Travel Trends 2026: How Explore the World Next Year

Based on booking data, traveler behavior, and global tourism research, experts have identified several major trends that will shape travel in the coming year. These trends reflect a growing desire for purpose-driven trips that combine culture, nature, food, and local insight.

Experience-Based Travel Is Replacing Traditional Tourism

One of the strongest shifts in global tourism is the move away from passive sightseeing toward hands-on participation. Travelers want to return home with new skills, stories, and a deeper understanding of the places they visit. Workshops and creative experiences are becoming a central reason to travel. In Japan, visitors sign up for knife-making or pottery classes in Tokyo and Kyoto. Italy attracts travelers eager to learn pasta-making in Tuscany or leather craftsmanship in Florence. Within the USA, cities like New York and San Francisco offer everything from baking workshops to photography and art classes. Learning directly from locals creates a stronger emotional connection than buying souvenirs, turning trips into personal milestones rather than short escapes.

Nature Escapes and Wildlife Travel Are on the Rise

As digital fatigue grows, travelers are increasingly drawn to nature-focused destinations that offer calm, space, and a slower pace of life. Wildlife tourism is booming, with birdwatching becoming one of the fastest-growing niche travel interests. Costa Rica attracts visitors with its rich biodiversity and tropical birdlife. Iceland is famous for puffin colonies and dramatic coastal landscapes, while New Zealand remains a dream destination for spotting native species like the kiwi. These trips often emphasize staying longer in one place, disconnecting from screens, and reconnecting with nature. National parks, remote islands, and eco-lodges are increasingly popular for travelers seeking balance and mental reset.

Food-First Travel Is Driving Destination Choices

Food has moved from being a vacation bonus to becoming the main motivation for travel. Culinary experiences now shape entire itineraries. France continues to attract travelers for its regional cuisines and wine culture. Mexico stands out for its street food, markets, and deep culinary traditions. Japan offers everything from ramen bars to high-end dining, while Peru has gained global recognition for its innovative fusion cuisine. Travelers increasingly mix casual food experiences with fine dining, visiting local markets by day and Michelin-starred restaurants by night. This balance allows them to explore a destination through taste at every level.

Walking Tours and Local Guides Are Back

Fast-paced sightseeing is giving way to slower, more immersive exploration. Guided walking tours are experiencing a strong revival, especially in historic and food-rich cities. Cities across Western Europe and beyond are seeing renewed interest in walking tours. Destinations like Lisbon, Barcelona, Berlin, and Istanbul offer layered histories best discovered step by step. Rather than focusing solely on landmarks, local guides introduce travelers to neighborhoods, cafés, bakeries, and bars that rarely appear in traditional guidebooks, providing authenticity and a stronger sense of place.

Travel in 2026 Is About Purpose, Not Just Place

The future of tourism is intentional. Whether it’s learning a new skill, reconnecting with nature, discovering food cultures, or exploring cities with local insight, travel in 2026 reflects personal values and curiosity. The most memorable journeys will not be defined by how far travelers go — but by how deeply they experience each destination.