2026
Global
Travel
Trends

Travelers are taking invitations to destination weddings, family reunions, and milestone birthdays as a chance to make the trip their own.

Celebratory trips are filling up calendars this year. Two-thirds of global respondents (66%) plan to take a trip to celebrate a milestone for other people in 2026.

Many travelers are strategically planning to make the most of their time traveling — putting miles on milestones — with 82% of global respondents planning to build in buffer days surrounding the main celebration of their milestone trip.

Among Millennials and Gen Z surveyed who are extending a milestone trip, the top reasons include spending more quality time with family and friends (49%), exploring a new destination (45%), and experiencing the location how they want (46%).

Fun fact: Birthdays are the most popular reason (40%) for a milestone trip among Millennials and Gen Z surveyed.

Today’s travelers want more than just passive sightseeing — seeking out hands-on activities that help them connect more deeply with a place and its culture.

Whether it’s a tortilla-making class in Mexico City or a fragrance workshop in Paris, 79% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say that they’re likely to seek out local workshops or activities specific to the destination they’re visiting in 2026.

Beyond just interactive immersion, sight-doers are focused on experiences that leave a lasting impression — as 76% of global respondents believe the skills they gain on a trip remain with them longer than any material souvenir.

Millennials and Gen Z surveyed especially value engaging activities:

Today’s travelers aren’t just chasing destinations; they’re chasing stories.

Whether they’re seeking out once-in-a-lifetime activities or leaving room in their itineraries for spontaneity, travelers are embracing discovery and adventure in 2026 — especially to gain new "lore” from their trips.

87% of global respondents like to leave room in their itinerary for unexpected local discoveries. Additionally, 76% of global respondents say they’re likely to do something adventurous or outside their comfort zone while traveling, with Millennials and Gen Z surveyed even more likely to do so (86%).

As for how Millennial and Gen Z respondents achieve their “lore chasing,” 83% say that they prioritize unique, authentic experiences over popular tourist attractions. Of course, sharing their travels is part of their motivation, too — as 82% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say that they’re likely to do something completely out of the ordinary simply if it makes a good story.

On their next trip, Millennials and Gen Z surveyed want to try:

Nature and wildlife experiences

58%

Geological experiences

43%

Water adventures

42%

Travelers are zeroing in on the flavors that define a destination — seeking out local snacks, regional dishes, and the businesses that offer them.

While dining has always been central to travel, today’s travelers are accessing local flavors through smaller, more snackable ways.

89% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say it’s important to leave room in their itinerary to enjoy local snacks. 60% of global respondents surveyed either often or always purchase local snacks or food items specific to the destination they are visiting.

Key reasons that respondents cite for seeking out local foods on their travels include trying items not available at home (66%) and supporting local businesses (45%).

Global respondents turn to the following places to find local snacks while traveling:

Street food or food carts

69%

Bakeries

53%

Grocery stores

50%

While almost half (49%) of global respondents look to family and friend recommendations for food travel decisions, the Millennials and Gen Z surveyed are also relying on social media for inspiration.