2026 travel predictions revealed

Travel is constantly evolving, and 2026 will be no exception. Airbnb forecasts that travelers will seek to make the most of their time away, rooted in authentic and immersive experiences: 

• Gen Z is leading the shift toward short, international escapes. 
• Outdoor lovers are heading to national parks for restorative adventures.
• Travelers are transforming major global events into once-in-a-lifetime “mainstage” journeys.
• Culinary journeys are more interactive than ever, with hands-on classes and wine regions drawing in curious explorers.
• Influencers predict places with awe-inspiring scenery, lively local culture, and exhilarating outdoor adventures will be the most exciting destinations to visit in 2026.
• Solo adventurers are prioritizing self-discovery in rising destinations.

Gen Z embraces max adventure with minimum commitment

Gen Z is redefining “quick trips,” with 1-2 day international getaways growing faster than extended vacations.¹ Fueled by viral TikTok day-trip trends, young travelers are now crossing continents for high-energy, culture-rich escapes. This group maximizes PTO by choosing vibrant cities filled with music, dance, historic sites, and authentic cuisine—swapping relaxing beach towns for lively urban experiences. Trending cities include:²

• Buenos Aires, Argentina: Buenos Aires captivates with creative neighborhoods, late-night tango clubs, and a dynamic café culture. Travelers experience colorful murals, bustling markets, and the city’s underground reggaeton scene.
• Busan, South Korea: Busan blends coastal hikes and neon-lit street food alleys for a dynamic city vibe. Visitors can explore night markets, view cutting-edge art, and participate in Korean cooking classes.
• João Pessoa, Brazil: João Pessoa is defined by open-air beach parties, sunrise gatherings, and street music. Adventurers discover colonial architecture, sample fresh local cuisine, and take a short road trip to dive into natural pools to connect with the region’s natural beauty.
• Ko Samui, Thailand: Ko Samui combines crystal-clear beaches, bustling night markets, and temple festivals for a rich cultural escape. Travelers are invited to connect with the community by joining local cooking classes.
• Maceió, Brazil: Maceió offers vibrant street music, energetic beachfront parties, and regional cuisine for those seeking lively social scenes. Visitors can uncover hidden beaches, join local dance nights, and explore the city on an electric bike. 
• Marrakesh, Morocco: Marrakesh dazzles with winding souks, festive celebrations, and rooftop lounges overlooking a historic skyline. Guests can wander ancient palaces and gain hands-on culinary experience by cooking traditional dishes with a local family.
• Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico City pulses with vibrant street art, live mariachi, and bustling food markets. Guests can savor midnight tacos, explore secret gardens, and tour homes of a renowned architect to fully immerse themselves in the city’s creative energy.
• Nakano, Japan: Nakano stands as a playground for pop culture, offering anime arcades, quirky shops, and retro museums. Visitors can enjoy ramen in hidden spots, and try nearby traditional Japanese painting workshops.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico: San Juan’s cobblestone streets are alive with music, art-filled murals, and legendary nightlife. Travelers can dance salsa until dawn, feast on street food, and delve into the city’s rich Afro-Caribbean heritage.
• Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm balances chic design, indie music, and cozy cafés with the medieval charm of its old town. Sightseers can take waterfront walks, discover historic streets, and sample the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Travelers are ready to touch grass and head to national parks

While embracing nature was a top trend in 2025, in 2026, there’s a remarkable surge in searches and interest for national parks across the globe, with US parks especially in the spotlight as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary and landmark centennials for iconic parks like the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Grand Teton.³ Trending locations include:⁴

Here’s how travelers’ preferences are shifting toward restorative wilderness trips:

• Searches for stays “near a national park” are up 35 percent in the U.S. in 2026.⁵
• The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the top trending destinations globally in 2026, and searches are trending over 135 percent with solo travelers.⁶
• Nature and outdoors experiences are the top booked experience category.⁷
• The social movement to “touch grass” has over 85K posts with #touchgrass hashtag on TikTok.⁸

Fans will take mainstage tourism abroad

65 percent of the top-searched dates and cities for next year coincide with major cultural, sporting, and music events—such as the Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Carnival, and Coachella. Travelers are prioritizing these experiences, turning tickets into passports and seeking their own “mainstage” moments through unique adventures and global journeys.

