8 Enticing Travel Trends in 2026, You'd Love To Try

Uno, dos, tres … we keep counting as the times keep changing. Say, 2026 is here and over the next quarters, the travel industry is surely going to see a few trends and keep you -  our cherished travel enthusiasts - all the more excited. Trends from informed predictions, facts and figures and whatnot. 

We can definitely assure you: that while you are busy packing a bag or two, we delight ourselves, here at MTM, with curating your itinerary and picking the right trends for the right destinations, we are very well keeping ahead of 2026 future travel ideas to try.

Right, here are a few trends you might want to ride on in 2026 while the wave surges on. Let's dive into unique travel trends 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Creating Experiences - Travel trends 2026 | Skip To details

1. Sustainable Travel - Travel trends 2026 | Skip to details

2. Adventure Travel - Travel trends 2026 | Skip to details

3. Soft Life Retreats - Travel trends 2026 | Skip to details

4. Cuisines and Cocktails - Travel trends 2026 | Skip to detail

5. Minimalistic and Contactless Travel - Travel trends 2026| Skip to detail

6. Digital Nomadism - Travel trends 2026 | Skip to detail

7. Carbon Awareness - Travel trends 2026 | Skip to detail

8. Solo Traveling - Travel trends 2026| Skip to detail

9. Related articles- Travel trends 2026 | Skip to detail
   

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Google World Map - The world is really your Oyster to explore

Creating Experiences - Travel trends 2026

Traveling is supposed to be about the experience, so there’s no reason not to put the time and effort into making sure you have as many positive experiences as possible when you’re doing this. Thankfully, that doesn’t have to be nearly as complicated as you could think. It’s just a matter of focusing on what you’re interested in.

Looking into a yacht charter, going on a safari, an adventure vacation, hiking through the outback, and more than a few other experiences could stand out with this. Filling your travels with as many of these experiences as possible pays off dividends, as you’ll have an amazing time while creating memories you’ll look back on fondly.

As obvious as creating memories with your trips are, it’s a matter of putting the effort into creating these memories as much as possible.

Let's dive in the Best 2026 Travel Trends!

1. Sustainable Tourism  - Travel Trends 2026

Around the world, the issue of sustainability has been in the pipeline and discussion rooms for so long. Post-pandemic, more travellers are seeking more eco-friendly tourism itineraries.

From seeking more reusable products, shopping from local businesses, eco-friendly travel tips 2026, using more public transport, visiting the hidden gems, and sleeping in outdoor tents among others. With a market size nearing $200 billion, eighty per cent of travellers in 2022 expressed how important sustainable tourism is to them.

And a whopping thirty per cent are achieving this even when it is inconvenient to them. Thus, sustainable tourism as a trend is still making waves all over the world this year. One may be probed to worry about unfriendly budgets but guess what, we have just the right cut-price packages for you.

Why not read more about the Top 7 trending travel destinations for 2026:

7 Great Destinations for a Vacation You’ll Love & Look Back On

Read More :

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/vacation-destinations-youll-love

2. Adventure Travel  - Travel Trends 2026

The time is now when many tourists are willing, more than ever, to travel to destinations they know little about. Like Abdul, the idea of unplanned trips is gaining more popularity. That in itself already spells out the inclination towards adventure travel in 2024. Increasingly, many are growing more enthusiastic about bagging experiences than they are about bagging souvenirs.

Adventure is the new souvenir. From bungee jumping to mountain climbing; from group road trips to hiking and outdoor camping, travellers are up for the challenge. With a long hunger bred indoors during the lockdown season, everyone is booking an experience to push up their adrenaline beyond imagination.

Fancy listening the Podcast version of the article? Check it out below

3. Soft Life Retreats  - Travel Trends 2026

With global warming and other global, social and health issues on the rise, more and more travellers are looking to live the softest life they can this year. You only live once, aye! It's definitely some lifestyle travel movements to watch.

With every destination, if not all, tourists are looking to have self-centered retreats and health getaways to rejuvenate.

Statistically, more than five travelers if in a room of ten, plan to add wellness to their itinerary when planning a vacation. No wonder the industry has made significant value strides post-pandemic.

Now more than ever, people are becoming highly cognisant of their bodies, minds and spirits. Which in recent light has given peculiar popularity to yogi traditions and practices among other popular known options.

4. Cuisines and Cocktails  - Travel Trends 2026

Do tell; this could be our little secret. One of the things you look out for in a destination, be it planned or spontaneous, is a good food treat. Right? Well, be pleased to know you are one in a million travellers with the same inside secret. 35 per cent of travellers choose destinations specifically to try their local dishes.

While their experiences could mainly be about the local food, they also immerse themselves in the personality of the place they’re visiting. With this incredible look-out, one outstanding trend in travel this year is culinary travel. To taste the finest of cuisines and sip the best of cocktails.

5. Minimalistic and Contactless Travel  -Travel Trends 2026

Travel The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless and

tech-driven solutions throughout the travel journey, including contactless payments, digital health passports, and touchless hotel experiences. Amazing right?

What is more, travellers are traveling lighter and lighter by the day: apparel rentals, shopping-on-arrival and donating clothing when departing Amadeus has it that, 41% of travellers expect to increase their use of contactless technology to avoid physical contact during their journey.

Also, McKinsey says that "...76% of travellers say contactless technology makes them feel safer during travel." Travellers are looking more and more for immersive travel experiences in 2026.

If you are looking at cheap flights then look no further than Trip.com

Fancy getting finding out how to travel more in 2026?

Why not downloading your FREE 2026 Maximise your PTO strategy EBOOK, now? 

