Travel in 2026 is expected to become slower, quieter, and more intentional.
Industry forecasts suggest that people are no longer travelling just to escape routine, they are travelling to rest, reconnect, and feel something real again.

Based on global travel trend reports from airlines, booking platforms, and tourism analysts, these are five key trends expected to define how people travel in 2026.

1. Slow Travel Will Continue to Grow

In 2026, travellers are expected to prioritise fewer destinations and longer stays.
Instead of rushing through multiple cities, people want time to settle into one place to build familiarity, and move without pressure.

Slow travel is gaining momentum as burnout, rising costs, and overtourism push people toward deeper, more meaningful journeys.

2. Culture Will Matter More Than Landmarks

Travel trends point to a growing interest in everyday culture over famous sights.
Food, language, markets, and local routines are becoming more important than ticking off landmarks.

Travellers want to understand how people live, not just what places look like.

3. Wellness Will Shape Where People Go

Wellness travel in 2026 is expected to move away from excess and towards restoration.
Quiet environments, time in nature, nervous-system recovery, and unstructured days are becoming key reasons people choose certain destinations.

Rest itself is becoming the destination.

4. Identity-Led Travel Is on the Rise

More travellers are expected to choose trips based on who they are and where they come from.
This includes heritage travel, faith journeys, literary travel, and trips shaped by personal memory and curiosity.

Travel is increasingly being used as a way to reconnect with identity, history, and meaning.

5. Second Cities Will Attract More Attention

As crowds continue to overwhelm major capitals, travellers in 2026 are expected to seek out smaller, lesser-known cities.
These places often offer richer cultural experiences, better value for money, and space to move at an easier pace.

Second cities are quietly becoming first choices.

What This Tells Us About the Future of Travel

Together, these trends suggest a clear shift away from fast, performative travel.
The future of travel looks slower, more thoughtful, and more human focused on connection rather than consumption

Sources

Skyscanner Travel Trends Report 2026
Amadeus Travel Trends Forecast
National Geographic Travel Forecasts
Travel Agent Central – 2026 Travel Outlook
Bizcommunity – Travel Trends Shaping 2026