Travelers are swapping plus-ones for passports

Solo travel is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by online conversations that encourage self-discovery over relationship status. Solo adventurers are uncovering the next wave of up-and-coming hotspots, with places like Idyllwild, CA, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic, and Tromsø, Norway, seeing upwards of triple-digit growth.¹⁵ These travelers are drawn to scenic escapes—mountains, coastlines, and islands offering a slower pace and soulful reflection. As “me time” replaces “plus one,” solo explorers are curating some of the year’s most intriguing getaways including:¹⁶

• Algarve, Portugal: The Algarve delights with dramatic coastal cliffs, hidden coves, and a relaxed pace. Travelers join surf lessons, hike along scenic coastlines, and explore sea caves for a restorative solo journey.
• Costa del Sol, Spain: Costa del Sol enchants with golden beaches, sunlit promenades, and a vibrant wellness culture. Solo visitors can start their day with seaside yoga before seeking adventure on a canyon hike.
• Florida Keys, Florida: The Florida Keys beckon with turquoise waters, breezy palm-lined streets, and a laid-back island rhythm. Travelers can kayak through mangroves, relax on the beach, and savor fresh seafood while soaking in the Keys’ signature sunsets.
• Idyllwild, California: Idyllwild offers peaceful pine forests, cozy cabins, and a creative arts scene perfect for solo rejuvenation. Travelers can hike scenic mountain trails, then ground themselves with contrast therapy, including yoga, sauna sessions, and a cold plunge.
• Inverness, Scotland: Inverness welcomes solo explorers with riverside walks, Highland scenery, and warm Scottish hospitality. Visitors can admire the beauty of Loch Ness and discover historic castles nestled in the dramatic countryside.
• Isère, France: Isère captivates with alpine scenery, charming villages, and a tradition of mountain wellness. Guests hike through wildflower meadows and immerse themselves in the art history of the Enlightenment in the heart of the French Alps.
• La Altagracia, Dominican Republic: La Altagracia offers pristine beaches and vibrant local culture. Guests practice sunrise yoga by the ocean, indulge in restorative spa treatments, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the coast. 
• North Carolina Mountains, USA: The North Carolina Mountains invite travelers with misty peaks and serene trails. Guests can unwind with forest bathing, discover artisan communities, and experience wellness through animal therapy sessions with highland cows.
• Tromsø, Norway: Tromsø invites exploration with arctic tranquility, snowy landscapes, and aurora-lit nights. Guests embark on fjord hikes, relax in Nordic spas, and savor quiet evenings watching the Northern Lights for a deeply peaceful retreat.

Culinary travel will get hands-on

Culinary travel is heating up in 2026, with bakery classes and wine regions stealing the spotlight. Food and drink experiences are among some of the most-booked—including a croissant baking class in Paris—while viral TikTok food videos inspire travelers to seek out vibrant bakery scenes and hands-on classes worldwide, like making mochi in Tokyo or baking a chocolate cake in Lisbon.¹⁷ At the same time, wine tourism is on the rise, as travelers flock to up-and-coming and hidden gem wine regions showing big spikes in bookings and wishlist inclusions for 2026.¹⁸ Trending wine and bakery destinations include:¹⁹

The destinations influencers are most excited to discover in 2026

Influencers like Avery Cyrus, Fabian Flores, Kalita Hon, and Charisma Stevens are true trendsetters, inspiring audiences to discover the world through personal travel stories. For their 2026 travel wishlists, a clear trend emerges: destinations renowned for breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant local culture, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Here are their top picks for must-visit destinations in 2026, and the best ways to discover them on Airbnb:

• Charisma Stevens: “In 2026, I’m most excited to visit Hội An, Vietnam. Known as a city full of colorful lanterns, Hoi An seems to be a picturesque small town with famous cultural dishes, traditional architecture, and an opportunity to support local tailors (I love shopping!). This destination is also located on the crossroads of a coastal escape and a rich countryside.”
• Fabian Flores: “For winter, it would be Iceland. I live in California so experiencing a snowy landscape, frozen waterfalls, and hopefully seeing the Northern Lights would be a dream trip. I also love a cozy winter, where we can experience the luxury of a staycation.”
• Kalita Hon: “I’d love to visit Brazil because I’ve never been to South America and experiencing a completely new and distant culture, so different from my upbringing in Asia, feels like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I have always dreamed of exploring the Amazonian rainforest and immersing myself in the vibrant food, music, and energy of the country. Additionally, I really want to visit Colombia because it’s also a place that I’ve never gotten to experience, and I think exploring its colorful streets, vibrant nature, and famous thrift scene would be amazing while giving me the chance to create a lot of really cool fashion content.”
• Avery Cyrus: “In 2026, my dream destination is definitely Tanzania. I’m really drawn to places that are rich in culture and full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There is no shortage of that in Tanzania—from the safaris and amazing food to the unreal coastline. I feel like it would be the kind of trip where every day feels just as exciting as the last. It would be the perfect place to experience through Airbnb stays and local experiences so that I can really see the country through the eyes of the people that live there.”