Like to keep up with the travel trends? Us too. That’s why we’ve scoured travel experts’ reports, including ones from the holiday geniuses over at ABTA, to find out what they think travel in 2026 will look like. Let’s dive in!
September is the new summer
Going on holiday during the peak of summer? Sooo 2025. Instead, jet-setters of all ages are leaving it to early autumn to visit their fave holiday hotspots and cities. With kids back in school and temps still lingering around mid-twenties in southern Europe, it’s easy to see why. September got your attention too? Read about the top spots for some September sunshine here.
Hotel hotlist
Long gone are the times when ‘we’re barely going to be in’ was the motto of choosing your holiday base. In 2026, it’s all about unique stays, trendy décor and hotels that you want to spend time in. Almost half of travellers even say they choose their destination based on hotels – are you among them? Then check out our guide to unique getaways or the most Insta-friendly hotels.
Travel together
For the second year running, family travel is on the rise. And we’re not talking just immediate family either – more like a massive villa and all generations together type of escape. Yep, going on holiday with your family is cool again – who would’ve thought?
Short-haul or long-haul?
Although Europe still remains the top choice for visitors across the globe, more and more travellers are choosing long-haul this year. Don’t fancy the tiring flights, jetlag and layovers yourself? We got you covered with these long-haul destination dupes across Europe.
Train travel
With slow travel taking the stage this year, it’s no wonder train travel is a growing trend too. The well-connected European rail map makes it super-easy to hop between cities and even countries, plus, it gives travellers a chance to wind down with a book or just watch the scenery change in front of them. Wondering where to start your own train travels? We’ve got the must-do trips lined up here…
Shelf shopping
Foodies, 2026 is going to shake things up for you too! It’s all about authentic experiences this year, but in a slightly different way than you might think… Dinners in family-run trattorias and seaside tavernas are still a big ‘yes’, but more and more travellers are looking for local foodie bits in… the supermarkets. Think Lays and Fanta Lemon, but on a whole other level! And while we’re on the topic of shopping, beauty travel is booming too. Inspired by trending skincare, Gen Z is all about French pharmacies, in-flight routines and browsing Duty Free! Shall we add in-flight shopping to the list too? Check out our latest onboard brochure here…
Up, up and… up!
Hiking, skiing or simply admiring, 2026 is another year for new heights with mountain travel peaking in popularity. Fresh air, postcard-perfect scenes of the mighty summits and dinky villages hiding between the meandering roads – it’s no wonder an escape above treetops is on everyone’s agenda. Choose your adventure in the Alps with our ski flights, or go for year-round destinations like Madeira or Morocco that boast lofty ranges too.
The top spots
The destinations everyone’s after this year? Salerno (a town near Naples and the Amalfi Coast) takes the crown with its quintessentially Italian charm, followed by lesser-known towns in Iceland, Morocco and Croatia. As for the best-value destinations, Cologne comes out on top with beautiful Bergen, Madeira and Murcia just behind.
Posted: 2nd Dec 2025.