AMSTERDAM—Reserving.com’s annual Journey Predictions analysis exhibits that, in 2026, vacationers will lean into their passions in varied methods.
Now in its tenth yr, Reserving.com’s Journey Predictions present how folks need to expertise the world. Over time, these insights have highlighted shifts in journey.
Based mostly on insights from greater than 29,000 vacationers throughout 33 international locations and territories, Reserving.com is utilizing this analysis to seek out ten key developments for 2026. The findings reveal that holidays have gotten extra particular person and extra experimental.
Romantasy Retreats
For hundreds of years, books have been journey companions, carried in suitcases and browse on trains, planes, seashores, and past. In 2026, with genres like romantasy growing in recognition, the connection between tales and journeys begins a brand new chapter.
Anticipate to see holidays grow to be immersive storyscapes within the yr forward, the place castles, forests, banquets, and masquerade balls set the stage for romantasy retreats, with greater than seven in ten (71 %) international vacationers saying they’d probably be excited by visiting a vacation spot impressed by romantasy. For a lot of, this goes far past sightseeing. Over half (53 %) mentioned they had been open to collaborating in a role-play retreat primarily based on their favourite fantasy recreation, guide, or movie, with practically 1 / 4 (23 %) stating they’re positively excited by making this a part of their future journey plans.
Expertise is popping the web page of this new escapism, with practically eight in ten vacationers (78 %) open to AI-powered recommendations that match fantasy aesthetics, advocate secluded “storybook” stays, or pinpoint real-world filming places.
The Way forward for Trip Leases
Trip houses have lengthy been valued for his or her area and privateness, however 2026 will see a change out there, as they are going to be enhanced by robotics. Think about checking right into a trip dwelling the place a cleansing bot takes care of the mess, a robotic chef whips up dinner (and does the dishes), and sensible techniques optimize water, power, and waste within the background.
Vacationers are able to embrace this development, with 77 % open to reserving a robotic-enhanced dwelling. Almost half of these (49 %) mentioned cleansing bots would sway their reserving alternative, whereas 39 % had been most excited a few robotic chef, and 1 / 4 (25 %) need robots managing sustainability behind the scenes.
For a lot of, the novelty (28 %) or the bragging rights (19 %) of staying in a house that feels futuristic had been particularly interesting.
Relationships Play A Key Position
In 2026, relationships will grow to be a compatibility verify as many vacationers plan to make use of time away to check the power of their relationships: romantic, platonic, and even skilled. Greater than two-thirds (69 %) of worldwide vacationers mentioned they’d be open to taking a visit with a possible accomplice, colleague, or new buddy particularly to see how effectively they click on.
Almost two-thirds (62 %) would contemplate touring to a distant location to see how their companion handles ambiguity and discomfort. One other 59 % had been intrigued by role-reversal retreats, the place the same old planner palms over management or the introvert takes the lead, and an equal 59 % would embrace journey with extreme constraints, akin to funds limits, language limitations, or restricted connectivity. In the meantime, many (71 %) would take the backseat themselves to see if their journey accomplice steps as much as plan the journey.
These exams highlighted a shift in how folks strategy holidays. Gen Z vacationers confirmed that they had been essentially the most experimental of all, with 81 % open to customized itineraries designed to simulate real-life dynamics and check connections in methods that may both soar or stall.
Kitchen-Based mostly Souvenirs
In 2026, the hyperlink between the kitchen cabinet and journey souvenirs is about to develop. Greater than two-thirds of vacationers (68 %) mentioned they’d contemplate shopping for design-led kitchenware or pantry objects on trip, from hand-painted spice jars to tins of artisan olive oil that double as décor, with greater than half (55 %) saying they’d contemplate touring to a vacation spot particularly identified for its pantry merchandise or kitchenware.
Greater than 1 / 4 (26 %) mentioned edible souvenirs helped them relive a vacation spot every time they cook dinner, whereas 25 % valued how these things showcase native craft, sustainability, and conventional strategies. For others, exclusivity and elegance performed a task, with practically one in 5 (17 %) selecting locations for uncommon souvenirs, limited-edition cookware, or packaging.
Highway Journeys
The highway journey is shifting gears in 2026, as it’s turning into an area for connection and memorable experiences. 84 % of vacationers mentioned they’d be open to carpooling on trip, and greater than half (54 %) had been keen to make use of an app to seek out vacationers on the same route.
