6 travel trends that could redefine how we travel in 2026

6 Travel Trends That Could Transform How We Explore the World in 2026

Travel in 2026 is set to look radically different from the rigid itineraries and highlight-reel holidays of the past. According to British Airways Holidays’ 2026 Travel Trends Report, travellers are rethinking not just where they go, but how and why they travel. Developed in collaboration with leading travel forecasting agency Globetrender, the report draws on in-depth research, interviews, and booking insights to spotlight six emerging trends shaping travel behaviour next year. From clock-free journeys to retro-inspired escapes, here’s what’s driving the future of travel.

Forget alarms and itineraries. Chronocations are all about travelling in sync with your natural rhythm—sleeping, eating, and exploring whenever it feels right. As debates around daylight-saving time resurface in 2026, travellers are using holidays to reset their internal clocks. Morning raves, late-night excursions, and time-fluid days reflect a growing rejection of rigid schedules, with nearly one in five UK travellers already choosing to ignore the clock entirely.

Body confidence and self-acceptance are becoming central to the travel experience. British Airways Holidays’ data shows many UK travellers feel more comfortable in their own skin abroad than at home. From Japanese onsens and Turkish hammams to European sauna cultures, travellers are shedding social-media perfection and embracing experiences that promote mindfulness, movement, and genuine relaxation—free from judgement or filters.

Theme parks are entering a new era. In 2026, streaming platforms and gaming giants are transforming digital worlds into immersive, tech-driven attractions. With over a third of UK travellers keen to step inside their favourite shows or games, experiences like Netflix House, mixed-reality parks in China, and Minecraft attractions in the UK and US are blurring the line between entertainment and travel—turning fandom into full-scale holidays.

Despite ongoing cost pressures, travellers aren’t giving up on great holidays—they’re getting smarter about them. Loyalty schemes are powering the “Valueverse,” where points unlock not just flight upgrades but concerts, tech, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Younger travellers are redefining luxury, choosing personal value over tradition—whether that means redeeming points for festival tickets or premium gadgets instead of business-class seats.

True relaxation goes beyond switching off. As sleep deprivation increasingly affects mental wellbeing, travellers in 2026 are seeking holidays designed to actively restore cognitive balance. Neurosurfing focuses on curated experiences—like breathwork, meditation, and movement—that guide the brain into restorative states. These wellness-led stays aim to deliver deeper calm than passive digital detoxes or fly-and-flop breaks ever could.

In a landscape of sameness, travellers are looking backwards for authenticity. Nearly half of UK travellers say vintage or retro experiences help them connect more deeply with destinations. Vintage Junkets celebrate flea markets, old cinemas, analog rituals, and pre-loved finds—often driven not by nostalgia, but anemoia: a longing for eras never lived. It’s about discovery, surprise, and stepping into something delightfully different.

Travel in 2026 is less about ticking boxes and more about tuning in—to your body, your values, and your curiosity. And British Airways Holidays’ latest report makes one thing clear: the future of travel is personal, playful, and refreshingly human.