2026 Travel Trends: How We’ll Be Travelling Next Year According to Skyscanner
Global travel app Skyscanner has officially unveiled its annual Travel Trends report for 2026: “Beyond escape: Travel as an expression of self.”
Driven from data and insights of over 20,000 travellers, the report highlights a significant shift in behaviour with journeys no longer being about getting away from real life but instead about curating experiences that reflect personal passions, priorities, and identity.
With a shift in travel being centred around feeling connected vs escaping reality, Skyscanner has curated seven trends that highlight what will be inspiring both shorter haul and longer trips throughout 2026.
From in-flight beauty routines becoming a travel must-do, to snack aisles overtaking restaurants, the trends shine a light on where and how travellers will be exploring new countries in 2026. Supported by insights from trusted experts, the trends are backed by data and quotes from big global names including Reddit, 7-Eleven and Penguin UK.
The Seven Travel Trends For 2026
1. Glowmads – The Beauty Trend
Beauty rituals will shape both how and where we travel, ranging from in-flight beauty routines, to shopping for local beauty products and taking detours to finding cult-favourite retailers.
Data from Reddit finds that travel planning and advice conversations within beauty subreddits have grown 215% YoY.
2. Shelf Discovery – The Food Trend
One for the foodies, travellers will be seeking out the most authentic holidays in the food aisles while abroad. Gastro-tourism is now evolving, and ‘to eat like a local’ means heading to the snack aisle.
A survey of UK travellers reveals that 73% will explore local supermarkets or grocery stores abroad, viewing it as an authentic, affordable way to experience local culture.
3. Altitude Shift – The Mountain Tranquillity Trend
Mountain tourism is peaking interest year-round, not just for skiing but for peace and serenity.
71% of UK travellers are considering or planning a mountain escape for summer or autumn 2026, drawn by the promise of peace, quiet, and beautiful, remote accommodation.
4. Bookbound – The Literature Trend
Writing new chapters on how to escape, reconnect and restore through literary travel. Travellers will be tracing the footsteps of literary heroes, planning slow holidays around reading retreats and tracking down the world’s best bookshops and libraries.
Almost half of all travellers have booked, or would consider, a trip inspired by literature. This trend is driving a 70% year-on-year increase in hotel bookings using Skyscanner’s “library” filter.
5. Catching Flights and Feelings – The Solo Trend
As dating habits are shifting, solo travellers seek connections through travel – meeting matches and mates on the move.
Over a third (39%) of travellers have gone, or considered going, overseas specifically to meet new people. This is supported by an 83% global jump in hotel bookings using the “solo” filter.
6. Family Miles – The Family Trend
Multi-generational trips are on the rise – this one is all about getting together and saving costs while making memories.
With budget being a big factor, and many adults in their 20s living at home, 51% of Gen Z adults have travelled with their parents in the last 2 years.
7. Destination Check-in – The Hotel Trend
Hotels, rather than locations, are now the main event, shaping where and why we travel. From stunning architecture to transportive designs, travellers will be prioritising unique stays.
61% of Gen Z have picked their holiday destination based purely on accommodations
Trending & Best Value Destinations
Under-the-radar destinations are on the rise for 2026, and Skyscanner’s experts have handpicked 10 destinations which saw the biggest year-on-year search surges, to help travellers experience the buzz while they’re still largely undiscovered.
Salerno in Italy has come out on top, with a 211% increase YoY from 2024 – 2025, as British holidaymakers search for affordable alternatives to the popular nearby coastal gems Amalfi and Positano. Western Pacific island Koror, Palau, is also on the rise, sitting at the second most popular destination with searches for Scuba-diver’s paradise up 156% YoY (2024-2025).
For thrifty Brits, our experts have also handpicked the best value holiday destinations, combining experience and affordability from those seeing the biggest year-on-year drops in flight prices. Cheaper fairs have been deemed by some key shifts, as new routes open up, and there are more frequent services from low-cost airlines.
At the top of the best value destination list is Cologne in Germany, with a 44% price drop*, closely followed by Goa, India (34% price drop) and Kauna, Lithuania (31% price drop).
Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner comments on the emerging travel trends: “Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report shows how travel is about to get more personal than ever. Next year will see travellers choose destinations and build itineraries that feel less like an escape and more like an expression of self. The shift is clear: it’s not about getting away from real life – it’s about bringing who you are and what you love along for the ride.
The full report is available here.
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