7 Travel Trends Shaping How (and Why) We’ll Travel in 2026
From historically-significant stays to sports tourism and "read-aways," we're exploring the emerging trends that are informing travel for the year to come. Image: Donald Page / Tennessee Titans
Travel today is less about checking boxes and more about intention — why we travel, where we stay, and what kind of memories we want to bring home. From sustainability-driven destinations to sports tourism and even book club-inspired experiences, these travel trends reveal how travelers are defining what a “good trip” looks like in 2026.
Salvage Stays: Where History Is Part of the Experience
Why stay somewhere generic when you can sleep inside a piece of history? Enter the rise of salvage stays: hotels and accommodations created by transforming old structures — water towers, factories, train depots, even grain silos — into thoughtfully designed places to stay.
These adaptive-reuse properties appeal to travelers who want more than just a place to rest their heads. Staying in a reimagined landmark allows guests to quite literally “eat history,” whether that means dining in a former industrial space or hearing the building’s story over cocktails in the lobby.
Sports Tourism: The Game Is Just the Beginning
Sports tourism is no longer a niche; it’s a powerful economic engine. Global sports tourism spending is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032, with Gen Z and Millennials (ages 16–34) leading the charge.
Most sports travelers stay two to six days in each destination, using the event as a centerpiece while building full itineraries around dining, attractions, and local culture. Droves of fans travel domestically and internationally for sporting events, often to see teams play in their home stadiums. And the stadiums themselves are transforming into multi-faceted entertainment venues with swankier amenities.
Even fans without tickets are getting in on the action, traveling to host cities to soak up the energy in fan zones. The game may be the reason for the trip, but the destination experience is what makes it memorable.
Notably, many cities across the US — including Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston — are preparing to host FIFA World Cup games and fan festivities, expected to draw millions of international visitors throughout the tournament.
An Ongoing All-Inclusive Resurgence
All-inclusive resorts continue to garner lots of attention, and Millennials are driving the resurgence. But today’s all-inclusives look very different from the one-size-fits-all versions of the past. The modern appeal lies in curated, “stay and play” experiences designed for multi-day trips that blend relaxation, activities, and dining into one seamless package.
For travelers juggling busy schedules, all-inclusives remove decision fatigue while still delivering memorable experiences, whether that’s wellness programming, adventure excursions, or elevated culinary offerings. The renewed interest signals a desire for simplicity without sacrificing quality, especially for longer, restorative getaways.
Read-Aways: Vacations Built Around Disconnecting
In a world of constant notifications, read-aways are emerging as the antidote. These trips prioritize slowing down, unplugging, and immersing oneself in a destination with a book — or an entire book club — in tow.
Whether it’s a solo trip with a carefully curated reading list or a group getaway centered around shared literary discussions, “read-aways” reflect a love of reading and a broader craving for intentional rest. Cozy accommodations, quiet scenery, and low-pressure itineraries are key, allowing travelers to engage deeply with both the destination and what’s on the page.
And of course, you don’t need to be a book lover to benefit from an “unplugged” vacation. Check out our recent roundup of fabulous digital detox destinations around the South.
Sustainability Gets Smarter
Sustainability has moved beyond buzzwords and into practical decision-making. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing destinations that balance tourism with environmental responsibility — a shift some industry experts refer to as a “smart travel health check.” Instead of just asking Where do I want to go?, travelers are now asking, Can I visit this place without harming what makes it special?
Think coastal destinations focused on protecting fragile beach ecosystems and landlocked cities investing heavily in green spaces and public transportation. The takeaway? Sustainability isn’t just for remote eco-lodges anymore — it’s influencing mainstream travel choices across the country.
Farm Charm: Simple, Hands-On Travel
Travelers are increasingly trading city skylines for open fields. Farm-centric trips, whether staying on working farms or nearby rural accommodations, have surged as people seek hands-on experiences that feel grounding and authentic.
Feeding animals, picking apples, learning about sustainable agriculture, or simply enjoying slower mornings have become major draws. These trips appeal to families, couples, and solo travelers alike, offering a refreshing blend of education, nostalgia, and nature — and a chance to reconnect with where our food and traditions come from.
Hotel Hopping: One Trip, Multiple Perspectives
For some ambitious travelers, the days of booking one hotel and staying put for an entire trip may be fading. Instead, folks are embracing the idea of “hotel hopping” — splitting a trip between multiple properties to take in different neighborhoods, vibes, and experiences.
This approach allows visitors to maximize their time, whether that means starting in a walkable downtown hotel before moving closer to the beach, or pairing a boutique stay with a resort experience. For travelers who see accommodations as part of the adventure rather than just a necessity, hotel hopping offers flexibility, variety, and a more intimate sense of the destination.
Together, these trends point to a clear theme: travelers are looking for flexibility, meaning, and connection — to history, to place, to people, and even to themselves. Whether that means choosing a destination that’s doing sustainability right or planning a trip around a once-in-a-lifetime sporting event like the World Cup, today’s travel is about intentional experiences that make a lasting impression.
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 13 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.