Travel is no longer just about changing locations; it is about changing perspectives. As 2026 approaches, the way people plan holidays is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. Travellers are moving away from rushed itineraries and checklist tourism, choosing instead journeys shaped by emotions, interests and personal meaning. New-age travel trends reflect a desire to connect more deeply with culture, creativity, nature and even oneself. From night-time adventures to pop culture pilgrimages, travel next year is set to be more intentional, immersive and expressive than ever before.
Pop Culting: When stories decide the destination
Pop culting is redefining why people travel. Instead of asking “where should I go?”, travellers are now asking “what do I love?” and building trips around it. Films, music, television shows, books and celebrity culture are becoming powerful travel motivators. Fans travel to filming locations, music landmarks and cultural hubs not just for sightseeing, but to experience nostalgia and emotional connection. Visiting K-pop districts in Seoul, Harry Potter filming spots in the UK, Bollywood locations in Switzerland or iconic football stadiums in Europe allows travellers to step into worlds they have admired for years. These trips blend fandom with exploration, turning holidays into deeply personal experiences.
Passioncation: Travel that reflects who you are
Passioncations focus on interests rather than destinations, making holidays feel purposeful and fulfilling. Food lovers design trips around culinary trails, wine enthusiasts explore vineyards, wellness seekers choose yoga retreats, while art and architecture lovers plan journeys through museums and historic cities. Instead of packed schedules, passioncations allow travellers to slow down, learn and engage deeply with what excites them. This trend also reflects a shift toward self-growth through travel, where holidays become opportunities to nurture creativity, skills and curiosity rather than just escape routine.
Noctourism: Discovering the world after sunset
Night-time travel experiences are becoming a major draw as travellers seek unique, less crowded and more atmospheric adventures. Noctourism highlights activities that come alive after dark, such as stargazing in deserts, northern lights viewing in Arctic regions, night safaris, moonlit beach walks and late-night food explorations. Many destinations are now curating experiences specifically for night-timetravellers, offering a different rhythm and sensory appeal. For those overwhelmed by daytime crowds, noctourism provides a calmer, almost magical way to explore places under the stars.
Calmcations: The rise of quiet, restorative travel
In a world dominated by notifications, noise and constant movement, calmcations offer a much-needed pause. These holidays prioritise mental wellness, digital detox and emotional restoration. Travellers choose serene destinations with minimal distractions, focusing on mindfulness, nature walks, slow mornings and restorative therapies. Whether it’s a mountain retreat, countryside stay or wellness resort, calmcations respond to burnout culture by redefining luxury as peace, silence and quality rest rather than indulgence.
Frolleagues and bucket list breaks: blending work, friendship and dreams
The boundaries between work and leisure continue to blur, giving rise to travel with frolleagues colleagues who double as friends. These trips balance meetings with exploration, turning work travel into shared experiences. At the same time, many travellers are prioritising bucket-list journeys, driven by a renewed appreciation for life after global disruptions. From Antarctica expeditions to African safaris and ancient heritage routes, people are investing in once-in-a-lifetime experiences that leave lasting memories.
Eco-scapes: Travelling with responsibility
Sustainability is no longer a niche concept but a core travel value. Eco-scapes represent journeys that respect nature, local communities and cultural heritage. Travellers are choosing eco-friendly accommodations, low-impact activities and destinations committed to conservation. This trend reflects a growing awareness that travel should give back rather than take away, allowing people to explore the world while protecting it for future generations.
What this means for travellers in 2026
Travel in 2026 is about intention over impulse. Whether it’s chasing childhood fandoms, exploring passions, finding peace, embracing night adventures or travelling responsibly, the focus is on experiences that resonate emotionally. The future of travel invites people to journey not just across maps, but into stories, interests and moments that truly matter.