Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends: Personal, Purposeful Trips

Travel in 2026 is evolving toward deeply personal and purposeful experiences, as revealed by Skyscanner’s comprehensive Travel Trends Report. Drawing from millions of flight, hotel, and car rental searches alongside surveys and partner insights, the report highlights seven trends that prioritize passions, self-care, and value-driven journeys amid economic considerations.

Shifting Priorities in Modern Travel

Travelers are increasingly using artificial intelligence for planning, with 54% expressing confidence in AI tools, up from 47% the previous year. This tech-savvy approach enables customized trips aligned with individual interests, from wellness to cultural immersion. Cost-consciousness remains key, pushing explorers toward destinations offering high “worth it” factors through unique activities and accommodations.

Glowmads: Beauty as a Travel Compass

The rise of **Glowmads** marks a shift where beauty rituals dictate itineraries. Travelers are crafting trips around global skincare traditions, spa programs, and even in-flight pampering. Seoul stands out for its iconic beauty retailers, while 33% of global travelers seek local beauty cultures, influenced by social media like TikTok (20% of respondents). Women lead this $900 billion wellness market, turning beauty into a core travel motivator.

• Popular pursuits: Destination-specific IV therapies, spa-sleep hybrids, and cult product shopping.
• Key hubs: Seoul, Saint-Tropez, and emerging beauty hotspots worldwide.

Altitude Shift: Elevating Escapes

Seeking respite from rising temperatures, 71-76% of travelers plan mountain getaways for summer or fall 2026. Hotel searches for “room with a mountain view” surged 103% year-over-year. These high-altitude havens, from the Alps to the Rockies and Japan’s peaks, attract year-round visitors for hiking, yoga, and serenity, led by women embracing mindful nature immersion.

Bookbound: Literary Journeys Take Center Stage

Moving beyond screen-based “set-jetting,” **Bookbound** travelers—nearly half of whom have booked or considered literature-inspired trips—favor slow, introspective escapes. Hotel “library” filter usage jumped 70% globally. Partnerships like Penguin Books emphasize storytelling over scrolling, fostering deeper connections in bookish havens.

• Inspiration sources: Novels, author homelands, literary festivals.
• Benefits: Promotes unhurried exploration and cultural depth.

Destination Check-In: Hotels Steal the Spotlight

Accommodations are now trip catalysts, with 45% of travelers (61% Gen Z) selecting destinations for standout hotels. Architecture, design, and ambiance drive choices, elevating properties to must-visit status.

Other Emerging Patterns

Additional trends include **Shelf Discovery** for curated reading retreats, **Catching Flights and Feelings** blending romance with adventure, **Family Miles** for multi-generational bonding, and value-focused searches amid price drops.

Hottest Rising Destinations for 2026

Skyscanner’s data spotlights under-the-radar spots with massive search surges, favoring culture, nature, and design over crowded cities.

United Kingdom Travelers’ Top Picks

1. Salerno, Italy (+211%): Amalfi alternative with coastal charm and fewer crowds.
2. Koror, Palau (+156%): Eco-diving paradise for sustainable adventurers.
3. Kochi, Japan (+106%): Art, history, and island vibes.
4. Bilbao, Spain (+97%): Architectural wonders and culinary delights.
5. Rabat, Morocco (+87%): Stylish capital rivaling Marrakech’s buzz.

United States Travelers’ Top Picks

1. Limón, Costa Rica (+286%): Afro-Caribbean beaches, Jaguar Rescue Center, Hotel Aguas Claras.
2. Jaipur, India (+107%): Pink City boutique hotels like Bar Palladio.
3. Bodrum, Turkey (+85%): Yacht marinas, Scorpios, The Bodrum EDITION.
4. Madeira, Portugal (+78%): Forests, toboggan runs, digital nomad hubs.
5. Vail, Colorado (+78%): Cowboy Core at Gravity House, Four Seasons.

These destinations reflect a craving for authentic, restorative travel.

Practical Tips for 2026 Planning

• Leverage AI: Use tools for personalized itineraries balancing budget and bliss.
• Book Early: Secure mountain views and literary hotels amid rising demand.
• Focus on Value: Target spots with flight price drops for affordability.
• Sustainable Choices: Prioritize eco-spots like Palau and Limón.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main travel trends for 2026?

Skyscanner identifies Glowmads, Altitude Shift, Bookbound, and four others emphasizing personalization and wellness.

Which destination has the highest search growth for US travelers?

Limón, Costa Rica, at +286%, for its lush coasts and cultural depth.

How is beauty influencing travel choices?

33% seek local beauty experiences, integrating rituals into trips via spas and retailers.

Are mountains only for winter?

No, 76% plan summer/fall escapes for hiking and retreats.

What makes hotels a travel driver?

Design and atmosphere sway 45% of decisions, especially Gen Z.

Why 2026 Travel Feels Different

This year’s trends underscore a post-pandemic pivot to meaningful escapes. With AI streamlining plans and data revealing hidden gems, travelers can craft journeys that nourish body, mind, and spirit. Whether chasing alpine air or book-inspired paths, 2026 promises discovery beyond the ordinary.