All The Travel Trends To Indulge In 2026
It’s time to start mapping out your 2026 travels. The year ahead promises a shift in how we approach our journeys, with a focus on deeper immersion and indulging in personal interests. Here we unpack the trends that are set to define our future vacations and the best places to go and experience them.
Community Experiences
Culturally, immersive travel is going to be one of the most influential trends going forward because people are no longer content with just ticking off landmarks or viewpoints that they’ve seen a hundred times online. People are looking for travel experiences that feel genuinely meaningful, something that will stay with them forever because they’ve really connected with the place and its people. Travellers are seeking a deeper sense of place because they’re not just observing a culture from the outside. They want to be welcomed into it, even if only for a short time. And in a world where travel can sometimes feel rushed or surface-level, this sense of connection and grounding is exactly what everyone is craving.
Hotels That Feel Like A Home
In 2026, travellers are hoping to find a sense of ‘being in residence’ rather than just passing through as temporary guests. Hotel design is aligning, too, with lobbies that feel like living rooms, hotel libraries, staff on hand to share local knowledge, and ever-increasing in-room amenities, such as a cocktail-making station. For those who like to feel like a local rather than a tourist when they travel, this trend facilitates a more authentic experience. Ett Hem in Stockholm epitomises the concept: set across three beautifully restored townhouses connected by a lush garden, guests are encouraged to treat the hotel as their own.
Book Ett Hem here
Astro-tourism
Dark Sky Utah
Forget views of great landscapes or mountains, the latest travel trend is a view of the night sky. As we build up to the total solar eclipse on August 12 2026, the increased interest might also be fuelled by recent aurora and lunar eclipse sightings in Ireland and the UK. Some of the best places to experience dark skies around the world are Chile’s Atacama Desert, New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve and Arizona, but Utah is home to the largest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks, with 26 in total. It might seem like just another trend, but astro-tourism allows people to connect with nature at a time when the world feels more online than ever.
Trains Reimagined
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
The saying “it’s not about the destination, but the journey” comes to mind when you think of a long and languid train ride. Views whirr past, the gentle hum of wheels on tracks lulls you to sleep, and, if you’re lucky, the snack cart is worth visiting. Indulging in the luxury of a long journey, rail trips are a big trend for 2026. This isn’t entirely novel, but there are some newcomers set to offer incredible trips. La Dolce Vita Orient Express, promoted as Italy’s first luxury train, will offer eight Italian round-trip itineraries setting out from Rome. New from Belmond, The Britannic Explorer is a luxury sleeper train that will depart from London and offer three-night journeys with three routes through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. Fine dining and an on-board wellness suite add to the magic and feel miles apart from your typical train ride. As we all try to make efforts towards more planet-conscious travel, this is a mindful option that offers something unique and memorable.
Book the La Dolce Vita Orient Express here
Book the Britannic Explorer here
All-Inclusive, But Refined
Winjammer Landing
The new era of all-inclusive travel redefines the concept from fluorescent wristbands and saccharine cocktails to a far more luxurious experience. Today’s all-inclusives go beyond the crowded buffets and beachside aerobics, with places such as Ikos Porto Petro in Mallorca delivering an elevated take, with private villas, childcare and hyper-curated experiences. The all-inclusive packages at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in St. Lucia even include fine dining, private pools and activities to enjoy, both at the resort and beyond.
Book Ikos Porto Petro here
Book your stay at Winjammer Landing here
