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KAYAK's 2026 'What the Future' Report: Defining Travel Trends

KAYAK, the globally recognized travel search engine, has unveiled its much-anticipated 2026 'What the Future' (WTF) Report. This comprehensive report provides insights into the destinations and behaviors that are set to shape the travel landscape in the upcoming year, integrating exclusive data from TikTok to highlight anticipated hotspots and trends that might not yet have reached mainstream awareness.

Key Findings from the Report

This second edition of the WTF report utilizes billions of user queries to shine a light on lesser-known destinations that promise affordability, reduced crowd densities, and increased flexibility. The report's insights are further bolstered by an extensive survey involving 14,000 Gen-Z and Millennial travelers, social and cultural research, as well as interviews with KAYAK executives. This wealth of information culminates in ten defining trends expected to influence future travel.

Among the most notable findings is the growing trust in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for travel planning. The report reveals that 41% of respondents place more faith in AI recommendations than they do in suggestions from friends or online communities, showcasing a significant shift in how modern travelers prefer to strategize their trips. Matthias Keller, KAYAK's Chief Product Officer asserts, “AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel,” emphasizing the importance of AI in enhancing the overall travel experience.

Emerging Destinations to Watch

One of the headline sections of the report lists the Top 10 Emerging Destinations for 2026:
1. Cork, Ireland
2. Chongqing, China
3. Harbin, China
4. Zakynthos, Greece
5. Shenzhen, China
6. Almaty, Kazakhstan
7. Hilo (Big Island), USA
8. Noumea, New Caledonia
9. La Romana, Dominican Republic
10. Luxembourg, Luxembourg

This list represents a new wave of travel that prioritizes unique places over traditional tourist hotspots. In fact, 69% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials prefer exploring places that haven’t yet saturated social media, indicative of a desire for authentic travel experiences.

New Travel Behaviors and Preferences

KAYAK's report also identifies evolving travel behaviors:

• - Booked Now, Paid Later: With financial considerations at the forefront, 35% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennial travelers stated that flexible payment options, like installment plans, significantly influence their travel frequency. KAYAK's introduction of a