These types of vacations could dominate 2026

Hospitality and travel industry experts are observing shifts in how people plan their vacations. Instead of rushing sightseeing trips, 2026 is expected to bring more intentional, slower, and ultra-personalized travel experiences.

Here are some top travel trends that could shape the coming year, according to the BBC.

Quietcations, aka Hushpitality (which focuses on silence and digital disconnection), are set to dominate the market. The co-founder of Unplugged, which runs digital detox cabins in the UK, says 50% of guests cite screen fatigue as their main reason for booking.

Road trips are set for a major resurgence. Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report shows more travelers choosing to drive to cut costs and turn the journey into part of the vacation. Online interest reflects this shift, with #Roadtrip surpassing 5.9 million tags globally.

Ultra-personalized retreats are trending as more people seek trips tailored to specific life transitions, including menopause retreats, grief tours, divorce healing, and hobby-focused trips.

Off-grid exploration of places not usually featured on Instagram or other social media could gain momentum. Tour operators see growing interest in Toledo in Spain, Brandenburg in Germany, and even Iraq.

#Booktok-inspired travel would continue to rise in 2026, according to experts. More people are expected to choose destinations based on books, films, and TV shows they have read or watched. Fans would mostly visit filming locations or stay in hotels featuring extensive libraries and reading retreats.

AI is becoming the backbone of travel planning, and we will see more of it next year. Recent research from Amadeus indicates that travelers are increasingly choosing chatbots to plan and book their vacations.

Major platforms like Expedia and Booking.com have already integrated conversational tools that handle everything from real-time translation to mobile digital check-ins.