2026 Travel Trends on the Horizon

With millions of travelers shaping booking patterns worldwide, 2025 revealed clear signals about how demand is evolving and help further reveal 2026 travel trends on the horizon. If there’s one overarching takeaway, it’s that demand didn’t just hold steady – it matured, diversified and became more intentional.

When digging deep into data from the Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) and pairing it with fresh insights from our Unpack ’26 report – the explosive rise of pop-culture-inspired travel to the unique ways travelers are choosing their stays, are part of a compelling story about what’s driving decisions today and into 2026.

The top destinations: big cities, bigger moments

Expedia TAAP search data uncovered last year’s top destinations for travelers. Paris was the number one getaway spot in 2025, with 2.8 million lodging searches – 3.8 million when you include the wider Paris vicinity. And it didn’t stand alone. New York, London, Tokyo and Rome each saw more than two million searches. 

As for most-searched destinations, Orlando moved to the third spot, with searches surging 55% year over year compared to October 2024, fueled by marquee cultural events and major sporting attractions. Named ‘top sports city in the US’ and home to world-class amusement parks, it’s the perfect example of how travelers are increasingly choosing destinations shaped by significant cultural, entertainment and sporting moments. The takeaway is clear: big-city energy and event-led moments are shaping where travelers want to be.

‘Set-Jetting’ – from niche to norm

Expedia Group first identified ‘Set-Jetting’ – travel inspired by films and TV series – back in 2022. Now, it’s more than a niche trend – it’s a cultural force. In the US alone, Set-Jetting could become an $8 billion industry.

Our Unpack ’26 report shows that 53% of travelers worldwide say their interest in screen-inspired getaways has grown. Among Gen Z and Millennials, the number jumps to 81%. These travelers aren’t just watching – they’re booking. This past year saw sharp demand increases for destinations linked to both long-running favorites and new breakout hits, including Tuscany, Yorkshire, Los Angeles and the Dalmatian Coast.

Pop culture travel trends highlight destinations featured in popular shows or films. When a destination gains attention, concierge-level custom trip planning by My Journey Begins Travel includes tips like must-see areas, photo-worthy spots and local dining recommendations to help travelers make the most of their visit.

Hotel trends – from ‘Salvaged Stays’ to ‘Hotel Hopping’ 

Accommodation preferences are also evolving for travelers. Straight from Unpack ’26, ‘Salvaged Stays’ – historic relics converted into immersive accommodation – is taking the industry by storm. From converted factories to once-forgotten heritage sites, travelers are choosing stays that feel authentic and distinctive.

We’re also seeing the rise of the ‘Hotel Hop’, where travelers intentionally split their stay across multiple properties in a single trip. This shows travelers are hunting for value, variety and the ability to tailor different parts of their holiday. Perhaps a boutique hotel for the first two nights, then a resort for relaxation, all within one itinerary – for example. This trend opens creative opportunities for advisors to build mix-and-match accommodation packages that deliver flexibility without compromise.

What this means for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026 travel trends which are on the horizon, the message from travelers is clear. They’re seeking trips that feel meaningful, are flexible, and culturally rich – all delivered with ease and personal touch. Advisors such as My Journey Begins Travel combine human insight and genuine care with innovative tools, anticipate event-led demand, and design flexible, value-forward stays will win. Keep the playbook focused on event calendars, amenity-first search, two-property plans, value bundles, and screen-inspired guides. These moves will turn shifting behavior into bookings.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan your 2026 travel.