The 2026 Travel Development Information: What’s Sizzling within the World of Travel

What will journey appear like in 2026? For the 12 months forward, the overarching temper will likely be much less about ticking locations off a singular bucket checklist and extra about selecting stays that really feel intentional, immersive, and, after all, aesthetically led. Whether that be checking right into a salvaged constructing that is been reborn as a soulful resort, reserving a pastoral farmstay, or luxuriating at sea on one of many more and more interesting yachts, the themes driving how, the place, and why we’re touring this 12 months are rooted in a need to really feel extra deeply linked to wherever we’re unpacking our suitcases. In different phrases, savvy vacationers are not chasing the right Instagram photograph however an enduring expertise.

As a style editor who’s change into an skilled in journey, I examine the insider life-style prefer it’s my job (and fairly often, it’s) and have carried out a deep dive into the place cool individuals are vacationing now and the place journey consultants are indicating will quickly take priority. According to my very own analysis and the 2026 reporting from platforms likes Fora and Virtuoso, there are six main traits driving journey this 12 months. Ahead, the defining journey traits shaping the place we’ll be packing our luggage for this 12 months—and why.

Set-Jetting

Binge-watching a TV show is one thing, but immersing yourself in the location that first inspired the stories on your screen is quite another. This year, film- and TV-related travel is set to soar to new heights as the destinations featured in the most popular titles look to embrace the audiences who want an IRL immersion into their favorite scripts of the year.

Thailand is at the center of that momentum, offering the cinematic landscapes featured in The White Lotus season 3, Disney+’s Alien: Earth, and even Star Wars: Episode III, filmed across Bangkok, Krabi, and Phang Nga Bay. Meanwhile, in its 2026 Luxe Report, Virtuoso notes that Ok-dramas and the brand new KPop Demon Hunters are calling followers to South Korea, and within the UK, Cornwall’s rugged coast and fishing villages—filming areas for House of the Dragon and Poldark—are pulling guests into the narrative. “TikTok, Instagram Reels, and word of mouth all spark curiosity, but film and TV are among the strongest catalysts for adventure,” its advisors share.

Past Lives

Hotels with history—that’s the intention behind most sought-after keys in 2026. Think thoughtfully repurposed spaces that transform landmark buildings into design-forward hotels with history seeping from every corner. From the serene cloistered charm of Hôtel du Couvent in the South of France, where centuries-old convent corridors now guide guests to sun-soaked terraces, to the industrial-meets-minimalist aesthetic at Nine Orchard, a former print shop reborn as one of downtown Manhattan’s most covetable hangouts, salvaged stays are redefining what it means to travel intentionally. Meanwhile, a former courthouse houses the newly opened Rosewood Amsterdam, and Hotel Sevilla in Mérida is built on ruins in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Less new but no less beloved is Hotel Peter and Paul, set within a converted schoolhouse and church complex in the heart of New Orleans.

At Sea

In 2026, yachts are evolving from area of interest indulgence for the 1% to a extra broadly adopted journey pattern, with luxury-minded vacationers stepping on board seeking a extra bespoke expertise and cruises likewise getting an opulent improve. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection leads the best way, bringing the model’s namesake to a fleet of boats that really feel extra like floating non-public golf equipment than conventional cruises. Egypt is rising as a sought-after vacation spot this 12 months, too, attracting curiosity for non-public Nile cruises like the sort which have flooded our feeds this 12 months.

Beyond the Ritz-Carlton, cruise firms are assembly the demand and increasing their luxurious choices. “The new ships on the adults-only Virgin Voyages have single studios with the same sleek design as the hip travel brand’s other offerings,” Fora reviews. “Riviera Travel has a number of solo-only river cruises, and just announced the first-ever river cruise ship for solo travelers only, with European voyages starting in 2027.”

Fan Voyage

There’s never been a better time to be a sports fan than in 2026. The year at large is set to be defined by sports viewing with both the 2026 Winter Olympics arriving in Northern Italy in February and the FIFA World Cup descending on Canada, the U.S., and Mexico this summer. Beyond that, Formula One continues to earn a fashion industry buy-in with leaders like LVMH becoming title sponsors, as well as an increase in brands aligning themselves with tennis events like the French and US Open.

All in all, sports fandom is becoming one of the fastest-growing drivers of travel both far and near, and as Expedia reported in its 2026 pattern report, mentions of “local sports experience” have doubled 12 months over 12 months, and 57% of vacationers say they’re more likely to watch an area sporting occasion when touring—much more so if you happen to’re a Gen Zer or millennial, who’re set to account for 68%. “These insights signal a clear shift,” the report continues. “Travelers are seeking sports experiences that offer a front-row seat to the heart of a community.”

Farm Charm

The Farm Charm pattern is pulling vacationers towards seasonal, nature-rooted experiences. Those trying to actually unplug and faucet into old-school wellness (fairly actually touching grass) are in search of these luxe rural retreats which are each rugged and refined. Properties like Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection marry the 2, the place sprawling fields set the tone for restorative stays only a quick drive north of NYC. In Portugal, São Lourenço do Barrocal blends conventional Alentejo farm life with modern comforts throughout olive orchards and rolling plains. Meanwhile, the long-lasting and celebrity-beloved Reschio together with all of the farmstays throughout Italy that we reported on in our inaugural Travel Issue last year continue to lead the way for slow travel.

More Is More

(Image credit: The Six Bells; The Broadwick SoHo; Le Grand Mazarin)

Maximalism is the buzzword in the hotel scene, marking a new era in what luxury means for design and hospitality. This year will see a new wave of hotels where more truly is more, at least when it comes to the mood and setting. At The Six Bells in Rosendale, New York, vibrant patterns and eclectic antiques create an immersive stay that feels like stepping into a chic collector’s cabinet of curiosities. Le Grand Mazarin dazzles in Paris with richly layered décor, jewel-toned textiles, and curated art that speak to a confident reinvention of classic opulence. In London, The Broadwick Soho blends fearless color and sumptuous textures with modern sophistication, while The Fifth Avenue Hotel channels vintage glamour through ornate details and theatrical flair in New York’s NoMad district. Together, these destinations champion a travel aesthetic that’s joyful, unapologetically expressive, and endlessly photogenic.