#None #travel trends #Hotels.com #Unpack '26

Hotels.com's 2026 Travel Trends

In a rapidly evolving landscape, Hotels.com has released its annual report, Unpack '26: The Trends in Travel™, introducing innovative travel insights for 2026. This report is crafted to unveil deep changes in traveler behavior, spotlight rising destinations, and forecast the trends that will influence travel plans in the upcoming year.

Reviving Historical Spaces

One standout trend highlighted in the report is the concept of Reviving Historical Spaces. This year, travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that combine historic architecture with modern comforts. Hotels.com’s list of the 2026 Hotels of the Year reveals a significant rise in the popularity of accommodations in transformed historical structures, such as old schools, train stations, and banks.

These distinctive hotels not only provide comfort but also a rich cultural identity. As Melanie Fish, Vice President of Global Public Relations for Hotels.com, notes, “Travelers are no longer just looking for a place to sleep; they are searching for a story to tell. Reviving Historical Spaces embodies a perfect blend of character, culture, and comfort.” Her personal experience includes stays in unique locations like post offices, prisons, and warehouses, illustrating that the hospitality industry indeed has a future intertwined with its past.

Highlights from the 2026 Hotels of the Year - Reviving Historical Spaces

1. Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, Kyoto, Japan (+194% increase) - Former school
2. Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall, England (+110% increase) - Former prison
3. Sandi Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (+72% increase) - Former mint/school
4. Fontevraud L'Ermitage, Anjou, France (+71% increase) - Former monastery
5. Union Station Nashville Yards, Nashville, USA (+57% increase) - Former train station
6. The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney, Australia (+45% increase) - Former brewery
7. Additional notable mentions include hotels in locations such as Montreal, Stockholm, and New York City.

Hotel-to-Hotel Travel

Another emerging trend is Hotel-to-Hotel Travel, where 54% of global travelers prefer to stay in multiple hotels within a single destination to maximize their experiences. This trend is driven by various motivations, including exploring different areas of a destination (50%) and finding better prices (35%). Specifically within Turkey, 68% of travelers are planning to stay in different regions or neighborhoods during the same trip, illustrating a rising demand for diversity in accommodation experiences.

Short city getaways, island holidays, and event-focused trips like concerts and festivals are among the strongest drivers of the Hotel-to-Hotel trend. Particularly popular among Generation Z and Millennials, this approach sees one in four travelers interested in bleisure (business + leisure) trips as opportunities to hop from hotel to hotel.

Melanie Fish points out that the data indicates an emerging pattern where travelers book an additional hotel for the same trip after making their initial reservation through the app. Third-party research has shown that the benefits of changing scenery, neighborhood experiences, and pricing variances make the effort of re-packing worthwhile.

Top Hotel-to-Hotel Routes

Here are some of the top combinations for Hotel-to-Hotel Travel:

• - Tokyo, Japan: From Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa to Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya.
• - Phuket, Thailand: From Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort to Metadee Concept Hotel.
• - London, UK: From Broadwick Soho to The Petersham.
• - Paris, France: From Hotel Regina Louvre to La Planque Hôtel.
• - Honolulu, Hawaii, USA: From Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina to Wayfinder Waikiki.

Film and TV Set Travel Trends

The Film and TV Set Travel Trends show a resurgence, driven by inspiration from films and series. This sector is projected to be worth a staggering $8 billion in the United States alone. According to Hotels.com, 53% of global travelers express an increased interest in planning their trips based on films and TV shows. An impressive 81% of Generation Z and Millennials incorporate insights from what they watch into their holiday plans.

While the filming location for the new season of The White Lotus remains undisclosed, the 2026 Film and TV Set Travel trends reveal new cinematic routes from the lush Yorkshire hills of England to the stunning beaches of Croatia.

Featured Film and TV Inspirations

For further information about the Film and TV Set Travel Trends, click here.

Top Destinations of 2026

The report also features a list of the Top Destinations of 2026, which is based on millions of daily user data points. This list highlights destinations that are rapidly growing in popularity among Turkish travelers. Here are just a few:
1. Mexico City, Mexico (+1000%)
2. Atlanta, USA (+925%)
3. Las Vegas, USA (+855%)
4. Sydney, Australia (+615%)
5. Lugano, Switzerland (+605%)
6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (+580%)

Conclusion

As we look ahead to 2026, it is clear that travel is undergoing transformative changes shaped by cultural experiences, historical adaptations, and second-to-none hospitality offerings. The trends emerging from Hotels.com’s report reveal that travelers are keen on exploring diverse experiences, pushing the boundaries of traditional travel, and seeking meaningful connections. The future of travel is not just about reaching new destinations — it’s about the stories and experiences travelers will gather along the way.