Booking.com’s 10th annual Travel Predictions report suggests that travelers in 2026 will increasingly design their trips around personal passions, technology, and experiential goals — signaling continued opportunities for unique and immersive hospitality experiences.
For professionals in the glamping and outdoor hospitality industry, these trends suggest strong potential for growth in story-driven stays, wellness-oriented retreats, and nature-based experiences that align with travelers’ personal identities and lifestyle aspirations.
Glamping operators who combine comfort with creativity — and incorporate technology thoughtfully — stand to capture this evolving market demand.
Based on insights from more than 29,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories, the research identifies ten global trends that are reshaping how people plan and experience their vacations.
The findings point to a growing preference for individualized and experimental travel, with technology playing a larger role in how those experiences are created and customized.
According to Lodging Magazine, James Waters, chief business officer at Booking.com, said, “In 2026, travel is becoming a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or bold to explore.”
Booking.com’s Findings
One major trend highlighted in the report is the rise of “Romantasy Retreats,” where storytelling meets travel. With fantasy literature and media inspiring new forms of escapism, 71% of travelers expressed interest in visiting destinations inspired by fictional worlds.
More than half said they would participate in role-play retreats based on favorite books, games, or films, while 78% would use AI-powered tools to find “storybook” stays or real-world filming locations.
The future of vacation rentals is also shifting toward automation and sustainability. The report found that 77% of travelers are open to staying in robotic-enhanced accommodations, featuring cleaning bots, automated kitchens, and smart systems designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Relationships are another key focus for travelers. Nearly seven in 10 respondents said they would take trips designed to test romantic, platonic, or even professional dynamics. For many, particularly Gen Z travelers, experiential travel is becoming a form of self-discovery and growth.
Culinary souvenirs are also gaining traction, with over two-thirds of respondents saying they would buy local kitchenware or pantry items to recreate travel memories at home. Craftsmanship, sustainability, and authenticity were cited as top motivations.
Road trips remain a cornerstone of leisure travel, but they’re evolving through digital tools and community features. Eighty-four percent of respondents said they would be open to carpooling during vacations, while more than half would use an app to connect with others on similar routes. AI-driven navigation is also gaining favor, with 65% willing to use it to design personalized, scenic routes.
Spirituality and astrology are influencing travel choices, too — 47% of travelers said they would alter or cancel plans based on astrological guidance, with some aligning travel around moon phases or solstices.
Wellness tourism continues to expand, now encompassing skincare and sleep optimization. Nearly 80% said they would book trips focused on skin health, and 72% expressed interest in hydration stations that adapt to local climates and physical activity levels.
Nature remains a strong draw: 43% of travelers plan to travel specifically to connect with the natural world, pursuing quiet outdoor experiences such as birdwatching, foraging, or fishing.
Nostalgia is also shaping travel motivations. Two-thirds of respondents said they want to recreate past memories by returning to meaningful destinations, while nearly half said revisiting familiar places helps them reconnect with loved ones or recapture youthful feelings.
Finally, travelers are redefining the concept of a “milestone trip.” Seventy-five percent now book getaways simply because they feel they deserve it, while others celebrate personal achievements such as new jobs, fitness goals, or sobriety milestones.
