These Are the Travel Trends That Will Define 2026

The coming year is shaping up to be an exciting and unique one when it comes to travel. Between The Points Guy’s industry outlook showing a shift toward meaningful, affordable, and nature-focused travel and Airbnb’s forward-looking data on how people are searching and booking stays, 2026 promises a blend of event-driven itineraries, budget-conscious adventures, and outdoor quests that reflect evolving traveler priorities. These are the trends defining the year to come.

AI-Assisted Trip Planning

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming the travel sidekick of 2026. From building day-by-day itineraries to surfacing lesser-known destinations and price alerts, travelers are increasingly leaning on AI tools to plan smarter and faster. The Points Guy attributes the trend to growing comfort with digital tools that help maximize value, whether that’s optimizing points redemptions or finding flexible routing, while Airbnb data reflects a desire for more personalized, interest-driven stays. The result is travel planning that feels less overwhelming and more tailored, turning inspiration into action with just a few prompts.

Value-Driven Travel

With economic uncertainty and recession concerns shaping consumer behavior, budget-savvy travel is no longer a niche, it’s a mindset. The Points Guy notes that affordability and value are central to 2026 travel decisions, pushing travelers toward off-peak dates, alternative destinations, and smarter use of points and rewards. Airbnb echoes this shift, with travelers seeking longer stays, shared experiences, and places where their dollar stretches further. Rather than traveling less, many are traveling differently, prioritizing meaningful experiences that feel worth the spend.

Getty Images

Nature First Adventures

As travelers yearn to unplug in the over-stimulated digital age, nature is taking center stage. According to The Points Guy, Americans are turning away from crowded metropolises and embracing nature-focused destinations as part of a broader shift toward unique, restorative trips. Airbnb’s predictions echo that sentiment, showing a 35% surge in searches for stays near U.S. national parks, with outdoor experiences topping all booking categories. Whether it’s stargazing on a desert plateau or hiking in a national forest, reconnecting with the natural world is top of mind for today’s travelers.

Shoulder Season Strategy

Gone are the days of waiting for high season like the peak of summer or winter school holidays. In 2026 travelers are getting strategic about when they go. The Points Guy highlights that shoulder-season trips are on the rise as tourists seek greater value and fewer crowds. This reflects a growing awareness of travel as a year-round pursuit, not just a summer sprint. Meanwhile, Airbnb finds that 65% of top-searched 2026 travel dates align with global events—from the Winter Olympics to cultural festivals—reinforcing that timing is now an intentional part of the trip design.

Mini-Journeys Go Mainstream

Short, but rich city breaks are emerging as one of 2026’s defining travel behaviors, especially among younger explorers. Airbnb’s data shows that one- to two-day international getaways are growing faster than extended vacations, with Gen Z leading the charge. These bite-sized escapes are fueled by social media, search trends, and a desire to maximize limited PTO for high-energy culture, food, and nightlife experiences abroad. Combined with expanding airline routes and flexible travel products, quick city hops are redefining global roaming.

Getty Images

Event-Anchored Adventures

2026 travel is increasingly event-centric, especially here in the West. Fans aren’t just attending big name music tours, they’re turning them into full-blown, economy stimulating trips. Airbnb notes that major cultural, sporting, and entertainment dates are serving as booking triggers, with travelers timing stays around experiences like festivals, Olympic seasons, and global championships. Think travels to San Francisco for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or planning a long weekender centered around a show at of these awesome music venues, for instance. The Points Guy also emphasizes that loyalty programs and travel planning tools are making it easier to combine events with broader itineraries and award travel redemptions. For many explorers, the why of travel is just as compelling as the where.

Solo Travel Surges

Travel alone isn’t just trending, it’s booming. Airbnb’s insights point to strong growth in solo travel interest, particularly to unique and nature-oriented destinations, as travelers seek personal growth and self-directed experiences. This dovetails with The Points Guy’s broader view that flexible travel planning makes independent travel more accessible and rewarding than ever. From mountain cabins to city hostels, the world feels open for those looking to journey on their own terms.