Travel Trends 2026

By Zappa Haughton

As we look ahead to 2026, the travel landscape is shifting in exciting ways. Travellers are becoming more thoughtful, more adventurous, and more conscious of their impact. From chasing solar eclipses to rediscovering the joy of slow travel by rail, these five trends reveal what’s driving the wanderlust of savvy explorers in the year ahead.

1. Off-Peak Travel: Discovering the ‘Hidden Season’

2026 is the year of the ‘hidden season’, and travellers are finally catching on to what insiders have known for years. Think golden autumns in Japan, spring blossoms in Morocco, or summer safaris in Zimbabwe. The shift away from traditional travel windows isn’t just about saving money (though lower prices certainly help); it’s about discovering destinations at their most authentic, when crowds thin out and local life takes centre stage.

While the benefits of off-season European travel are well recognised, we’re seeing a growing appetite for counter-seasonal adventures further afield. Taking a safari during the dry season means animals congregate around waterholes, creating spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Similarly, visiting Asia during green season offers lush landscapes, dramatic afternoon storms, and a fraction of the usual tourist numbers. The rewards? More affordable trips, genuine interactions with locals, and the space to truly experience a place rather than simply photograph it.

2. The Revival of Rail Travel: Journey as Destination

Overland travel continues to gain remarkable momentum, with more travellers choosing epic rail journeys over short-haul flights. In 2026, train travel is being embraced not just as a greener option, but as an integral part of the adventure itself — whether you’re crossing the Alps or journeying through the heart of the Balkans.

The numbers tell a compelling story: for example, one tour operator Explore has witnessed a 25% year-on-year increase in rail journey bookings, with a striking 77% spike in the past 12 weeks alone. Even more telling, bookings for the next financial year are already 41% up compared with the same point last year, suggesting that the appetite for slow, scenic travel shows no signs of slowing down. Partnerships between travel companies and rail services are making it easier than ever to book seamless journeys, particularly across Europe, offering travellers a lower-carbon, more immersive, and ultimately more enjoyable way to explore. There’s something profoundly satisfying about watching landscapes unfold through a train window, arriving refreshed rather than jet-lagged, and reducing your environmental footprint while you’re at it!

3. Astrotourism: When the Sky Becomes the Destination

Astrotourism is set to shine brilliantly in 2026, and there’s one celestial event driving much of the excitement: a total solar eclipse sweeping across mainland Europe for the first time in almost 30 years. Demand for trips that combine these cosmic wonders with cultural discovery has been sky-high, and it’s easy to understand why.

This trend represents more than just novelty; it’s part of a wider shift towards experiences that create genuine perspective. For those living busy lives in bustling cities, standing under a darkened midday sky is both humbling and awe-inspiring. These cosmic events connect us more deeply with the universe and our place within it.

4. Family 2.0: The Evolution of Multi-Generational Travel

As children grow older, parents become acutely aware of just how fleeting those family years truly are. We’re witnessing a powerful trend of parents with teens seeking one final, epic adventure before their children fly the nest — milestone trips designed to celebrate the end of exams, tick off bucket-list destinations, and create memories that will endure long after the suitcases are unpacked. From safaris in Africa to exploring the wilds of Borneo, these journeys transcend the traditional family holiday; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences that acknowledge a significant life transition.

Simultaneously, a fascinating new dynamic is emerging: Family Holidays 2.0. With many young adults in their 20s still living with parents or returning home after university, and often unable to fund major trips independently, parents in their 50s and 60s are inviting their grown-up children along on adventures. These trips offer something remarkably different from childhood holidays — rediscovering family travel as adults, sharing experiences as equals, and often introducing young adults to small group adventure travel for the first time. For many families, these shared experiences represent the new ‘inheritance’ — investing in memories and connections rather than material legacies. Whether celebrating endings, marking new beginnings, or simply carving out precious time together in increasingly busy lives, these milestone family adventures reflect how the meaning of ‘family holiday’ continues to evolve while remaining as powerful and important as ever.

5. Rejecting Overtourism: The Rise of the Road Less Travelled

Overtourism has quite rightly dominated travel conversations lately, with images of overwhelmed destinations like Venice and Barcelona prompting both travellers and industry professionals to rethink how we explore the world. The destinations to visit in 2026 aren’t the ones trending on social media, they’re the lesser-known corners of well-loved countries where authentic experiences still flourish.

Think Colombia’s Coffee Triangle instead of Cartagena, northern Laos rather than the usual Southeast Asian circuit, or inland Croatia beyond the Dalmatian coast. These destinations allow travellers to explore more responsibly and connect more authentically with local communities. The data supports this shift: travel agents are reporting that bookings to Laos are up 33% year-on-year, Mongolia has soared an impressive 118%, Nicaragua is up 32%, and Zimbabwe has increased 23%. These aren’t just statistics — they represent a fundamental change in how thoughtful travellers are choosing their next adventure, prioritising meaningful experiences over Instagram-famous backdrops and seeking destinations that genuinely welcome visitors rather than those straining under the weight of mass tourism.