The Top 10 Travel Trends Of 2026

The world is your oyster when it comes to booking your dream holiday in 2026.

Whether you’re craving sun-drenched beaches, cultural immersion, exhilarating adventures or something completely out of the ordinary, now is the perfect time to make your holiday dreams a reality. If you’re struggling for inspiration, worry not. The experts at Destination2 are here to help. We’ve done the hard work for you and put together a handy guide to the top 10 travel trends of 2026. From eco-friendly escapes and hotel-hopping itineraries to enchanting romantasy retreats and cowboy core capers, there’s a trend to suit every type of traveller. And whether you’re dreaming of ultra-opulent luxury or seeking budget-friendly bliss, Destination2 is here to help you uncover your perfect once-in-a-lifetime getaway.

1. Fan Voyages

2026 is a massive year for sports, and many fans will want to enrich their experience by stepping away from the TV screen and combining the energy of the arena with the excitement of a luxury holiday. If motor racing’s your thing, the chance to catch all the electrifying twists and turns of a Formula 1 Grand Prix in a destination such as Qatar, Miami, Barcelona or Abu Dhabi, is not to be missed. Alternatively, those who get their kicks from watching edge-of-your-seat Muay Thai boxing action will definitely want to book a trip to Thailand. With venues such as the Rajadamnern Stadium, in Bangkok, KHT Boxing Stadium, in Phuket, and Krabi International Boxing Stadium among those hosting regular events, you have a pretty good chance of being able to catch a fight wherever you visit.

2. Cowboy Core

Cowboy core is taking the world by storm and 2026 will see the demand for holidays providing that wholesome, rustic experience skyrocket. Select a rural retreat with horse riding excursions in some of the most beautiful spots on earth. You may think you’re limited to escapes in America’s Midwest, but there’s plenty of other incredible options waiting to wow you too. For a USA adventure that blends outdoor fun with dazzling city sites, book a getaway to Las Vegas for casinos, live shows, lights and luxury, as well as a horse riding tour through the vast Red Rock Canyon. Other destinations to keep in mind for your cowboy-inspired itineraries include Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, the Caribbean, Spain, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa as you can explore mountain trails, desert dunes, sandy beaches and idyllic country lanes.

3. Set-Jetting

Travel inspired by film and TV, also known as set-jetting, is set to be a top trend in 2026. Base your getaway by what’s captured your attention on the big or small screen and jet off to far-flung paradises for an unbelievable experience. Let New York City beguile you with its dazzling lights, glitz and glamour on a one-of-a-kind girls holiday the same way the iconic Sex and the City TV show has. If you’re a fan of the Leonardo DiCaprio blockbuster The Beach, you can soak up the sun on a holiday to Phi Phi, in Thailand. The same destination may be on your agenda because of The White Lotus season three, as Koh Samui was the picturesque backdrop for this small-screen hit. Step back in time when you visit Malta and walk the streets from fan-favourites like Game of Thrones, Troy and Gladiator I and II.

4. Solo Adventures

Life is too short to wait around for the trips to eventually make it out of the group chat. In 2026, more travellers will be seizing the day and embarking on the solo holiday of a lifetime. Head off on a relaxing weekend break to a thrilling capital city or venture further afield for the ultimate paradise escape to tropical destinations like Bali and the Maldives. For female solo travellers, there’s plenty of exciting holiday hotspots, including Japan, Thailand and Dubai, that will wow you while ensuring you feel safe and comfortable. There has also been a steady rise in solo cruise holidays as it’s the perfect way to experience unrivalled luxury, delectable dining, showstopping entertainment and multiple magical ports of call all at a superb price.

5. Football Fever

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in North America, football fever is projected to grip travellers hoping to watch their home nation bring the trophy home. The tournament is spread across the US, Mexico and Canada, and Destination2 customers can take in the spectacle while visiting LA, Miami, New York and San Francisco. Hardcore sports fans may find a multicentre holiday the best option, especially if you’re lucky enough to get tickets to multiple matches, or if you just want to follow the hype and experience the excitement gripping each host city. For those seeking football fun and a luxury getaway in one go, we’d recommended a cruise and stay holiday in North America and Canada. We also have cruises to the sun-soaked Caribbean for the ultimate escape.

6. Train Combos

Rail travel is going full steam ahead into 2026 and with Destination2, you can blend your long-haul escapes with the convenience, adventure and luxury of travelling via train. Combine numerous itineraries together to ensure you experience everything on offer on your unforgettable getaway. Destination2Cruise offers bespoke cruise and rail packages for holidaymakers seeking the laidback bliss of a cruise voyage and then a land holiday that never seems to end. Culture, beauty and wonder await on our Best of Japan cruise that includes a once-in-a-lifetime bullet train journey from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. Alternatively, if you want a taste of the North American wilderness, our Alaska cruise and Rocky Mountaineer package includes a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer Train.

7. Shoulder Season Travel

Be thrifty in 2026 with a holiday that ticks all your boxes but doesn’t break the bank by opting to travel outside of peak times in the shoulder seasons. Often falling in spring and autumn, holidaymakers can still expect lovely warm weather that isn’t too hot like it can be during the summer. There may be slight breezes, especially if you’re staying in a beachfront hotel, but you’re guaranteed endless hours of sunshine. Opt for holidays to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Dubai or Abu Dhabi and get active with some water sports, explore historical old towns, discover incredible architecture and dine in style on a multitude of cuisines.

8. Romantasy Retreats

Step into your favourite fictional world during a 2026 romantasy retreat. With the surge in writers blending the fantasy and romance genres, there’s an uplift in travel to the destinations that have inspired the trending novels, TV shows and films. Pack your bags and embark on a holiday to mystical destinations like Greece, Turkey, Malta, Morocco and Cyprus, where historical architecture, enchanting forests, cascading waterfalls and ancient ruins will transport you to another world. Let the sights and sounds take you on a sensory journey unlike any other, with bustling markets located on cobblestone streets selling traditional wares that make perfect souvenirs. Combine these magical getaways with luxury stays in a divine, oceanfront hotel to truly feel like royalty.

9. Hotel Hopping

Why see just one amazing place when you can combine your dream destinations into one incredible multicentre holiday and experience your travel bucket list all at once. Changing accommodations throughout your stay, also known as hotel hopping, is a major 2026 travel trend, and it’s clear to see why. Not only will you take in an array of cultures, histories, excitement and adventure, but you’ll also be saving money as you go. By hopping from destination to destination, you won’t have to spend as much on long-haul flights. We’d recommend this type of holiday if you’re visiting somewhere like the Far East. Explore the dazzling cities, traverse through rural rainforests and soak up the sun on the blissful beaches of Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

10. Sustainable Travel

Many travellers looking to go abroad in 2026 are searching for sustainable holidays. Visiting destinations outside of their peak season and considering the impact of overtourism on the environment and local communities are at the top of a lot of agendas. As a result, we’re seeing bookings to alternative destinations, like Ras Al Khaimah instead of Dubai as it’s known for its natural beauty, wildlife and amazing attractions, while still offering luxury, warm weather and a desert climate. Destination2 also provides holidays to incredible eco-friendly hotels that work to lower their carbon footprints, give back to communities and reduce their use of local resources. Mauritius is a great destination if this ticks your travel boxes, with the Attitude hotels leading the way.