According to Skyscanner’s newly released 2026 Travel Trends Report, next year will redefine the way people explore the world. With new low-cost carriers expanding routes to destinations like Italy, Bangkok, Paris, Reykjavik, and Scotland, travel is becoming more accessible than ever. The report notes that 55% of travelers now say flight cost is the single most important factor when choosing a destination, making 2026 the year of the cheap flight.
The data also highlights the top trending destinations for the year ahead. Limon in Costa Rica, Jaipur in India, and Bodrum in Turkey are among the fastest-growing spots, while São Paulo, Singapore, and Venice are emerging as top choices for affordable international trips. But beyond destinations and prices, Skyscanner’s report shows that travelers’ habits and motivations are evolving, giving rise to several key trends shaping 2026.
Glowmads: Beauty and Wellness on the Go
Self-care meets travel in 2026. Driven largely by Gen Z, the Glowmad trend is about blending skincare and wellness with exploration. Thirty-two percent of younger travelers plan to seek beauty treatments or visit skincare destinations while abroad. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made skincare a travel inspiration, with beauty hotspots such as Seoul and Tokyo at the top of the list. Whether it’s documenting in-flight skincare routines or hunting down cult beauty brands, travelers are making wellness part of the journey.
Shelf Discovery: Supermarkets as the New Culinary Frontier
Forget fine dining – 2026 is about supermarket safaris. Skyscanner found that 55% of U.S. travelers often visit local grocery stores abroad, turning everyday shopping into a cultural experience. From vending machines in Tokyo to Iceland’s famous geothermal-baked bread, travelers are embracing local flavors in unexpected ways. Culinary tourism is now less about Michelin stars and more about discovering the snacks and staples that locals actually eat.
Catch Flights & Feelings: Romance Meets Adventure
As social and dating norms shift, travel is becoming a way to connect. More than half of travelers (53%) have gone or considered going overseas to meet matches or make new friends. For many, travel now represents an opportunity for meaningful connection rather than just sightseeing. Meeting locals, sharing experiences, and building new friendships are at the heart of this emotional travel movement that blends discovery with human connection.
Bookbound: Literary Escapes Around the World
The Bookbound trend takes inspiration straight from the pages of novels. Thanks to the growing influence of online communities like BookTok, travelers are now booking trips inspired by their favorite stories. Skyscanner reports that 55% of travelers have booked or would consider a trip based on literature, while hotel searches using the “library” filter are up 70% year over year. From reading retreats to exploring settings from classic fiction, books are becoming roadmaps for real-world journeys.
Altitude Shift: The Rise of Mountain Escapes
In 2026, travelers are heading for higher ground – literally. Eighty percent of respondents say they are considering or planning a mountain vacation for the summer or fall. The appeal lies in peace, clean air, and stunning scenery. Whether hiking in the Dolomites, exploring the Canadian Rockies, or unwinding in New Zealand, travelers are seeking out mountain destinations for wellness and escape from crowded tourist hubs.
Destination Check-In: Hotels as the Main Attraction
Hotels are no longer just a place to sleep – they’re the reason to travel. Skyscanner found that 56% of travelers have chosen a destination purely based on accommodation, with the figure climbing to 70% among Millennials. Unique properties, from remote lodges to design-focused resorts, are redefining how people choose where to go. Travelers are now building entire trips around the experience of staying somewhere extraordinary.
From budget flights to book-inspired adventures, the 2026 travel landscape is defined by creativity, connection, and self-expression. Whether exploring mountain peaks, discovering local snacks, or chasing new friendships abroad, travelers next year are shaping a global movement that blends affordability with authenticity.
