal’s Annapurna mountain range, travelers head upward in search of peace and quiet. Skyscanner recorded a 103% year-on-year increase in hotel bookings using the “Room with Mountain View” filter. This proves that travelers are looking to elevate both physically and mentally. Altitude Shift embodies the desire to disconnect, find stillness and embrace the tranquility of nature – to new heights.

Bookbound: Literature inspires flights of imagination

Bookbound Travel redefines how people explore the world through the written word. Skyscanner data shows that 57% of travelers have booked or are considering a trip inspired by literature. From following the paths of classic characters to joining reading retreats, travelers merge fiction with reality. Use of Skyscanner’s ‘Library’ filter for hotel bookings has risen by 70% globally, revealing a growing desire for spaces that inspire thought. Book-bound travelers discover destinations through novels, poetry, and libraries, turning reading into an act of travel itself. Literature becomes a map, guiding explorers through imagined worlds on paper.

Catching Flights and Feelings: Travel Meets Connection

The Skyscanner report highlights that 55% of travelers have traveled or considered traveling abroad to meet new people, whether for friendship, love or adventure. This trend, called “Capturing Journeys and Feelings,” embodies a growing shift in how people use travel to make real-world connections. Data reveals an 83% increase in bookings using the ‘Individual’ filter on Skyscanner, demonstrating an increase in independent but socially motivated travel. While online dating and remote working are reshaping lifestyles, travelers are replacing digital swipes with spontaneous meetings abroad. Capturing flights and emotions reflects a world thirsty for human interaction, romance, and friendship on the go.

Family miles: reconnecting across generations

Family Miles brings families together through shared travel. Skyscanner research found that 31% of travelers around the world plan to travel with their families in 2026, with many opting for multi-generational holidays. Parents, children and grandparents travel together not only to save costs, but also to create lasting memories. It helps young people living at home formulate these plans, choosing destinations that blend affordability and connectivity. From grand villas in Europe to road trips across the United States, families are rediscovering togetherness through travel. Family Miles symbolizes how travel has become an emotional bridge – connecting generations through shared experiences and stories.

Destination Check-in: Hotels become the main event

According to a Skyscanner report, approximately 29% of travelers around the world will choose their destinations based on where they want to stay rather than what they want to see. This phenomenon, called “destination check-in,” signals a radical shift in travel psychology. Hotels are no longer just places to stay, they are experiences in themselves. Whether staying in a treehouse, a desert dome, or an oceanfront villa, travelers are booking accommodations that double as cultural attractions. The emergence of design-driven hotels and resorts shows how hospitality now defines tourism. Skyscanner reports a significant increase in social media searches for unique stays that make travel more experiential and immersive.

The future of travel: personal, purposeful, and powered by AI

Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends Report predicts that travel will become smarter, more organized and more purposeful than ever before. With 84% of travelers planning to travel abroad as much or more than in 2025, the desire to explore remains unstoppable. Artificial intelligence will transform from an assistant to an agent, as intelligent systems help travelers plan and adapt their trips in real time. Meanwhile, social media continues to shape inspiration, as trending destinations and influencer-driven discoveries influence bookings. As travelers prioritize personal value and emotional fulfillment, 2026 marks a new dawn where technology and humanity come together to create truly meaningful journeys.

A year of passion, exploration and evolution

Skyscanner’s seven travel trends – Glowmads, Shelf Discovery, Altitude Shift, Bookbound, Catching Flights and Feelings, Family Miles, and Destination Check-In – redefine what it means to travel. They reveal that the future of tourism is not about distance or luxury alone, but about purpose, connection and experience. Travelers in 2026 will travel to feel inspired, not just impressed. With data-backed insights and collaboration from brands like Reddit, Malin + Goetz, AllTrails and Penguin Books, Skyscanner’s findings highlight a new era of emotional, sensory and mindful travel. The world is ready to move again, but this time with heart and intention.