Published on
January 1, 2026
As the world evolves and travelers look for deeper, more meaningful experiences, 2026 travel trends are poised to reshape the way people explore destinations. From personalized beauty retreats to literary pilgrimages and year-round Alpine escapes, these new trends promise to revolutionize the global tourism landscape.
Glowcations: A Blend of Wellness, Beauty, and Travel
The rise of glowcations is expected to be one of the most prominent travel trends of 2026. Glowcations combine the allure of luxury travel with cutting-edge skincare, wellness, and tech. These destinations cater to the increasing desire for rejuvenation and self-care, especially for those seeking treatments that go beyond a typical vacation experience. Glowcations are particularly popular among Gen Z travelers who are driven by a strong interest in achieving glowing, healthy skin through unique treatments.
Some of the most well-known glowcation destinations include Paris, where tourists can indulge in French pharmacy beauty treatments, and South Korea, renowned for its K-beauty and “glass skin” routines. Additionally, Italy is becoming famous for its spa escapes, and Kerala, India, offers Ayurvedic treatments that promise a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. These destinations offer personalized services, such as AI skin analysis, DNA testing, microbiome testing, and hydration stations to support travelers’ wellness goals.
In addition to skincare, plant-based eating is a growing trend on glowcations. Hotels like Equinox Hotels and Four Seasons Los Angeles have introduced circadian lighting, which adjusts to natural sleep/wake cycles, providing an optimal environment for wellness. Guests can now enjoy personalized sleep experiences that ensure a full rejuvenation process.
Literary Tourism: A Journey Through the Pages of History
Literary tourism is gaining significant momentum as travelers seek to immerse themselves in the worlds created by their favorite authors. In 2026, literary tourism is expected to rise as more visitors travel to places associated with literary legends and iconic books. This trend is fueled by a growing demand for authentic and immersive experiences, with many travelers looking to engage with the locations that inspired some of the most beloved works of literature.
Destinations like Stratford-upon-Avon, England, where Shakespeare was born, and Chawton, the home of Jane Austen, are perfect for those who wish to step into the stories they have long admired. The city of Key West, Florida, remains a popular spot for fans of Ernest Hemingway, while other literary locations include the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth for Wuthering Heights enthusiasts. Travelers also flock to Harry Potter tours in London or Sherlock Holmes’ Baker Street, as well as Anne of Green Gables tours in Canada.
The growing popularity of social media platforms like BookTok has played a significant role in driving literary tourism. Fans of Hemingway and Austen are increasingly eager to visit real-world locations that were once the settings of their favorite novels. Festivals, such as the Jaipur Literature Festival in India, or attending intimate gatherings at cafes like Café de Flore in Paris, are becoming increasingly popular among literary-minded travelers.
Year-Round Alpine Escapes: Seeking Peace, Quiet, and Stunning Views
As the effects of overtourism continue to plague many popular southern European destinations, travelers in 2026 are opting for year-round Alpine escapes. The allure of the Alps is undeniable, with many opting for quiet retreats that offer stunning mountain views, peace, and remote accommodation. The desire for fewer crowds is driving visitors away from traditional beach holidays toward mountainous escapes.
A recent report by Skyscanner revealed that 71% of UK travelers are considering mountain escapes for summer or autumn 2026. These travelers are searching for tranquil surroundings, unspoiled nature, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Alpine destinations such as Austria’s Kitzbühel, famous for its glamour and thermal pools, and Zermatt, known for its snow-sure resorts, have been gaining popularity as year-round destinations.
Other destinations like Banff in Canada, with its adventure lodges, and Alaska, which offers off-grid wilderness and hiking, are also seeing an influx of bookings. Even Slovenia, with its beautiful green landscapes and well-connected mountain regions, is attracting those looking to escape the more crowded, coastal locations of southern Europe.
Gami-Vacations: Bridging the Gap Between Gaming and Real Life
Another emerging trend expected to rise in 2026 is gami-vacations, a travel trend inspired by the growing popularity of video games. Gamers, once stereotyped as sedentary, are now embarking on immersive travel experiences designed to bring the worlds of their favorite video games into reality. Whether it’s visiting Jotunheimen, Norway, inspired by God of War, or Scotland, home to locations featured in Assassin’s Creed, gami-vacations are proving that gaming and travel are an increasingly powerful combination.
This trend is fueled by the popularity of action-packed video games such as Ghost of Tsushima and Far Cry 5, where gaming enthusiasts visit iconic locations inspired by the games. Montana, USA, has become a popular spot for fans of Far Cry 5 to explore Glacier National Park. Travelers can enjoy interactive experiences, apps, and quests inspired by the video games, making their trips even more engaging. Some destinations have even partnered with game developers, such as the Czech Republic promoting Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, to bring these experiences to life.
AI-Powered Travel Planning: Hyper-Personalization for the Modern Traveler
In 2026, artificial intelligence (AI) will play an even more significant role in travel, offering hyper-personalized planning that caters to individual preferences and needs. With the rise of decision fatigue, especially among younger generations, AI is stepping in to help create more tailored itineraries. According to the Marriott Bonvoy Ticket to Travel 2026 report, 50% of travelers have already used AI to plan holidays in 2025, and that number is expected to grow.
AI-powered tools are being used to suggest personalized itineraries based on travelers’ interests, moods, and values. Whether seeking offbeat destinations, under-touristed spots, or hidden gems, AI systems are helping people discover places they wouldn’t have otherwise thought of. In addition to itinerary planning, AI will assist travelers with language translation, price comparisons, and even optimizing accommodation booking processes.
For hotels, AI systems are expected to be used for streamlining tasks like check-ins, visitor flows, and managing cleaning schedules. This will allow hotels to enhance guest experiences by providing smoother service and more efficient operations.
Multi-Generational Trips: Bonding Across Generations
Multi-generational travel, which brings together parents, children, grandparents, and extended family members, is another key trend in 2026. Families are increasingly taking larger, more meaningful trips together to celebrate special milestones, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories. This trend is particularly popular among families with clashing schedules, making it harder to gather regularly, leading to larger but more infrequent family trips.
Cost savings are another significant factor driving this trend, as larger groups can access more discounts and special offers. Popular destinations for multi-generational trips include Mediterranean locations like Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus, as well as more family-oriented destinations like Dubai, Costa Rica, and California.
Set-Jetting: Exploring Iconic Film and TV Locations
In 2026, set-jetting is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with more travelers seeking to visit film and TV locations featured in their favorite shows. Popularized by streaming services and social media, this trend has led to a boom in tourism to filming locations in Hawaii for The White Lotus, Malta for Game of Thrones, and Paris for Emily in Paris.
By visiting these iconic filming locations, travelers are able to connect with their favorite shows on a deeper level, immersing themselves in the landscapes and cities that were once only accessible through a screen. In the UK, Yorkshire has experienced a surge in interest, driven by the popularity of Downton Abbey filming locations.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Travel in 2026
The travel trends shaping 2026 emphasize personalized experiences, sustainability, and a growing demand for authenticity in travel. Whether seeking wellness through glowcations, diving into literary worlds, or exploring iconic video game settings, travelers are more focused than ever on creating meaningful connections with the places they visit. As AI continues to revolutionize the planning process and multi-generational trips rise in popularity, the future of travel looks set to be more immersive, engaging, and accessible than ever before.
