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These Are the Biggest Travel Trends for 2026, According to 14 Industry Leaders-and the Destinations Everyone's Talking About
Travel + Leisure••world
Key Points:
- In 2026, travelers prioritize meaningful, experience-driven trips over frequent travel, focusing on cultural events like the Winter Olympics and World Cup, as well as nature and personalized comfort.
- Kayak reports a 9% rise in early travel searches with falling airfare making international trips more accessible, especially to Eastern Europe, which is gaining popularity for its culture and affordability.
- Luxury travel shifts toward personalization and authentic connections, with affluent travelers valuing seamless service and meaningful moments over traditional status symbols, according to Capital One.
- Trends from platforms like Airbnb and Expedia highlight short, intense getaways, nature-focused escapes, and event-driven travel, with Gen Z leading interest in viral destinations and high-energy cultural experiences.
- Reports from Hilton
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