Under the title “10 travel predictions for 2026 to guide you toward success,” Booking.com informs partner accommodations about the key trends identified by its research for the new year.
As it emphasizes, its research highlights an important shift: travel is now becoming fully personal. Travelers are actively rejecting conventional routes in search of experiences that truly reflect their passions, values and personal style.
This, the platform stresses, offers new opportunities for all types of accommodations to stand out by providing facilities and services that enhance individuality and self-expression.
Booking.com’s research, based on information from more than 29,000 travelers across 33 countries and regions, identifies 10 key trends redefining how people will explore the world and how hospitality businesses can serve them the way they want.
Here, then, are the 10 trends as described by Booking.com for partner accommodations:
1. Romantic fantasy escapes – attract guests into enchanting worlds
Stories are coming off the pages of books and entering the world of travel, with 71% of global travelers interested in visiting destinations inspired by romance and fantasy. From castles and forests to masquerade balls, guests are planning trips that allow them to live the magic they love.
53% of travelers would like to take a roleplaying getaway based on a favorite game, book, or fantasy movie.
Tip: Use impressive photos in your listing to attract more bookings. Showcase striking interiors, imaginative décor or beautiful landscapes to capture the imagination of those seeking romance- and fantasy-inspired escapes.
Artificial intelligence dominates the Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza
2. Humanoid Homes – offer vacation rentals with tech-first experiences
2026 is the year of tech-first vacations, and travelers are ready to choose futuristic homes where comfort meets curiosity. More than half (56%) would be interested in interacting with a robot host that cooks, cleans and serves drinks.
77% of travelers would like to book a home with robotic technology, while 25% want robots managing sustainability in the background.
Tip: Learn how to streamline your vacation rental operations using technology, and highlight smart home tech in your listing – services like contactless check-in/out, keyless entry and robotic cleaning devices.
Photo: shutterstock
3. Turbulence tests – create experiences that strengthen bonds
Travel is becoming the ultimate compatibility test for all types of relationships in the new year. 62% of travelers are determined to seek trips to remote locations, while 59% would take trips with serious budget, language or internet limitations to test adaptability and teamwork.
69% of travelers would like to take a trip with a potential partner, colleague or new friend specifically to see how well they “fit” together.
Tip: Ensure your room occupancy settings are accurate so guests can relax and focus on their blossoming relationships rather than room arrangements.
4. Shelf souvenirs – captivate food lovers who turn their kitchens into cultural displays
Travelers are moving away from traditional souvenirs like fridge magnets, with 68% focusing on purchasing designer cookware and handmade edible goods to decorate their shelves. 26% look for edible souvenirs to recall the destination whenever they cook.
55% of travelers would consider traveling to a destination known for its food products or cookware.
Tip: Learn how to prepare your kitchen for guests or follow the example of award-winning hotel owner Denitsa, who sources handmade chocolates as gifts to surprise and delight her guests.
5. Modern road trips – shared routes on the open road
Road trips are evolving from private journeys into shared, social experiences. 79% of travelers are drawn to more spontaneous and flexible road trips, while 54% are willing to use apps to find companions to share a route with, focusing on freedom and bonding.
84% of travelers are willing to car-share during their vacations.
Tip: Remove the hassle of searching for parking. Update your parking policies to make it easier for road-tripping travelers to identify and choose your accommodation.
6. Stellar destinations – promote stays guided by astrological influences
In 2026, astrology, moon phases and spiritual guidance will influence travel decisions. 43% of travelers would reconsider trips based on horoscope warnings. Nearly half (47%) are already thinking about spiritually themed routes to sacred places such as megalithic circles and ancient temples.
47% of travelers would consider changing or canceling plans if a spiritual advisor told them the timing was not right.
Tip: Attract astrology-interested travelers by offering amenities that encourage spiritual alignment and emotional balance, such as in-room wellness kits with sleep spray, essential oils or relaxing herbal teas.
7. Glow destinations – offer specialized skincare services
The wellness travel trend will shift from simple relaxation to vacations dedicated to “glow”. 75% of travelers are interested in suites with circadian lighting and soundscapes to improve rest and skin repair, while 71% would like body-movement analysis and personalized exercise programs.
80% of travelers are willing to book a special holiday package with multiple skincare treatments tailored to their personal needs.
Tip: Highlight amenities like spa and wellness centers or gyms in your listing to enhance the guest experience for Glow-cationers.
8. Quiet hobbies – design your space around peaceful activities
In 2026, travelers will seek calm and tranquility, choosing hobbies that allow deeper connection with nature. 69% would consider staying at a hotel where they could forage for food locally for their meals, while 25% would vacation specifically to pursue quiet hobbies.
43% of travelers would take trips specifically to feel closer to the natural world.
Tip: Add activities such as fishing, birdwatching and insect spotting to your listing to attract guests seeking quiet, relaxing outdoor moments.
9. Gates to the past – appeal to the power of nostalgic travel
Travelers will consider visiting places tied to their personal history, with 49% motivated by reliving memories with family or close friends. Technology is reinventing nostalgia, helping people trace their roots, enabling generations to share stories and allowing memories to be relived in new ways.
66% of travelers would consider recreating a memory or photo by using technology to find the exact location where it was taken and then traveling there.
Tip: Inspire guests to relive special moments by offering activities and experiences around local attractions and other meaningful locations.
Photo: shutterstock
10. Modern milestone missions – responding to spontaneous personal celebrations
Travel is no longer just for honeymoons or holiday seasons – people travel for any reason. From celebrating a new job (24%) to celebrating a breakup (14%), spontaneous travel is on the rise. In fact, 67% of travelers do not even need a reason to book a getaway.
75% of travelers justify vacation bookings simply because they have worked hard and deserve it.
Tip: Create last-minute offers to attract guests who want to travel on short notice. Sometimes the best adventures cannot be planned.
Get ready for 2026 with these travel predictions
In 2026, Booking.com concludes, travel will help people discover their true selves. By embracing these emerging travel trends, you can prepare your accommodation for success and attract guests who want to experience the world in their own unique way.
The Travel Predictions 2026 research was conducted by Booking.com on a sample of adults planning to travel for business or leisure in the next 12–24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents from 33 countries and regions were surveyed. Respondents completed an online survey in July and August 2025.
