Travel in 2026 | experience economy 2.0

Time

Dec 11

Written By Muno

Travel in 2026 is about intention. After years of "more is more" travel, a fundamental shift is underway. The question travelers are asking has changed from "Where are we going?" to "Why are we going?" (Hilton's 2026 Trends Report)

Whether you're seeking silence, chasing once-in-a-lifetime events, or simply craving a croissant baking class in Paris, this guide breaks down what's trending, where to go, and how to plan the trip that's right for you.

Destinations for 2026

Appearing Across Multiple Trend Reports

These destinations made waves across Airbnb, American Express Travel, Condé Nast Traveler, Expedia, Lonely Planet, and other major forecasters:

Sardinia, Italy — Named to Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel" for 2026 and identified by Expedia as a top trending destination, Sardinia offers crowd-free beaches, dramatic cliffsides, and petrified forests. (2026 Travel Trends: The Hot List, Business Traveller)

Okinawa, Japan — This Blue Zone archipelago appears on both American Express Travel's 2026 list and Expedia's Unpack'26 report. With year-round warm temperatures, rich Ryukyuan culture, and a focus on sustainable tourism, it's ideal for wellness seekers. (American Express Travel 2026 Trending Destinations; 2026 Travel Trends: The Hot List, Business Traveller)

Marrakech, Morocco — Featured prominently on American Express Travel's trending destinations, Marrakech dazzles with winding souks, festive celebrations, and hands-on culinary experiences cooking traditional dishes with local families. (Airbnb Travel Destinations 2026; American Express Travel 2026)

Las Vegas, Nevada — The #1 destination for hotel bookings among American Express Card Members in 2024, Vegas continues its reign with immersive shows, world-class dining, and constant reinvention. (American Express Travel 2026 Trending Destinations)

Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula — A 1,400-acre natural sanctuary with luxury accommodations, this destination draws travelers seeking rainforest ziplines, volcano hikes, and wildlife encounters with monkeys, sloths, and toucans. (American Express Travel 2026 Trending Destinations)

Udaipur, India — A flurry of luxury hotel openings is ushering in a new era for this 16th-century "lake city." The new Fairmont Udaipur Palace, Marriott, and expanded offerings at The Leela Palace join icons like Taj and Oberoi. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Hong Kong — With an exciting new cultural center of gravity in the West Kowloon Cultural District (including the WestK Performing Arts Centre opening in 2026), plus Daniel Boulud's new restaurant and the Mandarin Oriental's $100 million renovation, Hong Kong is being imbued with fresh life. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Rising Stars & Hidden Gems

The Cotswolds, UK — Named in a global Expedia report as one of the fastest-growing destinations for 2026, this "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" offers slow travel at its finest: reading retreats, country walks, cozy pubs, and workshops in everything from pottery to silversmithing. (2026 Travel Trends: The Hot List, Business Traveller)

Paro, Bhutan — Searches up 149% according to Skyscanner, travelers are drawn to the tranquility of Tiger's Nest Monastery and crisp mountain air. New luxury hotels from Pemako and Taj Hotels are opening soon. (2026 Travel Trends: The Hot List, Business Traveller)

Bilbao, Spain — Searches increased 167% for UAE travelers, with the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse earning it a spot on National Geographic's best places list. Don't miss the Guggenheim Museum and pintxos bar-hopping in Casco Viejo. (2026 Travel Trends: The Hot List, Business Traveller)

Red Sea, Saudi Arabia — One of the most exciting new tourism developments in the Middle East, featuring Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and the new Shura Island with its Shura Links golf course. (2026 Travel Trends: The Hot List, Business Traveller)

Indian Himalayas — American Express Travel highlights breathtaking peaks, glaciers, and the highest road passes in the world, plus colorful Buddhist monasteries and chances to spot snow leopards in Khangchendzonga National Park. (American Express Travel 2026 Trending Destinations)

Tromsø, Norway — Solo travelers are flocking here for arctic tranquility, Northern Lights viewing, fjord hikes, and Nordic spas. Searches show triple-digit growth. (Airbnb Travel Destinations 2026)

