The festive season is a prime time for holiday planning, with many travel companies offering significant deals. To help combat the post-Christmas slump, travel expert Lauren Taylor has identified five emerging trends predicted to shape getaways in 2026, offering fresh inspiration for your next trip.
Reaching for the Stars: The Rise of Astro-Tourism
Move over mountain vistas; the new frontier for breathtaking views is the night sky. Growing interest in celestial events, fuelled by recent aurora and lunar eclipse sightings across the UK, is driving a surge in astro-tourism. All eyes are now on the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
Prime dark sky destinations include Chile's Atacama Desert, New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve, and Utah in the US, which is home to 26 International Dark Sky Parks. Demand is so high that tour operator Intrepid has already sold out its Solar Eclipse Tours in Spain for 2026, and has doubled capacity for similar trips to Egypt in 2027 due to overwhelming interest.
"Astro-tourism allows people to connect with nature at a time when the world feels more online than ever," says Joanna Reeve, UK director at Intrepid. "Many find it peaceful to view how small we are in connection to the rest of the universe." She adds that it benefits remote communities by bringing tourism to less-polluted, darker-skied regions.
Seeking Meaning and Memories
Two other powerful trends are shaping how travellers choose their experiences: a yearning for nostalgia and a desire for authentic community connection.
Nostalgic travel sees holidaymakers seeking to recreate cherished childhood memories, from classic British seaside resorts to adventures that rekindle a sense of wonder. James Turner, founder of 360 Private Travel, notes clients are drawn to trips that spark that childhood feeling, whether it's sleeping in a treehouse or a cowboy adventure. "Nostalgia is something that I think will continue to be a big influence," he says, linking it to deep emotion and life's simpler pleasures.
Simultaneously, travellers are swapping crowded hotspots for genuine cultural immersion. Tour operator Timbuktu Travel reports bookings for community-focused trips have doubled compared to 2025. Co-founder Johnny Prince states people are no longer content just ticking off landmarks seen online. "We're finding that people are looking for travel experiences that feel genuinely meaningful," he explains, citing examples like learning ancient weaving techniques in the Andes or sleeping out in the Kalahari with local families.
The Solo Surge and Conscious Choices
Whether by choice or circumstance, solo travel is booming. Insurance firm True Traveller reports a steady rise in solo policyholders across all ages. Managing director Tim Riley says travellers are increasingly confident alone, with destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Japan leading the charge for solo explorers.
Even cruising is adapting. Riviera Travel notes solo travellers now account for almost 13% of all bookings, with 64% of them choosing itineraries designed exclusively for solo guests. Demand is so strong the firm is launching a ship specifically for solo travellers in 2027.
Finally, over-tourism is critically influencing decisions. Research by Intrepid reveals 44% of Brits have had a destination choice affected by over-tourism—almost double the 2022 figure. This awareness is shifting travel patterns, with bookings to southern Europe in peak summer softening by 15%, while quieter shoulder seasons like May and October grow in popularity. In response, operators are expanding offerings in emerging destinations such as Bosnia, Romania, and Albania.
