These 6 Travel Trends Will Shape 2026 Vacations

A new kind of traveler is emerging, one guided less by destination and more by intention. The question isn’t where to go anymore, but why.

Despite financial uncertainty, 91 percent of Americans surveyed by Longwoods International plan to travel in the next six months, even if it means reducing spending in other areas to take a vacation. Priceline’s 2026 Travel Trends Report revealed that Americans intend to spend 15 days traveling for leisure next year and more money doing it.

“As we look ahead to 2026, it’s clear that the meaning behind each journey matters more than ever. People are traveling with purpose, whether that’s to reconnect, recharge, (re)discover, or take a breath,” said Hilton President & Chief Executive Officer, Chris Nassetta. “At Hilton, we call this shift the whyaction: it’s a global movement rooted in intentionality, where travel begins not with a destination, but with a motivation.”

Here are six top trending motivations driving vacation plans.Take a True Vacation

Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report shows the top motivation for travel is to rest and recharge. Whether that’s sleeping in, spending days lounging by the pool, or booking a resort for its extensive wellness and spa offerings, travelers have more options than ever before, even with kids in tow.

Parker, the best boutique hotel in Palm Springs, is dedicated to the art of relaxation. A stay at the 13-acre Jonathan Adler–designed desert oasis, where guests can stroll the manicured gardens, lounge at one of their three pools, or indulge at the spa, melts away stress.

The number one destination spa in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler, is closer than travelers think . Palmaïa – The House of AïA outside of Cancun is more than an all-inclusive wellness resort; it’s a beautifully designed experience for the senses and the soul. And for harried parents in desperate need of a recharge, families are welcome. Adults can have a wellness retreat-style experience while kids stay busy at the children’s club.

For those seeking something deeper, the wellness sanctuary Euphoria Retreat in the Peloponnese UNESCO heritage landscape blends Greek healing traditions with Chinese medicine and modern science. It’s a transformative experience.

“Our mission is to empower people to embrace their fullest potential, age gracefully, live healthier, and thrive with purpose, joy, and boundless energy,” explains Marina Efraimoglou, founder of Euphoria Retreat.

Get Away, Easily

The demand for family getaways that require minimal effort, the desire to recharge while watching budgets, and the opening of reliable all-inclusive resorts by major chains have ushered in a new era of popularity for all-inclusive resorts.

"As a mom of two young kids, all-inclusive resorts offer a big, easy button for a stress-free vacation. The resort handles everything, so I don't have to worry about planning things like entertainment, traveling to and from dining options, and meals," says Alex, Founder of Delish Knowledge.

Travelers can choose from a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, such as the top-rated Hilton Cancun, the beloved Mohonk Mountain House, located ninety miles north of New York City but a world away, or the boutique, family-focused Alexandra Resort perched on Turks and Caicos' stunning Grace Bay.

Sailing to Adventure

The all-inclusive format of cruises, combined with the ability to visit multiple destinations and only unpack once, is expected to draw 40 million cruise guests in 2026. With a wide variety of options, all types of travelers are stepping on board to get away.

Nearing 80 years of sailing in Alaska, Holland America Line provides more glacier-viewing opportunities and more ways to see wildlife than any other cruise line. Add on one of their signature cruisetours that combines a sailing with a tour to Denali National Park and the Yukon for deeper adventures.

MSC Group's ultra-elegant brand, Explora Journeys, brings a luxury boutique hotel vibe to the sea, turning even anti-cruisers into fans. In two short years since their first sailing, they've won acclaim from discerning guests, including families, for serenity at sea without the usual crowds.

AmaWaterways, a long-standing top-rated river cruise line, has 31 custom-built ships sailing through Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Egypt, and Colombia, and welcomes kids over the age of 4. Their crown jewel, the AmaMagna ship, was named as one of Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places.

Those looking to get away without children can escape on Virgin Voyages, Travel + Leisure World's Best Mega Ship. Their luxurious cruises sail from ports in the U.S., Caribbean, Greece, and Spain for adults-only adventures.

For The Love of The Game

According to the American Express Travel Global Trends Report, 60% of respondents plan on taking at least one trip for a sporting event, which is expected to drive 100 million Americans to travel. In 2026, approximately 5 million soccer fans will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup events in 11 U.S. cities, more than 6 million racing fans will attend glitzy Formula 1 events, and a million golfers will attend tournaments to watch their favorites tee off.

And it is not just spectators driving sports-related travel. According to Buffalo Groupe, more than 12 million golfers travel for rounds, with an average trip budget of $7,000. According to Priceline’s findings, Millennials are 80% more likely to plan a vacation around playing tennis, and 87% more likely for pickleball.

Avoid Peak Travel

With travel demand and summer temperatures at historic highs, today’s travelers are eroding the concept of shoulder season, which refers to the months surrounding peak travel periods.

Virtuoso, an organization of 20,000 travel advisors responsible for $35 billion in yearly travel bookings, reports that fall trips are up for the third consecutive year. Their 2026 Luxe Report noted that comfortable climates and the freedom to enjoy a destination unencumbered by crowds are hallmarks of today's luxury travel.

For example, travelers are skipping the summer chaos of Lake Tahoe and joining in on ‘local summer’ by visiting in the Fall. An autumn stay at the Forbes 4-Star and AAA 4-Diamond Edgewood Tahoe Resort, filled with fall foliage views and world-class golf, is made even better with fall promotions. Or discover how delicious a fall trip to Nantucket is.

The world-famous Nantucket Bay Scallops shine, and the odds for a table at The Wauwinet, the island’s only Relais & Chateaux resort, significantly increase. In Napa Valley, November brings a relaxed environment to enjoy the full display of autumn colors, fewer crowds at the most popular wineries and restaurants, and glorious mid-60s California weather.

Individualized Trips Based on IRL Influencers

In a swing of the pendulum, those guiding today's dream vacations are not found in social media feeds, but in real life. According to The Luxury Travel Report by Preferred Hotels and Resorts, travelers are disappointed in algorithmic-driven travel experiences. More than ¾ surveyed agree that the best travel tips, curated lists, and experiences are the ones you don't find online. They believe a trusted travel advisor is more valuable than unlimited internet research because their itineraries are tailored to individual travel needs rather than what's trending.

In family travel, “Kidfluencers” are now playing a significant role in deciding where their family goes. Priceline's report revealed that 87% of parents actively involve their children in finalizing vacations, with 77% agreeing that if the kids aren't excited about the trip, there's no point in going.