Fès, Morocco — Marrakech's understated sibling is set to shine with the historic reopening of Palais Jamaï (an 1879 heritage hotel) after a decade-long renovation, plus the completion of a 15-year restoration of the world's largest intact medieval medina. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Prince Edward County, Canada — A wave of indie wineries, new restaurants, and boutique hotels is redefining the weekend escape just hours from Toronto and Montreal. The new Claramount Club hotel, lakefront Nordic spa at Wander the Resort, and exciting young chef-driven restaurants make PEC a must-visit. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia — While neighboring Italy braces for Olympic crowds, this fairy-tale region offers Lake Bled, Julian Alps, and Triglav National Park with breathing room. A new digital nomad visa and the opening of Muzej Lah contemporary art museum (summer 2026) signal Slovenia's breakout year. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Gabon — Emerging as Africa's most exhilarating rainforest destination with the January 2026 opening of Loango Savannah Camp. Home to western lowland gorillas, surfing hippos, and forest elephants, it offers what insiders call the best gorilla trekking in Africa. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Potosí, Bolivia — Beyond the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats, this region stuns with blood-red lagoons, geysers, and snowcapped volcanoes. Casa Gastón, a museum-hotel hybrid designed by the late artist Gastón Ugalde, opens March 2026. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Northern Chilean Patagonia — The greener, less-trodden alternative to Torres del Paine. The opening of Reñihué lodge (in the former Tompkins conservation home) and protected status for the Puelo and Futaleufú Rivers make this a 2026 highlight. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Naoshima, Japan — This island-wide art gallery welcomed the new Naoshima New Museum of Art (designed by Tadao Ando) in May 2025. Go before Mandarin Oriental opens three boutique properties in the region (2027-2030). (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Cultural & Design Capitals

Brussels, Belgium — This often-overlooked European capital is having a cultural moment. The opening of Kanal—Centre Pompidou in November 2026 transforms a factory into a contemporary arts center, alongside The Standard hotel and the restored Gare Maritime. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi — A museum district to rival London or New York is taking shape. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens in 2026, joining Louvre Abu Dhabi, the new Natural History Museum, Zayed National Museum, and teamLab Phenomena. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Medellín, Colombia — The gastronomic energy crests in 2026 with Wake, a $100-million development featuring 12+ restaurants and a wellness hotel. One of the most exciting food cities in South America, with nightlife to match. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Minas Gerais, Brazil — The capital Belo Horizonte is transforming with vibrant boteco culture and young chefs reimagining regional classics. Plus Inhotim, Latin America's largest open-air art museum, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Oulu, Finland — One of the northernmost European Capitals of Culture in 2026. The "Cultural Climate Change" theme brings festivals, Sámi contemporary art, and a new 86,000-square-foot museum and science center opening in autumn. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Adventure & Nature Destinations

Uluru, Australia — The 40th anniversary of the historic hand-back to the Aṉangu people launches a new chapter. The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk (April 2026) is a luxury four-night, 33.5-mile guided trek with Aṉangu storytellers and glamping camps. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Deer Valley, Utah — The largest ski-resort expansion in North American history more than doubles skiable terrain to 4,300 acres. Also: The final Sundance Film Festival in Utah (January 2026) and new hotels including Canopy by Hilton (summer 2026). (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Arusha, Tanzania — Dr. Jane's Dream: The Goodall Centre for Hope opens late October 2026. New forest camps like Koroi Forest Camp offer an alternative to plains safari with elephants, duikers, and colobus monkeys. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Northern Namibia — Design-forward Vestige Collection launches four lodges throughout 2026 in destinations from Damaraland to Etosha National Park. Plans for white rhino distribution from the Rhino Rewild project add conservation excitement. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — A spate of new luxury hotels (Anantara, Bupenyu Lodge, House of Chinhara) is transforming this southern African icon from stopover to destination. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

East Coast Barbados — New Delta and KLM direct flights plus cruise port upgrades make this rugged Atlantic coastline more accessible. The new East Resort brings upscale lodging to the surfer's paradise. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Chiriquí Province, Panama — Castaway vibes meet luxury with new eco-resorts like Isla Palenque's villas (2026-2027) and the forthcoming Panamá-David high-speed railway connecting Panama City in under three hours. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

The Peloponnese, Greece — Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (July 2026) will showcase this myth-drenched peninsula. The new 1,075-mile Peloponnese Trails network and Euphoria Retreat's Wellbeing Festival (June 2026) enhance the outdoor appeal. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Americana & Road Trips

