Already starting to plan vacations for next year?
Well, Priceline has released its 2026 Where to Next? Travel Trends Report which may be helpful in knowing which destination to visit.
According to Priceline research, travelers expect to spend an average of 15 days traveling for leisure in 2026 and increase travel budgets roughly $350.
“Travel in 2026 is a blend of impulse and intention. Priceline’s latest research reveals a shift toward more spontaneous trips, new regional exploration, and travelers who are increasingly steering their own journeys – from Gen Z revisiting nostalgic destinations to parents letting Gen Alpha lead the way,” shares Lesley Klein, SVP, Strategy and Brand Marketing.
Priceline’s 2026 Travel Trends
- Little Treat Travel: Travelers are turning small indulgences into big adventures, booking last minute getaways “just because.” Birthdays or long PTO stretches are no longer the only motivation for vacations. 65% of travelers, including Gen Z, say they’ve booked a trip purely as a treat to lift their spirits.
- Midwest Quests: The Midwest is getting more recognition with quirky attractions, charming small towns, and lively city centers. Sixty-three percent of travelers say they’re more interested in visiting the Midwest than they used to be, and it’s easy to see why. From Michigan’s lakeside escapes and Illinois’ Route 66 pit stops to Nebraska’s craft breweries and historic trails, the heartland’s mix of authenticity, affordability, and low-key cool is winning travelers over, one road trip at a time.
- DéjàView: Common among Millennials and Gen Z are trips that revisit places and experiences that shaped them, embracing their nostalgia era. Seventy-three percent of travelers say they’re drawn to trips that help them reconnect with their past and 82% of younger travelers can’t wait to return to childhood favorites. These trips could be family beaches, amusement parks, and hometown hangouts back on the rise, now with a grown-up twist.
- Expedition Beach: For 2026, the basic beaches are losing their touch as travelers swap out those vacations for jungle hikes, parasailing, jet skiing, and cliff diving. According to Priceline research,74% of travelers are seeking beaches that excite, not just relax. Expect a rise in exotic, adventure-ready coasts that deliver thrills, stories, and unforgettable memories far beyond the tan lines.
- Tailgate Tourism: College game days are becoming weekend-long adventures. Fans are packing their bags as college towns with top-ranked teams turn into must-visit destinations. Nearly two-thirds of travelers say they’d love to visit a college town, and 70% of Gen Z and Millennials would go just to feel the electric energy of game day.
- Kidfluence: The tiniest tastemakers are shaping where families go next. Vacations are no longer just a parental call. Eighty-seven percent of parents say their kids help choose and plan the trip. Fueled by curiosity, creativity, and a little screen-time inspiration, Gen Alpha is bringing fresh ideas to the family itinerary. From hotels that spark play to destinations that feel straight out of their favorite movies, family travel is getting a fun, next-generation upgrade.
- Dead Zoning: After years of blurred lines between work and play, travelers are hitting the reset button. A new wave of analog travelers is embracing extreme digital detoxing to bring back true work-life balance. Fifty-nine percent of travelers say they’re setting stronger boundaries with work during vacations and are choosing destinations that make unplugging effortless – often literally. For these travelers, recharging means powering down devices and finding the kind of quiet you can’t get from airplane mode.
“Travelers are rewriting the rules of vacationing and it’s clear they’re driven by emotion as much as exploration,” explains Christina Bennett, Priceline Consumer Travel Trends Expert. “From the rise of ‘Little Treat Travel’ to the nostalgia of ‘DéjàView,’ 2026 is about balance: finding both excitement and comfort in how and where we travel. The data shows that people aren’t waiting for the perfect time to go – they’re creating it.”
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