Travel Trends 2026: Skyscanner’s Surprising Predictions & Value Destinations

Travel Trends 2026: Skyscanner’s Surprising Predictions & Value Destinations

Christopher and Ashleigh are your guides this episode as they dig into Skyscanner’s forward-looking report on how—and where—we’ll be traveling in 2026. They break down emerging trends, highlight offbeat and best-value destinations, and share honest perspectives on what might actually shape your future trips. To read the full report, click here.

The conversation kicks off with some genuinely unexpected trends Skyscanner is forecasting:

• Beauty-driven travel (“Glow Mads”) is on the rise, with 33% of Gen Z prioritizing skincare experiences abroad—while 31% of all travelers admit to sampling or keeping hotel beauty products.
• “Shelf discovery” highlights how 55% of Americans now seek out local supermarkets while traveling, valuing the insight into daily life and the chance to save on meals.
• Mountain escapes aren’t just for winter: 80% of travelers are considering a mountain getaway for summer or fall 2026, and bookings for “room with a mountain view” are up 103% globally.
• Literary travel is gaining traction, with over half of travelers considering trips inspired by books, and library-themed hotel bookings up 70%.
• Family and multi-generational travel continues to grow, especially among Gen Z, who are often traveling with both parents and grandparents—sometimes to share costs.
• Solo travel is booming, but often for connection: 53% have traveled or would go abroad to meet people, with solo hotel bookings jumping 83%.
• Hotels as destinations themselves—unique stays and accommodations are driving 56% of travelers to pick their location based on where they’ll sleep, not just what they’ll see.

Midway through, the hosts pause for a wine break, sampling Mary Taylor Manchuela from Spain—an earthy, high-acidity red that’s bolder and more tannic than last week’s Portuguese pick. Christopher encourages listeners to discover collections of regional wines as a way to extend the travel experience at home.

Returning to trending and value destinations, Christopher and Ashleigh share specifics from the Skyscanner data:

• Limon, Costa Rica is up 286% in searches, drawing travelers to its rainforests, volcanoes, and ecotourism adventures.
• Other trending spots include Jaipur, India, Bodrum, Turkey; Madeira, Portugal; Vail, Colorado; Zadar, Croatia; Olbia, Italy; New Haven, Connecticut; Bilbao, Spain; and Mykonos, Greece.
• For best value in 2026, keep an eye on destinations where flight prices are down: São Paulo, Singapore, Venice, Mexico City, Istanbul (where a free city tour may come with your layover), Denpasar, Colombo, Brussels, Seoul, and Naples.

Looking ahead, the hosts note that travelers are becoming more conscientious—seeking quieter places, considering curated experiences, and expecting tech like AI to make the journey more seamless. The report predicts most people will travel as much or more in 2026, with many planning multi-city trips and investing more in flights and hotels.

For honest, practical inspiration on how global travel trends might shape your next adventure, listen in to this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast.