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DW Travel | Our 2026 Travel Predictions – What Will Shape the Year Ahead?

As global travel continues to evolve, one thing is clear: travellers are becoming more intentional about how, why, and where they travel. Looking ahead to 2026, we have identified the key trends we believe will define the next phase of global exploration, shaped by lifestyle shifts, technology, and a growing desire for authenticity.

Here’s what we expect to see next:

1. Quietcations: When Silence Becomes the Luxury

After years of fast-paced, always-connected living, we predict that quietcations will move firmly into the mainstream in 2026. Travellers are increasingly seeking digital detoxes, low-stimulation environments, and destinations that offer calm rather than constant activity.

2. Sports Tourism: From Spectators to Participants

Sports tourism will continue to grow in 2026 — but with a notable evolution. While major sporting events remain strong travel drivers, we are seeing a clear rise in participation-led travel.

More travellers are planning trips around personal challenges and fitness goals, including international marathons and competitive fitness events such as HYROX. Travel is increasingly tied to wellbeing, achievement, and community, blurring the lines between leisure, sport, and lifestyle.

3. AI Over Admin: Convenience with Caution

We expect AI-powered travel planning to become the norm in 2026, particularly for research, itinerary building, and booking administration. For travellers, this removes friction and saves time, but it also introduces new challenges. These include the risk of inaccurate or outdated recommendations, potential bias favouring popular destinations over hidden gems, and the need to protect sensitive personal data from security breaches.

4. Off-Grid Over Tried-and-Tested

Nature and adventure emerged as the top choice in our recent client survey when travellers were asked what activities they most wanted on holiday. This insight strongly supports our 2026 prediction: travellers are actively moving away from overcrowded, overexposed destinations.

The so-called “anti-Instagram” traveller is seeking places that feel real, raw, and less curated. Regions such as Georgia’s mountain landscapes and Turkey’s Black Sea coast exemplify this shift by offering depth, authenticity, and space, rather than queues and filters. This move off-grid is not a short-term trend, but a growing mindset.

5. Road Trips: Freedom, Flexibility, and Value

With the hashtag #RoadTrip now exceeding 5.9 million tags globally, self-drive travel is firmly re-established. In 2026, road trips will appeal to travellers seeking flexibility, cost efficiency, and spontaneity.

6. Literary Travel & Set-Jetting: Stories That Inspire Movement

Fuelled in part by #BookTok and the continued influence of film and television, literary travel is set to grow further in 2026 - alongside its closely linked trend, set-jetting.

Destinations connected to powerful narratives are attracting renewed interest, from Greece (with major productions inspired by classical literature) to Cornwall, which is set to feature prominently in the upcoming Harry Potter. As with previous years, entertainment continues to transform curiosity into travel demand.

Looking Ahead

If our 2026 predictions point to one overarching theme, it is this: travel is becoming more thoughtful, more personal, and more values-driven. Travellers are prioritising wellbeing, meaning, and experience over volume and visibility. Check out our 2025 Travel Trend Predictions and did they come true?