Skyscanner has launched its Travel Trends 2026 report, outlining the seven trends shaping the future of travel.
The research reveals that travellers are curating trips that feel more in tune with who they are and what they love.
With the cost of living still top of mind, trips in 2026 are being built with purpose. They’re shaped around passions, priorities and a personal sense of ‘worth it’.
Glowmads
33% of global travellers want to experience local beauty culture and 20% say that they’re influenced by TikTok and social media.
From inflight skincare routines to visits to iconic local beauty retailers to buy cult products, beauty becomes part of the itinerary.
Shelf Discovery
Culinary tourism is swapping restaurant reservations for supermarket safaris. 35% of global travellers plan to check out or shop at local grocery at their next holiday.
Altitude Shift
From snow to stillness, travellers are chasing year-round alpine escapes.
Over three quarters (76%) of global travellers are considering or planning a mountain escape for summer or autumn 2026.
Bookbound
Writing new chapters on how to escape, reconnect and restore.
Over half (57%) of travellers have booked or would consider a trip inspired by literature.
Catching Flights and Feelings
Meeting matches, mates and maybes on the move.
An impressive 55% of travellers have gone or considered going, overseas specifically to meet new people e.g. for friendship or dating.
Family Miles
Multi-gen trips and family memory making are on the rise.
31% of travellers across the world plan to travel with their family, including multi-generational journeys. With budget a factor and many 20-somethings living at home, families – especially younger generations – are getting creative about how and where they travel.
Destination Check-in
Hotels are the main event, shaping where and why we travel.
29% will stay in accommodation that’s part of the travel experience or destination itself. From impressive architecture to transportive design to the overall vibe, travellers are prioritising unique stays.
“Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report shows how travel is about to get more personal than ever,” said Bryan Batista, CEO Skyscanner.
“Whether it’s building a trip around a must-stay ‘destination hotel’, getting lost in a new favourite book on a reading retreat, incorporating a beauty routine into their travel itinerary or bringing the whole family along for the journey, travel will become more curated, grounded and unique.”
The report combines Skyscanner’s own data with global consumer research and insights from renowned brands including Reddit, Malin and Goetz, All Trails and Penguin Books.
https://www.skyscanner.com.au/travel-trends
