Which Travel Trends I’m Following (And Avoiding) in 2026

Travel trends are evolving rapidly in 2026, from wellness-focused vacations to AI-powered planning tools. Some of these trends feel genuinely useful (and even overdue). Others feel fleeting, impractical, or simply not me.

Some of these trends have lasting power, while others feel like they’ll burn bright for a year or so before quietly fading away.

Below are the travel trends I’m participating in this year — and the ones I’ll be avoiding, no matter how buzzy they become.

Trends I’m Leaning Into This Year

Concert Tourism

Planning a trip around a live performance from a favorite artist is simply fun. Add in the fact that concert tickets are often far cheaper outside the U.S., and it’s easy to see the appeal.

The first time I participated in this trend was in 2024 during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. While I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard Swiftie, joining friends in Lisbon for the show was a no-brainer.

Tickets were hundreds of dollars cheaper than in the U.S., and the trip doubled as an excuse to wander around Lisbon, eating far too many pastéis de nata, and trying to snap the perfect photo of the tram.

I leaned into the trend again later that year to meet friends in Phoenix, Arizona, to see Janet Jackson — pairing the show with Mexican food and an early-morning trek up Camelback Mountain.

I’m clearly not alone in this trend. Airbnb reports that 65% of travelers are now traveling for concerts, sporting events, and festivals, from Coachella to the Olympics.

After missing Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency in 2025, I’ll be continuing the trend in 2026 by traveling to Milan to catch his DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS tour this summer.

Reading Retreats

As a working mom whose eternal goal is to “read more books,” the idea of a vacation built around reading sounds ideal. And apparently, I’m not alone.

According to VRBO, 91% of travelers are interested in trips centered around reading, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones.

I find the Ladies Who Lit reading retreats especially intriguing. The group offers curated, female-focused retreats in destinations like Morocco, Mallorca, and Ireland, centered on outdoor and cultural activities unique to each destination, with plenty of time to read, of course.

Second Cities Instead of Overcrowded Destinations

Overtourism isn’t just inconvenient — it’s unsustainable. And more travelers are starting to agree.

According to Omio, 21% of travelers plan to visit lesser-known destinations in 2026, citing lower prices, fewer crowds, and more authentic cultural experiences.

Instead of Rome, I’ll head to Syracuse in Sicily. And instead of packed beach resorts, I’m looking at places like Playa de San Juan near Alicante, Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, and small villages across Sicily.

I’ve always gravitated toward the underdog, and that will not change this year.

Meaningful Adventure Travel

Adventure travel is shifting away from extreme bragging rights and toward personal growth, and I’m here for it.

Rome2Rio reports that travelers are increasingly choosing experiences that challenge them mentally or physically, without pushing into extreme territory.

In 2026, I’ll be investing in adventures that are meaningful to me. And I won’t even tell you about them, I’ll just enjoy them.

Using eSIMs

Using eSIMs abroad is one of the most practical travel upgrades in recent years.

A Juniper Research study predicts that travel eSIM usage will grow 440% over the next 5 years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re affordable, easy to install, and eliminate roaming headaches.

I’ve fully embraced eSIMs, and I won’t be going back.

Hot Tip:

One of the best ways to get data abroad is by using an eSIM. Read our reviews of various eSIM companies such as GigSky, Voye, and Airalo to decide which one is right for you.

Glowcations

People are now taking glowcations, where they do various body treatments at lower prices than they would at home, and I get the appeal.

What started with affordable hair transplants in Türkiye has expanded to facials, head spas, IVs, and skincare treatments in places like South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

One of my favorite travel influencers (janelleonajet) took a trip to Vietnam, where she got a podiatrist pedicure, hair color, and brow lamination, which made me want to plan a girls’ beauty trip. I’ll start in Bangkok this summer by getting a viral head spa treatment at Lele Salon.

I’ve traveled to Paris for skincare shopping and to Koh Samui for yoga, so upgrading to facials in Seoul or head spa treatments in Bangkok feels like a pretty natural progression.

Using AI for Travel (Sometimes)

AI is becoming a powerful travel tool, but it’s not foolproof.

Marriott Bonvoy reports that 50% of travelers used AI to plan or research a trip last year, up from 41% the previous year. While AI can help generate ideas, translate languages, and predict prices, it has also sent people to nonexistent tourist attractions and misinformed them on visa rules.

I’ll use AI for inspiration and logistics, but I’ll still rely on human research, fact-checking, and lived experience before booking anything major.

Bottom Line:

AI can add value for travelers, but it’s important to understand when and how to use it well.

Trends I’m Skipping This Year

Farmcore

The word farmcore gives me the creeps — it sounds like mixing corn with heavy metal. While the farmcore trend refers to refurbished barns and silos turned into boutique retreats or rustic getaways, it’s just not my thing.

I grew up in the Midwest. I’ve had my lifetime fill of silos, hay, and the rustic farm aesthetics.

The only exception to this would be a stay at The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, which is decidedly not farmcore, but full-blown luxury glamour perched above the V&A Waterfront. That one gets a pass.

Kid-Designed Trips

Since my son was born in 2021, my travel planning has naturally become more family-focused. As he approaches 5, I do consider his opinions (even if he wants to vacation in outer space).

What I won’t be doing is handing over full trip control. TripAdvisor predicts that kid-designed trips, where kids choose the destination and activities, and adults handle logistics, will grow in 2026.

That’s a hard no for me.

I’m happy to plan trips that work for everyone, but it’s not a democracy — and definitely not a dictatorship. When my son can pay for the vacation, he’s welcome to choose the destination (and treat me).

Astrotourism

Astrotourism is having a moment in 2026, especially with a major solar eclipse visible across parts of Europe on August 12.

Spain (where I live) is expected to see a massive influx of 10 million tourists chasing the eclipse, with Airbnb reporting an 830% increase in searches in prime viewing areas.

While I love the night sky, planning an entire trip around a 2-minute event simply isn’t for me, especially when it strains small communities unprepared for that scale of tourism.

Wellness Cruises

I’ve tried really hard, but I’m not a cruise person.

Between norovirus headlines, my tendency toward seasickness, and the idea of being trapped on a boat for self-improvement, the 2026 wellness cruise trend doesn’t appeal to me.

While I’m sure that Gwyneth Paltrow’s Celebrity Cruises program, Goop at Sea, is as delightful as Goop’s goat-milk cleanses and oxygen rectal therapy, I prefer my wellness in smaller doses: a spa day, a yoga class, or a retreat that still lets me leave when I want.

Microvactions

Microvacations, or short trips to far-flung destinations lasting just 1 or 2 days, are gaining traction, and I’m not buying in.

Americans already underuse vacation time, and this trend makes the problem worse. Watching influencers (like kevindroniak) fly to Japan for 24 hours is impressive — but also exhausting.

If I’m going somewhere far, I’m staying long enough to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

Some travel trends feel like long-term improvements, such as eSIMs, second cities, and meaningful adventure travel. Others feel impractical, fleeting, or simply not worth the effort. In 2026, I’ll be skipping farmcore stays, wellness cruises, and microvacations, but happily leaning into reading retreats, concert travel, glowcations, and quieter destinations.

Which travel trends are on your radar this year — and which ones are you leaving behind?