Skyscanner Outlines Seven Travel Trends Shaping 2026 Experiences

Skyscanner's Travel Trends Report 2026

As revelations emerge from Skyscanner's latest report, Travel Trends 2026, travelers can prepare for a transition in how they approach their journeys. The report highlights seven crucial trends that promise to shape travel behavior over the next year, making each trip a more personal and meaningful experience.

According to Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner, travel is evolving to cater more to individual passions and priorities. In a time when cost considerations are paramount, travel planning in 2026 will see vacationers curating their journeys to reflect who they are and what they cherish. This paradigm shift is stirring the industry towards a more tailored approach to travel. Batista mentions, "Travel will become more individualized and grounded, encapsulating unique experiences tailored to personal desires."

The Seven Notable Travel Trends for 2026

1. Global Glow: Beauty Rituals Influence Travel Choices
- A remarkable 33% of global travelers intend to embrace local beauty cultures, with 20% admitting that social media platforms like TikTok influence their travel plans. This trend indicates a shift towards integrating beauty routines into travel itineraries. From skincare regimens during flights to visits at local cosmetic shops, beauty is set to become an integral part of travelers’ experiences.

2. Supermarket Safari: Culinary Tourism Takes a Turn
- In an interesting twist, 35% of world travelers are looking to local supermarkets as their culinary tour destinations. 'Eating like a local' now includes foraging for snacks in grocery aisles, providing an authentic taste of local culture without needing formal dining reservations. This evolution signifies guests seeking deeper cultural experiences, budget-friendly options, and genuine local insights.

3. Mountain Moments: Year-Round Alpine Escapades
- Interestingly, 76% of travelers are considering mountain retreats, not solely for winter sports but for tranquility and peace throughout the year. Increased bookings for hotels with mountain views have skyrocketed by 103% compared to the previous year. Destinations like the Dolomites and the Canadian Rockies entice many for their serene landscapes and nature-infused relaxation.

4. Book-Packer: Literary Journeys to Enrich Experiences
- The allure of literature is strong, with over 57% of travelers having booked, or interested in booking trips inspired by literary works. This trend underscores a desire to explore places linked to beloved stories, or to simply find calm reading spots amidst travel, showcasing the connection between travel and storytelling.

5. Flights Feelings: Pursuing Connections while Traveling
- An engaging 55% of travelers have either traveled or contemplated traveling abroad to forge new friendships or even for dating. Shifting from digital connections to real-life encounters, more people are seeking to share authentic experiences, having seen an 83% increase in hotel bookings filtered for solo travelers.

6. Family on Tour: Generational Travel Becomes Trendy
- Approximately 31% of travelers are planning trips involving their entire family, celebrating multi-generational experiences. This rise in family travel aims not just to split costs but also to create cherished memories that span generations.

7. Hotel ‘Ganz woanders’: Unique Stays Shape Travel Plans
- A significant 29% of travelers now prioritize their accommodation as crucial to their travel experience, focusing on the uniqueness of their stays. More than just a place to sleep, hotels are becoming destinations in their own right, spotlighting the importance of aesthetics and atmosphere in travel planning.

Shaping the Future of Travel

As we look toward 2026, travelers are increasingly focused on curated and thoughtful itineraries, with 84% indicating they plan to travel just as frequently or more than in 2025. The integration of AI tools will undoubtedly enhance this experience, streamlining travel preparation and enabling more complex travel needs to be addressed seamlessly.

Skyscanner stands at the forefront of this evolution, enabling travelers to find tailored options easily and affordably by aggregating over 1,200 reliable travel providers. For more detailed insights and information on how travel is set to transform, visit Skyscanner's Travel Trends report here.