2026 Travel Trends

Big Trips, Slow Days, and What Travelers Want Next

Travel is shifting again — and fast. As we head into 2026, the biggest change isn’t the destinations themselves, but the way people want to travel. Based on what our clients are booking, here are the five clearest trends shaping the year ahead.

Trend 1: Big Bucket-List Trips

Antarctica. Galapagos. African safaris. Japan in cherry blossom season. Multi-country Europe.

People are planning trips they’ve talked about for years and are finally making them real.

Trend 2: Slow Travel and Longer Trips

Clients want fewer rushed days and more time to enjoy a place.
14-night cruises, long Europe stays, and back-to-back river cruises are getting very common.

Trend 3: Custom Planning

Travelers want plans built to fit their style — not preset tours.
Think: half relaxation, half adventure, food tours plus spa days, safari plus Zanzibar.

Trend 4: Milestone Travel

Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, retirement trips.
Experiences over items. And people are planning these trips years out.

Trend 5: Vibe-Based Travel

The goal is how the place feels:
calm, inspired, fun, bright, warm, or rich in food and culture.
This covers everything from overwater stays to food tours to theme park escapes.

Crusty Review (Fan Favorite)

Ryan shares the story of a sentimental favorite in upstate New York — and gives it an eight out of eight.
Yes, the famous “fat bags” are included.