6. Digital Nomadism  - Travel Trends 2026

Tell you what is here to stay; not the virus, certainly not the lockdowns but an industry baby of the disaster: digital nomadism! More so than ever, Gen Zs and millennials are immersed in an era of utter technology and digital nomad Lifestyle more than ever. It's definitely a lifestyle travel movements to watch.

Today, a movable office & remote work travel is as easy as packing a laptop, so to say. With that much convenience and versatility, one has more than ample time to have fun while earning get paid, while hitting the road. Airbnb suggests in their 2021 report that digital nomadism is the new staycation: "...there is a growing number of longer-stays for a duration longer than four weeks." This is really becoming one of the new travel trends for digital nomads.

With an energetic upward trend, this was a ten-percent increase from the year before. It may also interest you that by 2035, we will have about one billion digital nomads worldwide.

Thus, digital nomadism is a travel trend that is slowly gaining momentum and spurring. See our suggestion for some cities where you could live your nomad's dream.

You can also read more on being a d

Digital Nomad in Africa , by browsing those articles:

Here Are Insanely Affordable Serene Cities for Digital Nomads in Africa in 2025

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/affordable-serene-cities-for-digital-nomads-africa

Where to work remotely in Zanzibar anytime in 2024 - Updated

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/where-to-work-remotely-in-zanzibar-anytime-in-2024-updated

Kenya Digital Nomad Guide: Where to Work & Play

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/kenya-digital-nomad-guide-where-to-work-play

If your need Health & travel insurance while on the move, as I've used them while travelling 7 African countries in 6 Months recently.

I would always recommend getting Nomad insurance as soon as you book your holiday. My favourite travel insurance is Safety Wing if you travel. I used them twice while travelling Africa , 7 countries in 6 months.

To ensure peace of mind while traveling or living abroad, we recommend getting health insurance. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. 

Their Complete plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits.

7. Carbon Awareness  - Travel Trends 2026

It is difficult of late to see a full itinerary that does not consciously include items that cut down on travellers' carbon footprints, We could definately share more eco-friendly travel tips 2026 in another post. Many a day are waking to the harsh realities of climate change and both individuals and organizations are making major and minor moves to mitigate the dire effects.

More so this year, from opting for trains instead of flights for short distances to buying less fabric while travelling, travellers are increasing their carbon awareness and striving for an industry-wide contribution to curbing the tremendous amount of carbon dioxide in our skies.

8. Solo traveling  - Travel Trends 2026

"Let's use a flight..." 'Nope, I'd rather we get to the next country via road trip...' " Come on Ben, a flight is faster, mate" 'It's not about speed Chris, sight-seeing is priceless...' Guess I need not highlight all the cons about having to travel with someone else.

Safety was a major concern for many back when solo travelling had not gained much ground. However, if there is anything travellers are, it is not afraid of the unknown anymore.

Day-in-day-out, the industry experts share tips on safety measures while travelling solo. In 2024, more travellers are seeking to walk the road not taken all by themselves; without familiar faces by their side. Here are a few safety tips and tricks you could learn from Ayoka's experience as a solo traveller.

What more is there to wait for? Next Summer is just around the corner and trust me you need this vacation for tons of reasons. You know what the trends are now and you have our ever-hardened and ready team to plan your itinerary on this trip. So come on, book a meeting today.

More related Solo Travel articles: 

Embrace Solo Travel Adventures: Less Fear, More Fun Ahead:

Taking The Solo Trip You’ve Always Dreamed Of: It’s Less Scary Than You Think

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/solo-travel-adventure-guide-melanin-travels-magic

Travelling Africa: an interview with a Female solo traveller from the continent

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/travelling-africa-an-interview-with-a-female-solo-traveler-from-the-continent

Top 6 Tips for Solo Traveling as a Woman - Stay Safe & Happy!

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/top-6-tips-for-solo-traveling-as-a-woman-stay-safe-happy

Travelling Africa: an interview with a Female solo traveller from the continent

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/travelling-africa-an-interview-with-a-female-solo-traveler-from-the-continent

10 Things to consider when traveling Solo in Jamaica: https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/10-things-to-consider-when-travelling-solo-in-jamaica

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Are you a solo traveller or Group of friends wanting to explore African culture?

 Want a customised trip to your next visit to Africa with our expert recommendations? You will get one-on-one help, tour guides, a full itinerary plan, hotel and flight bookings, a personal driver and more. Fill out the form and share some details on your tentative dates, number of travellers and more and We will reach out to you within 48 hours.

Are you inspired? Why not also read our other articles on What to do on a long layover, other Travel trends articles ? We got you!

 Free City Tours That Will Electrify Your Next Airport Layover

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/free-city-tours-that-will-electrify-your-next-airport-layover

If you need help with low budget travel, why not read our article on Top 10 ways to find cheap flights in 2025

• Watch our interview with Abdul, the Nigerian Travel content creator who is living his wildest Adventure travel dreams while studying abroad. He is a true inspiration.

• If could also read about our latest article on Travel trends in Africa: 7 Emerging Travel Trends Shaping Africa's Tourism in 2025

7 Emerging Travel Trends Shaping Africa's Tourism in 2024

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/emerging-travel-trends-shaping-africa-s-tourism-in-2024

Flying into the Future: The Promise of Subscription Flights

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/flying-into-the-future-the-promise-of-subscription-flights

Are low-cost airlines making air travel accessible in and around African cities?

https://www.melanintravelsmagic.com/post/are-low-cost-airlines-making-air-travel-accessible-in-and-around-african-cities