Route 66, USA — The Mother Road celebrates its centennial in 2026 with restored neon signs, the new Route 66 Neon Park in Missouri, and celebrations from Springfield's National Kick-Off (April) to Amarillo's 10-day Texas Festival (June). (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Guadalajara, Mexico — The epicenter of mariachi, tequila, and ceramics hosts FIFA World Cup matches (June), the 40th Guadalajara International Book Fair (November), and celebrates female-fronted industries from restaurants to distilleries. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Sustainable Alpine Travel

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France — The Mont Blanc Express unveils energy-efficient trains in summer 2026. Le Valléen gondola connects the train station directly to the resort, and the new Glaciorium climate center at Chamonix opens—proof that sustainable Alpine tourism is the way forward. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

Margaret River, Australia — The WSL Margaret River Pro (April), Cabin Fever festival (July), and Pair'd wine celebration (November) anchor a year of food and wine events. New openings include Vasse Felix's Idée Fixe tasting salon and South West House boutique hotel. (Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go 2026)

The types of experiences defining 2026

The "Whycation"

Hilton's survey of 14,000 travelers across 14 countries found that travel in 2026 is driven by emotional motivations: the desire to rest, the urge to reconnect, and a longing for meaningful experiences. (Hilton's 2026 Trends Report)

What this looks like:

48% of travelers are adding extra solo days before or after family vacations
72% want time off to explore personal passions or hobbies
77% enjoy "grocery store tourism"—browsing local food aisles abroad

Hushpitality

Travelers are actively seeking destinations where they can dial down life's distractions and find moments of silence. (Hilton's 2026 Trends Report)

Key stats:

27% of business travelers actively seek solo time during work trips
73% value digital check-in to streamline interactions
54% would take a business trip just to get a break from family

Events as Destinations

65% of the top-searched 2026 travel dates and cities align with major global events. Travelers are turning tickets into passports. (Airbnb Travel Destinations 2026)

Big events driving travel:

FIFA World Cup (host cities seeing major search spikes)
Winter Olympics
Rio Carnival (searches up significantly for February 2026)
Coachella
August 2026 Total Solar Eclipse (Iceland, Greenland, Spain)
Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland

Hands-On Culinary Travel

Food and drink experiences are among the most-booked categories, with travelers seeking to learn, not just taste. (Airbnb Travel Destinations 2026)

Hot culinary destinations:

For Bakery Classes:

Paris, France (croissant baking is a top experience)
Tokyo, Japan (mochi making)
Lisbon, Portugal (chocolate cake baking)
Istanbul, Turkey
Taipei, Taiwan

For Wine Tourism:

Finger Lakes, NY
Traverse City, MI
Var, France
Melbourne, Australia
Bangalore, India

Nature & National Parks

Searches for stays "near a national park" are up 35% in the U.S., with the country's 250th anniversary and park centennials driving interest. (Airbnb Travel Destinations 2026)

Trending parks:

Great Smoky Mountains (searches up 135%+ among solo travelers)
Acadia National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Yosemite National Park
Jackson Hole, WY (near Grand Teton)

Global nature destinations:

Crete, Greece (Samaria Gorge)
Goa, India
Sardinia, Italy (Gennargentu National Park)

Solo Travel Renaissance

Solo adventurers are prioritizing self-discovery, with destinations like Idyllwild, CA, La Altagracia (Dominican Republic), and Tromsø, Norway seeing triple-digit growth. (Airbnb Travel Destinations 2026)

Top solo destinations:

Algarve, Portugal — dramatic cliffs, surf lessons, sea caves
Florida Keys — kayaking, mangroves, signature sunsets
Inverness, Scotland — Loch Ness, Highland scenery, historic castles
North Carolina Mountains — forest bathing, artisan communities

Gen Z Quick Trips

Gen Z is redefining travel with 1-2 day international getaways growing faster than extended vacations, fueled by TikTok day-trip trends. (Airbnb Travel Destinations 2026)

Trending quick-trip cities:

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Busan, South Korea
Mexico City, Mexico
Stockholm, Sweden
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Recommendations for curating your Ode Experience in 2026

An Ode Experience plans around how you want to feel.

If you want events + energy + crowds...

Plan around Rio Carnival (February), Coachella (April), FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara or other host cities (June), the total solar eclipse in Spain/Iceland (August), Detty December in Nigeria.

If you want emerging destination...