Vacationers had been drawn to highway journeys that make journey extra spontaneous and versatile (79 %), allow them to meet new folks (77 %), and permit them to share driving tasks (76 %).
77 % of Gen Z vacationers had been open to utilizing self-drive automobiles or AI to form their routes, in contrast with simply 36 % of Boomers. 65 % of worldwide vacationers mentioned they’d use AI or generative AI to map scenic routes tailor-made to their journey needs.
Astrology’s Impression on Journey
In 2026, the celebrities will form journey plans for a lot of vacationers. Virtually half (47 %) mentioned they’d contemplate altering or canceling their plans if a religious advisor or information instructed it was not the best time, whereas 43 % would rethink journeys primarily based on a horoscope warning, and 39 % would modify if Mercury was in retrograde.
Many vacationers will actively search experiences that align with mystical or astrological cues. Almost 4 in ten (39 %) mentioned they contemplate these influences when planning holidays, from timing journeys with moon phases or solstices to visiting energy-rich websites. Gen Z (53 %) and practically half of millennials (46 %) had been notably attuned to this sense of religious exploration.
Skincare Particular Journey, Pushed by Tech
Wellness journey is about to develop in 2026, as practically 80 % of vacationers mentioned they’d be open to reserving a devoted journey with a number of skin-specific remedies tailor-made to their private skincare wants. Easy spa escapes are evolving into high-tech experiences, as practically six in ten vacationers (59 %) mentioned they’d think about using AI to determine locations aligned with their private pores and skin wants.
The urge for food for personalization runs deeper than ever, with practically three-quarters (72 %) open to personalised hydration stations that adapt to native local weather and exercise, whereas 64 % had been excited by sensible mirrors analyzing pores and hydration to offer real-time skincare recommendation. Sleep optimization can also be central, with 75 % excited by enhancement suites designed with circadian lighting and soundscapes to enhance relaxation.
Connecting With Nature
Vacationers will look to swap the noise of every day life for the stillness of nature; 43 % mentioned they’d trip particularly to really feel nearer to the pure world (together with 81 % of Gen Z), and one in 4 (25 %) turning to “quieter” hobbies on trip.
From insect recognizing and birdwatching to fishing and foraging, vacationers are more and more excited by pastimes that assist them join with the outside. Over half (57 %) mentioned they’d contemplate moth/butterfly watching or insect recognizing, 73 % fishing or birdwatching, and 69 % staying at a lodge the place they’re concerned with foraging in native nature and wilderness hotspots for his or her meals.
Nostalgia Fueling Journey
In 2026, vacationers will step again into the previous and lean on nostalgia. Two-thirds of worldwide vacationers (66 %) mentioned they’d contemplate recreating a reminiscence or photograph by utilizing know-how to determine the precise location it was taken, after which touring there. Almost half of those vacationers (49 %) mentioned their most important motivation could be to revisit a reminiscence with household or shut mates, whereas 46 % had been drawn to locations that made them really feel younger, related, or at dwelling. Greater than a 3rd (36 %) even noticed these journeys as milestones.
Fashionable Milestone Missions
Vacationers in 2026 will journey for various causes and spotlight new milestones. Two-thirds (67 %) of vacationers mentioned they didn’t want a motive to guide a visit, whereas one in 5 (21 %) mentioned they’d go to a dream vacation spot with out ready for a “conventional” milestone to make it worthy.
Almost three-quarters (75 %) of vacationers justified reserving a trip just because they’ve labored exhausting and deserve it, whereas new causes to guide a visit had been rising to the forefront: toasting a brand new job or promotion (24 %), receiving a shock tax refund (16 %), marking the closure of a breakup (14 %), and exhibiting off a brand new outfit (9 %). Well being and well-being achievements are additionally rising as motivators, with one in 5 (22 %) touring to mark milestones like sobriety or health transformations.
James Waters, Chief Enterprise Officer at Reserving.com, mentioned, “In 2026, journey is turning into a mirrored image of who folks really are, with journeys constructed round pursuits that maybe prior to now felt too area of interest or daring to discover. Vacationers are stress-testing relationships, entering into fantasy worlds, turning their kitchens into reflections of their journeys, and taking a look at new methods to expertise highway journeys and trip leases with enhanced know-how options. At Reserving.com, we’re constantly evolving to make it simpler for everybody to expertise the world and absolutely lean into their dream journeys by providing extra alternative, flexibility, and comfort than ever earlier than.”
