“Travel changes how we see the world.”
“The best memories come from bold plans.”
“2026 is a year of adventure.”
Travel is evolving faster than ever. More people are exploring the globe. Trips are no longer just flights and hotels. Travelers seek meaning, excitement, and connection. Each journey now tells a story. Memories weigh more than souvenirs. Experiences matter more than pictures.
The UNWTO reports that global tourism reached 96% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024, signaling a strong rebound. Travel is booming. People are ready to move again. Cities, beaches, and hidden towns are waiting. The year 2026 promises bold adventures.
Before booking your next trip with Expedia, understanding trends is smart. Which travel styles dominate next year? Which trends fit your personality and goals? Knowing this helps make smarter choices. Travel becomes more enjoyable when it aligns with who you are.
What Travel Trends Really Mean
Trends reveal traveler priorities. They show what people value most. Technology, culture, and entertainment shape decisions. Social media exposes destinations, inspiring real-world journeys. Movies and series often spark entire travel plans. Trends highlight emotional, cultural, and tech-driven shifts.
Following trends is not about copying everyone. They are guides, not rules. Each traveler chooses what fits best. Emotional connection, personal preference, and timing matter most. Some prefer slow exploration, others seek fast-paced adventure. Trends help identify the right approach.
Ask yourself: do you want your trips to feel personal? Do you want meaningful, memorable experiences? If yes, these trends will guide your choices.
Set-Jetting: Travel Like a Movie Hero
Set-jetting brings fictional worlds to life. Fans visit filming locations to relive iconic moments. Walking through movie streets creates a sense of magic. A café, a castle, or a beach can feel unforgettable when tied to a story.
Social media amplifies this trend. TikTok clips, Instagram photos, and streaming platforms inspire real journeys. Movie spots feel alive. They promise emotion and adventure in one package. Fans seek out those moments to connect personally with beloved stories.
Think about your favorite film. Which scene stuck in your mind? Would you travel to see it? Locations like New Zealand from The Lord of the Rings, Dubrovnik from Game of Thrones, and Paris from Emily in Paris draw visitors year-round. Set-jetting transforms travel into living stories.
Hotel Hopping: Make the Stay Part of the Story
Hotels are no longer just places to sleep. Travelers rotate stays to experience neighborhoods, vibes, and views. Every hotel brings a fresh chapter to the journey. Each lobby, each breakfast, and each rooftop offers something new.
Imagine three nights in London, two nights in Paris, and three nights in Rome. Every stay offers unique perspectives. Travelers explore more while maintaining comfort. Hotels themselves become destinations, adding depth and excitement.
Hotel hopping suits those who crave variety. It turns ordinary trips into curated adventures. Travelers enjoy perks, scenic views, and cultural immersion without extra stress. Each day feels different and inspiring, keeping travel exciting from start to finish.
Slow Travel: Take Your Time Back
Slow travel focuses on presence, not speed. Instead of rushing through cities, travelers spend more time in fewer locations. This approach builds connection and understanding. Walking the streets multiple times, visiting local shops, and learning routines enrich the experience.
The benefits extend beyond enjoyment. Slow travel lowers stress, reduces costs, and supports sustainability. Less movement means a smaller carbon footprint. Spending more time in one place encourages authentic memories. Travelers notice subtle details they might otherwise miss.
Imagine a ten-day stay in Tokyo. Exploring markets, learning greetings, and finding favorite cafés make the city feel like home away from home. Slow travel offers a depth that rapid sightseeing cannot match. It’s about quality, not quantity.
Micro-Trips: Big Memories in Small Time
Not everyone can take long vacations. Micro-trips provide compact, refreshing adventures. Two to three days are enough for meaningful experiences. Weekends become exciting mini-getaways that break routines and refresh minds.
These trips are budget-friendly and flexible. A short trip to the beach, a cabin in the mountains, or a city food tour can feel like a full vacation. Quick escapes still allow memorable experiences without long planning or missed workdays.
