Skyscanner Unveils 2026 Travel Trends Highlighting Personalized Experiences

What's Happening?

Skyscanner has released its Travel Trends 2026 report, identifying seven key trends that are shaping the future of travel. The report combines Skyscanner's data with insights from global consumer research and contributions from renowned brands. Among the trends are beauty-focused travel, culinary tourism through local supermarkets, year-round mountain escapes, literature-inspired trips, solo travel for social connections, multi-generational family trips, and hotels as primary destinations. The report highlights a growing interest in integrating beauty rituals into travel experiences, with destinations like Seoul leading the way. Culinary tourism is evolving, with travelers opting for local supermarkets over traditional restaurant reservations. The allure of mountain escapes is growing, with a significant increase in hotel bookings with mountain views. Literature-inspired travel is gaining traction, and solo travel is on the rise, driven by a desire to meet new people and form connections.

Why It's Important?

The trends identified in Skyscanner's report reflect a shift towards personalized, purpose-driven travel experiences. This evolution in travel preferences indicates a transformative period in the industry, where travelers are seeking unique, meaningful, and budget-conscious journeys. The emphasis on beauty, culinary, and literature-inspired travel suggests a growing desire for cultural immersion and personal enrichment. The rise in solo and multi-generational travel highlights changing social dynamics and the importance of shared experiences. As travel becomes more curated and intelligent, artificial intelligence is expected to play a significant role in enhancing travel planning and support, while social media continues to influence travel inspiration and research.

What's Next?

Looking ahead, travel is expected to become more curated and intelligent, with 84% of travelers planning to travel as much or more in 2026 compared to 2025. Artificial intelligence is anticipated to enhance travel planning and support, while social media and search platforms continue to influence travel inspiration and research. The industry may see further integration of technology to provide personalized travel experiences, catering to the evolving preferences of travelers.

Beyond the Headlines

The shift towards personalized travel experiences may have deeper implications for the travel industry, including ethical considerations around cultural appropriation and the environmental impact of increased travel. As travelers seek more meaningful experiences, there may be a growing demand for sustainable travel options and responsible tourism practices. The integration of artificial intelligence in travel planning could also raise concerns about data privacy and the influence of algorithms on consumer choices.