Travel has always been personal, but in 2026, it becomes deeply individual. According to Booking.com’s 10th edition of Travel Predictions, next year’s travelers will abandon prepackaged holidays in favor of journeys that reflect who they truly are—what they love, dream, and desire. Every trip will become a mirror of identity, emotion, and imagination.

Escaping Into Fantasy

The rise of “Romantasy Retreats” will blur the line between fiction and reality. Travelers will immerse themselves in storybook worlds filled with castles, enchanted forests, and medieval feasts. Around 71% say they would visit destinations inspired by romantic fantasy tales, while over half would join themed role-play experiences based on their favorite books or films. Technology enhances the magic, with AI recommending fantasy-style stays or locations from movie scenes.

Homes of the Future

“Humanoid Homes” signal a leap in hospitality. Holiday houses equipped with robot assistants will cook, clean, and manage sustainability. Three in four travelers would book such futuristic stays, drawn by the mix of comfort, novelty, and innovation that transforms practicality into playful luxury.

Relationships on the Road

“Turbulence Tests” will turn travel into a compatibility experiment. Nearly 70% plan trips with potential partners or friends to test their dynamics under pressure. From role-swapping retreats to minimalist adventures, these journeys reveal how people connect, adapt, and collaborate.

Memories, Wellness, and Quiet Escapes

Travelers will chase nostalgia through “PastPorts,” revisiting places tied to personal memories using AI to retrace old photos. “Glow-cations” will center on customized wellness, using tech-driven treatments and circadian rhythm rooms for deep rejuvenation. At the same time, “Hushed Hobbies” will bring peace back into focus—birdwatching, foraging, and mindful silence replacing noise and speed.

A New Kind of Milestone

In 2026, travel becomes a form of self-expression. Two-thirds of people no longer need a reason to pack a bag—every trip can celebrate a promotion, a breakup, or simply a new hairstyle. As Booking.com notes, tomorrow’s journeys are not about where we go, but about who we become along the way.