Travel Trends for 2026: Ten Shifts Redefining How We Travel
New travel data for 2026 shows travelers rethinking how they plan, pay for, and experience trips, with AI, short getaways, wellness, and flexibility shaping the year ahead.
AMEX
AMEX stands for American Express, a global financial company known for its credit cards, travel services, and rewards programs. Many travelers use AMEX cards for booking flights, hotels, and rentals due to added benefits like travel insurance and airport lounge access. It’s widely accepted by major airlines and hotels around the world.
Delta Air Lines Unveils Delta Locals: A New Way to Plan Authentic Travel
Delta Air Lines has launched Delta Locals, a new digital platform designed to inspire travelers through insider recommendations from real residents across the globe.
Google Introduces New AI Tools to Transform How Travelers Plan and Book Trips
Google is rolling out powerful new AI tools – from global Flight Deals to Canvas trip planning and agentic booking – designed to simplify everything from itinerary building to reservations.
JetBlue and United Launch Blue Sky Loyalty Partnership for Shared Rewards
By
Yuliya Karotkaya
• 3 mins read
JetBlue and United Airlines launch their Blue Sky partnership, allowing loyalty members to earn and redeem miles across both networks, with more benefits coming in 2026.
American Airlines and Citi Launch “Globe” Card to Bridge Leisure and Business Travel
By
Yuliya Karotkaya
• 4 mins read
American Airlines and Citi unveil the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard, designed as a mid-tier card with premium lounge access and tailored travel perks for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike.
Hotels.com Introduces ‘Save Your Way’ for Loyalty Members
By
Yuliya Karotkaya
• 3 mins read
Hotels.com has launched ‘Save Your Way,’ a new loyalty option allowing travelers to choose between instant discounts or saving rewards for future trips.
OpenAI Lets ChatGPT Users Connect with Booking.com and Expedia Inside the App
By
Yuliya Karotkaya
• 3 mins read
ChatGPT now allows users to connect directly with Booking.com and Expedia inside the app, making travel planning faster, easier, and more interactive.
French Strikes Threaten to Shake Up European Air Travel
By
Yuliya Karotkaya
• 3 mins read
Pending French air traffic control strikes are expected to cause significant flight disruptions across Europe in early October. Airlines and passengers are bracing for cancellations, delays, and altered travel plans.
Venice Daytripper Fee to Return in 2026: What Visitors Need to Know
By
Yuliya Karotkaya
• 3 mins read
Venice will reimpose its daytripper fee in 2026 on selected Fridays to Sundays during April through July, extending the number of fee-days and reinforcing measures to manage overtourism.
American Express Unveils New Travel App & Digital Tools to Simplify Trips
By
Yuliya Karotkaya
• 3 mins read
American Express launches an all-in-one travel app along with digital tools like Amex Passport and lounge wait-times, making planning and travelling more seamless for premium cardholders.