Weekend trips encourage spontaneity. Travelers can leave Friday afternoon and return Sunday evening with new stories and photos. Micro-trips cater to busy schedules, offering adventure, relaxation, and excitement in small packages.
Tech-Powered Travel: Smarter Trips, Not Harder Ones
Technology continues to redefine travel. Apps plan itineraries. AI suggests destinations. Translation tools remove barriers. Digital boarding passes simplify logistics. Travelers navigate new places with confidence and efficiency.
A 2023 Statista report shows that 80% of travelers use smartphones for planning and booking. Tech makes research, reservations, and navigation easier. AI tools help pick hotels, flights, and activities based on preferences, budgets, and timing.
While tech supports travel, human experience remains essential. Look up from the phone to enjoy sights, sounds, and people. Digital tools complement, not replace, the emotional impact of exploration. Smart technology makes trips smoother, but immersion comes from being present.
Eco-Friendly Travel: See the World, Save the World
Sustainability is more than a trend; it is a priority. Eco-conscious travelers aim to protect nature while exploring it. Choosing green hotels, reducing waste, and respecting wildlife are common practices. Travel becomes a responsible adventure.
Eco-travel benefits locals, nature, and personal experience. Reusable bottles, ethical tours, and support for local businesses create a meaningful impact. Sustainable choices enrich journeys rather than limit them.
Consider the choices you make while traveling. Are they reducing harm? Do they support the planet and community? Eco-travel offers a chance to see the world while leaving it better than before.
Food-Based Travel: Taste the Story of Every Place
Food shapes culture, and culture shapes travel. Culinary adventures are now central to trips. Street food, family-run restaurants, night markets, and cooking classes provide immersive experiences. Tasting local cuisine connects travelers to culture, history, and people.
Sampling specialties in Bangkok, Paris, or Rome creates lasting memories. Meals become more than sustenance; they define the journey. Culinary exploration turns ordinary travel into a sensory adventure.
Ask yourself: which flavor would you follow across the world? Food-driven travel offers curiosity, delight, and cultural connection in every bite.
Safety and Smart Planning: The Real Trend Behind All Trends
Travel requires caution. Safe trips reduce stress and enhance enjoyment. Reading reviews, keeping documents secure, sharing itineraries, and understanding local customs all contribute to a positive experience. Responsible planning supports all other trends.
Smart planning ensures flexibility and protection. Weather checks, route reviews, and emergency preparation prevent problems. Safety enables freedom to explore fully. Travelers can immerse themselves in experiences with confidence and joy.
Making Trends Work for You
Not every trend fits every traveler. Personal preference determines the best choices. Movie lovers will enjoy set-jetting. Adventure seekers thrive with hotel hopping. Peaceful souls prefer slow travel. Busy individuals benefit from micro-trips. Eco-conscious travelers feel fulfilled with green choices. Food enthusiasts find joy in culinary tours. Tech lovers embrace AI tools.
Understanding trends helps align your travel style with your goals. Travel becomes more than a vacation; it reflects personality, passion, and priorities. Select what feels authentic to you.
2026 Travel Blueprint
A practical plan improves outcomes. Decide where to go, why, and how. Pick trends that match your personality. Set goals for what you hope to experience. Prepare for contingencies without rigid plans. Flexibility creates space for surprises, growth, and memorable moments.
Even simple tools, like digital maps, booking apps, and checklists, enhance the journey. Courage, curiosity, and joy remain the true essentials. Trips transform when you approach them with intention.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Today
Perfection is not necessary for memorable travel. Meaning, presence, and curiosity matter more. Each journey tells a story, and every traveler writes their chapter. Travel with Expedia in 2026 promises adventure, flavor, discovery, and connection.
“Travel is life in motion.”
“A good trip begins with a good plan.”
“Your world is bigger than your worry.”
Which trend will guide your next journey? Will you follow a movie scene? Hop hotels across Europe? Slow down and savor every moment? Taste the world one bite at a time? The world awaits. Your story begins now.