Book early at Red Sea, Saudi Arabia for new luxury resorts. Phu Quoc, Vietnam is gaining popularity fast. The Indian Himalayas, India offer high-altitude adventure and new wellness-focused stays like Taj Rishikesh. Udaipur, India is expanding with new villa-style luxury at Fairmont and Leela Palace. Albanian Riviera, Albania for clear water and affordable prices. Madeira, Portugal is trending for dramatic hikes and new design hotels. The Faroe Islands, Denmark are drawing travelers who want remote landscapes without overtourism.

If you've never traveled solo...

Lisbon, Portugal is an easy first solo trip, and Copenhagen, Denmark is one of the safest cities to explore alone. Vancouver, Canada is great if you want a calm mix of city and nature. Honolulu on O‘ahu makes solo travel simple with beaches, hikes, and group activities. Algarve, Portugal offers relaxed coastal vibes. Kyoto, Japan is ideal for a slower, reflective trip and is easy to navigate.

If you want beaches + wellness ...

Head to Okinawa, Japan for longevity-focused wellness, Sardinia, Italy for crowd-free Mediterranean beauty, Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula for nature and luxury, East Coast Barbados for rugged Atlantic surfing and the new East Resort. Lamu, Kenya for quiet beaches, Swahili architecture, and rising boutique hotels. São Tomé & Príncipe, Central Africa is being called the “next Seychelles” with eco-lodges and volcanic beaches.

If you love astronomy or rare events...

Mark August 12, 2026 for the total solar eclipse visible in Bilbao, Spain, Mallorca, Iceland, and Greenland. Fès, Morocco will also experience a near-total eclipse.

If you want adventure + culture ...

Try Buenos Aires, Argentina for tango and street art, Busan, South Korea for coastal hikes and night markets, San Juan, Puerto Rico for salsa and Afro-Caribbean heritage, or Hong Kong for the new WestK arts district and culinary scene.

If you want food + learning + hands-on...

Book Paris, France for bakery classes, Marrakech, Morocco for cooking with local families, Traverse City, Michigan for wine country exploration, Guadalajara, Mexico for ceramics workshops and tequila distillery tours, or Medellín, Colombia for the food scene.

If you want fashion + design + style inspiration...

Start with the Big Four, New York, London, Milan, and Paris, for the full fashion capital experience. Look at emerging style hubs like Copenhagen, Denmark for minimalist Scandinavian design, Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea for cutting-edge street style, and Lagos, Nigeria for bold contemporary fashion.

If you want art + cultural immersion...

Visit Brussels, Belgium for the opening of Kanal: Centre Pompidou (November 2026), Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi for the new Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum, Naoshima, Japan for the new Tadao Ando-designed museum, Minas Gerais, Brazil for Inhotim's 20th anniversary, or Oulu, Finland as European Capital of Culture.

If you want peace + nature...

Consider Tromsø, Norway for Northern Lights and Nordic spas, Paro, Bhutan for mountain spirituality, The Cotswolds, UK for reading retreats and country walks, or Northern Chilean Patagonia for untouched fjords and misty rainforest.

If you want wine + food festivals ...

Visit Food & Wine Classic in Aspen CO. Plan around Margaret River, Australia for the WSL Pro, Cabin Fever, and Pair'd festivals, Prince Edward County, Canada for indie wineries and chef-driven restaurants, or the trending wine destinations: Finger Lakes, NY, Traverse City, MI, Var, France, and Melbourne, Australia.

If you want safari + wildlife...

Choose Arusha, Tanzania for the new Goodall Centre and forest safaris, Gabon, Central Africa is becoming a go-to for exclusive rainforest lodges, gorilla trekking, and low-impact conservation travel, Northern Namibia for design-forward safaris or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe for new luxury hotels and adventure.

If you want road trip in the U.S. ...

Celebrate Route 66’s 100th anniversary, visit Great Smoky Mountains for the centennial, explore Shenandoah, or road-trip through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

The common thread is intention

Travel in 2026 is personal. Whether you're seeking silence in the Scottish Highlands, learning to make croissants in Paris, chasing the Northern Lights solo, or letting your kids plan the family road trip, the common thread is intention.

The industry is responding: more experiential dining, more hands-on classes, more sustainable options, and more ways to disconnect from screens and reconnect with what matters.

So before you book, ask yourself: Why am I going?

The answer will lead you to the perfect trip.