The next big thing isn’t a destination – it’s a mindset.
Travel in 2026 is about purpose. Whether you’re travelling to reconnect with family, rediscover yourself, expand your culinary knowledge or explore sustainably, your “why” matters as much as your “where”. Consider these five traveling trends before you choose your next destination:
- Slow down and live like a local
Swop busy itineraries for mindful ones with fewer stops, longer stays, and real connection. You want a holiday to feel like one…think two weeks in Tuscany, exploring by bike, or living like a local in Vietnam for a month. Travellers want to build memories, not just tick boxes – and we’re here for it!
- Purposeful travel
Trips are becoming more intentional – from multi-generational family holidays to couples travelling to reconnect, and even solo adventures that focus on wellness or creativity. Travel is now seen as a form of a self-investment.
- Culinary adventures and vegan-friendly travel
One of the great adventures in travel is discovering new dishes and flavours, which is why this year, food is no longer an afterthought. Culinary experiences are now a major draw card in luxury travel trends. Vegan tasting menus, organic wine pairings, and local food markets are leading the way.
- Off-season escapes
Avoiding the crowds is officially a smart move. Travellers are booking in shoulder seasons to get better deals, more space, and authentic experiences. Think Morocco in May or Italy in October.
- The road trip revival
The open road is back – only this time, it’s powered by sustainable travel. Expect self-drive adventures in places like Namibia, New Zealand, and Canada, where flexibility and discovery are the point.
Ready to go? Visit Pentravel for more information.
Article and images supplied by Elana Geist.
