31 Oct 7X TRAVEL PREDICTIONS FOR 2026
Pack your bags, because in 2026 it’s all about you. Yep — according to Booking.com’s latest travel predictions, next year’s adventures are getting seriously personal. Based on insights from over 29,000 travelers across 33 countries, the platform’s 10th annual forecast reveals a big shift: travel in 2026 isn’t just about seeing the world — it’s about showing who you are in it.
Travel Trends for 2026
Forget cookie-cutter trips and one-size-fits-all itineraries. In the year ahead, we’re chasing experiences that match our own vibe — our pace, our passions, and our purpose. From AI-powered planning to nostalgic throwbacks and fantasy-fueled escapes, technology and self-expression are teaming up to make every journey feel like it was designed just for you. Now, let’s see what the travel predictions for 2026 are.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Nostalgia is making a comeback — but with a high-tech twist. In 2026, we’re not just reminiscing about the good old days; we’re literally revisiting them. Think: recreating that epic family photo from 1999, or tracking down the exact campsite in France where you spent your childhood summers.
A whopping 39% of Dutch travelers say they’d use tech to find the original spot of an old travel memory and go back there. Why? For many, it’s about reconnecting — with family, with friends, or simply with who they used to be. The past isn’t just behind us anymore… it’s waiting for a revisit.
Travel as a Relationship Test
Forget dating apps — in 2026, the ultimate compatibility test happens on the road. Almost half of Dutch travelers (49%) say they’d travel with a potential partner, new friend, or even a coworker to see how well they click. And we’re not talking easy trips. Some people want to test love (or patience!) by going somewhere remote with no Wi-Fi, a tiny budget, or just pure unpredictability. Whether it’s teamwork, adaptability, or who handles getting lost better — holidays in 2026 are as revealing as they are relaxing.
The Call of Quiet Nature
After years of noise, screens, and scrolls, more people are craving silence — and nature is the perfect escape. 42% of Dutch travelers plan to go off-grid to reconnect with the outdoors, with Gen Z leading the charge.
Expect slow hobbies like butterfly spotting, fishing, birdwatching, or even foraging for your own food. It’s all about slowing down, breathing deep, and letting the forest do the talking. Think of forest bathing for example, something we experienced in Finland.
Road Trips 2.0
The classic road trip is getting an upgrade. Think social, spontaneous, and maybe even AI-matched. In 2026, 71% of Dutch travelers say they’d consider carpooling during holidays, and some would use travel apps to find travel buddies with the same route.
Road trips are becoming less about the destination and more about connection — sharing stories, roadtrip songs and maybe even the driving. It’s flexible, fun, and full of unexpected friendships.
Smart Stays
The hotels and vacation rentals of 2026 are practically alive — with robots that clean up, cook dinner, or manage your energy use behind the scenes. Nearly half of Dutch travelers (49%) say they’d happily book a tech-assisted stay. Imagine a robot chef whipping up your favorite dish or an AI butler that keeps your place spotless. Sounds futuristic? Maybe. But in 2026, comfort and convenience are officially going high-tech.
Escaping into Enchanted Worlds
If you’ve been obsessed with romantasy books and fairy-tale worlds — you’re not alone. Next year, travelers will be stepping straight into fantasy. Think castle stays, masked balls, and immersive retreats where dragons, knights, and magic come to life.
Nearly half (45%) of Dutch travelers love the idea of a destination inspired by fantasy, and 21% would even join a role-playing retreat based on their favorite game or movie. With AI helping you find fairy-tale hotels and real filming locations, fantasy travel is becoming very, very real.
Booking.com ©GettyImages
Glow-cations
Move over, spa weekends — 2026 is all about the glow-cation. These aren’t your average wellness getaways: we’re talking AI-powered skincare destinations, hydration stations that adapt to the local climate, and smart mirrors giving real-time skin advice. More than half of Dutch travelers (55%) are open to a glow-up holiday designed around beauty and wellness. The goal? Come back from your trip not just recharged, but radiant.
Booking.com ©GettyImages
Souvenirs with Flavor
Bye-bye, fridge magnets (although we must admit we still buy these). Hello, edible memories! In 2026, our kitchens will become mini museums of global culture. Think hand-painted spice jars, artisanal olive oils, or beautiful local cookware that doubles as a keepsake. Nearly half of Dutch travelers (43%) say they hunt for foodie treasures on their trips — and 44% would even pick a destination based on its culinary design scene. The best part? Every time you cook, you get a taste of your travels all over again.
To summarize; every trip becomes a toast to your own story — because in 2026, you are the main character. For all ten of the travel predictions, visit their annual report here.
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