Skyscanner Travel Forecast 2026: What will travel shape next year?

Posted on November 1, 2025

By 2026, travel demand will be predominantly for experiences that suit their virtues, interests and ways of life. Sky Scanner, the world’s largest travel platform, has flagged the seven important trends impacting travel tomorrow, with a focus on personalisation, meaningful relationships and more immersive experiences. Trends have shown that travel is not just a way to go out anymore, but rather a way through individualism, health and cultural exploration to go deeper inward.

Direction 1: Check in to the destination

For many travelers in 2026, the journey doesn’t end when they reach their destination, it’s part of the experience. Hotels and accommodations have become the main attraction for an increasing number of travelers. About 29% of travelers around the world plan to choose their destination based on where they will stay, prioritizing unique and immersive features that double as part of the travel adventure. With an increasing number of options, from boutique hotels with international design to off-the-beaten-path stays in stunning locations, the idea of ​​accommodation as a destination in itself is reshaping the way travelers plan their trips. This shift is being led by younger travellers, who are increasingly influenced by social media and trends in unique and attractive stays.

Trend 2: Glomads

Beauty culture is no longer limited to beauty counters, it is influencing how people travel. In 2026, rise Glomadstravelers who incorporate beauty routines and wellness rituals into their trips are expected to grow. About 33% of global travelers are eager to explore local beauty cultures, and the rise of TikTok and social media is amplifying this trend. Whether it’s skincare during a long flight or visiting popular beauty stores abroad, this trend is elevating the travel experience, making it not just about the destination, but about personal well-being and self-care along the way.

Trend 3: Shelf Spotting

Culinary tourism has evolved from traditional dining out to more immersive hands-on experiences. In 2026, travelers will replace restaurant reservations with visits to local supermarkets and grocery stores. About 35% of travelers around the world plan to shop at local markets during their vacations, with interest in learning about local ingredients and snacks growing. From vending machines in Tokyo to geothermal-baked bread in Iceland, travelers are looking for authentic, affordable culinary experiences that provide a true taste of local culture. This “shelf discovery” trend combines food and culture, offering a more personal and budget-friendly way to delve deeper into the flavors of a destination.

Trend 4: Elevation change

High altitude destinations are becoming more popular, not just for the ski slopes, but for peaceful holidays all year round. With more than three-quarters of travelers considering escaping to the mountains in the summer or fall of 2026, the trend is clear: people are seeking peace and adventure in high-altitude locations. The Dolomites, Canadian Rockies, and Annapurna are some of the top locations that have gained traction. Skyscanner data reveals a 103% year-on-year increase in hotel bookings for rooms with mountain views, indicating a growing desire to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of alpine environments, even in the off-season.

Trend 5: Family Miles

Intergenerational travel is on the rise, with 31% of travelers around the world planning trips with their extended families. This trend is not limited to dividing costs; It’s about creating lasting memories together. Whether it’s a family reunion in a tropical paradise or an educational excursion to historic landmarks, the focus is on experiences shared across generations. The growing trend of young people living at home and the budget-conscious nature of modern travel are also contributing factors to this rise in multi-generational holidays. Family travel is no longer just about parents and children; It’s about grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins ​​coming together to connect over new experiences.

Trend 6: Bookbound

In 2026, travel will increasingly coincide with personal interests, including literature. More than half of travelers (57%) say they have either booked or are considering a trip inspired by a book or literary destination. Whether it’s following in the footsteps of fictional characters, taking time on an exotic reading vacation, or visiting the world’s most beautiful libraries and bookstores, people combine travel and a love of literature. This trend is also impacting how travelers search for accommodation, with Skyscanner’s ‘Library’ filter seeing a 70% increase in usage year-on-year, demonstrating how literature and travel are merging for a more thoughtful and rejuvenating holiday experience.

Trend 7: Catching Journeys and Feelings

In 2026, travel will become a way to socialize in a way never seen before. About 55% of travelers have either traveled abroad or plan to do so with the aim of meeting new people. This could be for dating, making new friends or even finding travel companions. As travel becomes more personal, some are shifting from digital interactions to face-to-face communications. The rise of solo travel, along with dating apps and social media platforms, is encouraging people to seek more organic and real-life connections. Skyscanner has already noticed an 83% increase in hotel bookings using the ‘solo’ filter, indicating that more people want to travel alone to meet others and explore new relationships.

The future of travel: personal, purposeful and profound

Travel trends for 2026 indicate that the future of travel is about curating experiences that align with personal passions, cultural immersion, and deeper connections. With 84% of travelers intending to travel abroad as much or more in 2026 than in 2025, demand for meaningful and enriching travel experiences is expected to increase. The emergence of artificial intelligence and smarter travel tools will enhance the ability to personalize and simplify the travel planning process, providing personalized recommendations that meet each traveler’s unique needs.

A new era of travel personalization

According to Skyscanner’s predictions for 2026, the future of travel will be highly personalized, with trends such as experiences tailored to an individual’s preferences, self-care, and connecting with others. Mountain retreats, literary adventures and glowing beauty rituals will be among the ways in which 2026 will be marked by curated, stylish travel. Travel suppliers will have to change and innovate new ways to engage customers with different and valuable experiences, as the passage of time makes travelers want richer and more rewarding trips.