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Top Travel Trends for 2026
Published 4 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader
With the Christmas festivities over, my thoughts are already turning to the year ahead. Tis the season of New Year travel trends as we indulge in a bit of crystal ball gazing for 2026.
Personally I take trend predictions with a pinch of salt, as they aren't always relevant to my travel style. Still it's fun to see what and where is expected to be popular in 2026, even if you do the exact opposite!
So in this newsletter, I've played with three trends trends from a recent BBC article (find the link at the end) to see how they might work for travellers like me (and hopefully you!).
If you are travelling soon it really helps us if you use the booking links below.
We make a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps keep this newsletter and blog free.
Hotels: I use Booking but Expedia is also good for flight + hotel packages.
Tours: For top end food tours, we recommend Devour Tours and small group tours with Take Walks. Both Get Your Guide and Viator are also great for tours and experiences.
Trains: For train bookings in Europe use Rail Europe. Byway Travel also offer great no-fly itineraries in Europe and beyond.
Car Hire: For car hire I use the car booking arm of Booking Rental Cars (but always check the scores and reviews of each provider).
Villas & Cottages: VRBOfor villas and holiday rentals worldwide and Sykes Cottages for UK cottages.
Trend 1: Escape to the quiet
Why? Travellers are looking for ways to escape their busy routine, to find moments of quiet and the ability to detox from screens and social media.
I personally find this kind of quiet escape on my hiking trips, where gazing at big skies, mountain landscapes or river views replaces peering at a small screen.
Here are some hiking trails you might enjoy in 2026:
The smallest and quietest of the Canary islands, La Gomera offers a wild and unspoiled atmosphere that’s ideal for hikers and nature lovers.
Trend 2: Roads (or rail ) over runways
Why? As airports become busier and flights more expensive, the flexibility of driving seems more appealing.
This road-trip trend is perhaps more of a US or Canadian thing. I find that in Europe, where roads are more congested, the appeal of the rail-trip becomes ever stronger.
We have done our fair share of road trips though, including this 3 Day Nova Scotia Road Trip. Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s three Maritime provinces, where the ocean is never far away, lighthouses sit on the wild south shore and lobster on almost every menu.
This romantic comedy takes us from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, where rolling moors are stained with purple heather and streams flow under the stone bridge steeped in history.
Last Chance: Win a rail trip to the Scottish Highlands with Byway Travel
Check out this prize draw from our friends at Byway Travel, who specialise in no-fly holidays and short breaks in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Up for grabs is a 10 night trip for two from London to the Scottish Highlands (here's the itinerary), including a return journey on the Caledonian Sleeper, with all transport and accommodation included.
Authentic, sustainable travel with a little luxury
Join 1000+ subscribers for my weekly newsletter with travel tips and ideas for where to go next. It's for anyone looking for an authentic and sustainable travel experience with a little luxury, especially 50+ travellers. Come along with me to taste the food, explore the culture, go hiking or stay in a stylish boutique hotel. I feature exciting destinations in the UK and Europe, as well as further afield such as Canada & USA, Caribbean, India & Sri Lanka, Jordan and many more.
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