Amadeus Unveils Travel Trends 2026, Showcasing the Future of Personalized, Pet-Friendly, and Technology-Driven Journeys: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 3, 2025

Transformative travel technology leader Amadeus has released its highly anticipated Travel Trends 2026, offering a comprehensive view of the forces set to reshape global travel in the coming year and beyond. In collaboration with renowned travel trends forecasting agency Globetrender, and leveraging Amadeus’ proprietary insights and data, the report identifies six major trends that will influence how travelers explore the world. From pet-inclusive journeys to AI-driven personalization, Travel Trends 2026 provides a roadmap for the evolving traveler experience.

Pet-Friendly Travel Becomes Mainstream

The rise of pet-conscious travel continues to gain momentum, with technology, legislation, and innovative services ensuring animals are treated as valued companions. According to Bloomberg, the global pet industry is projected to reach US$500 billion by 2030, while Shape Insight reports a surge in pet-inclusive travel. In a survey spanning the UK and USA, 27% of pet owners traveling with their pets in 2025 did so for the first time, underscoring a growing market for animal-friendly experiences.

Innovative carriers and destinations are responding. China Railway Express is piloting pet-friendly journeys on its busy Beijing-Shanghai route, while Italy’s ENAC has allowed medium and large dogs into passenger cabins under new regulations. Luxury travel is also adapting, with SkyePets introducing long-haul in-cabin flights between Australia and the US, and AKA Hotels launching the Canine Club as part of its loyalty program. Amadeus predicts 2026 as a turning point, where travel experiences will prioritize genuine care for furry companions.

Travel Mixology Redefines Planning

Modern travelers are increasingly adopting a hybrid approach to trip planning, a trend Amadeus calls Travel Mixology. Using a combination of Large Language Models (LLMs), social media platforms like Reddit and YouTube, and AI-powered brand assistants, travelers curate trips that balance efficiency with authenticity.

Next year, advanced tools will make this process seamless. Google Flight Deals, powered by Amadeus’ inventory, allows users to generate flight and destination recommendations simply by describing their desired vibe. Expedia’s Trip Matching translates Instagram reels into full itineraries with instant booking links. By 2026, Travel Mixology will define a new standard in trip planning, blending human creativity with machine intelligence to craft fully customized travel experiences.

Aircraft Innovation Shrinks the World

Advances in aviation are transforming long-haul travel, making distant destinations more accessible than ever. Airbus’ A321XLR, with an extended range of 700 nautical miles, will expand global connectivity in 2026, while carriers like IndiGo and Air Canada prepare new non-stop services linking previously underserved city pairs. Iberia will operate seven long-haul routes using extended-range narrowbody jets, and Qantas’ Project Sunrise will shorten Sydney-London and Sydney-New York journeys by up to four hours. With these innovations, second-tier cities and remote destinations will become realistic options for travelers seeking fresh experiences.

Pop Culture Experiences Drive Destination Appeal

The influence of cultural IP on tourism continues to grow. From the global success of Labubus to the economic impact of Netflix’s Bridgerton in Bath, immersive pop culture experiences are motivating travel. In 2026, destinations will increasingly leverage IP to create curated experiences, such as the Seoul Tourism Organization’s K-Pop Demon Hunters program, where visitors can engage in themed activities while exploring the city. Established fan events like San Diego Comic-Con also show growing demand, with international flight searches for 2026 up 9% compared to the previous year. Beyond single events, IP-led tourism is expected to expand into theme parks, hotels, and hospitality networks, providing travelers with interactive and culturally immersive journeys.

Personalization Takes Center Stage in Hospitality

Hotels are embracing technology to offer unprecedented levels of customization. Guests can now select everything from room amenities like Pilates equipment or wrap-around monitors, to precise location preferences within the property. Central Reservation Systems (CRS) such as Amadeus’ iHotelier are enabling this shift, allowing hotels to promote highly specific features as key selling points. The rise of Pick ‘n’ Stays reflects a broader trend where AI-driven personalization moves from a luxury option to a standard expectation. By 2026, travelers will demand rooms designed to their exact preferences, creating a new competitive edge for forward-thinking hoteliers.

Innovation Tourism Brings Tomorrow Today

The convergence of advanced technology and travel is creating entirely new experiences, often described as Innovation Tourism. From autonomous Chrome robots handling luggage to drones delivering 3D-printed meals in parks, forward-looking travelers can engage with the future firsthand. Cities such as Shenzhen are emerging as prime destinations, blending creativity, investment, and technological innovation, with flight searches in early 2026 up 48% year-on-year. Autonomous vehicles, AI wearables, and inter-species translation research signal a future where travel not only connects places but expands perspectives, offering novel encounters for the tech-curious traveler.

Amadeus’ Travel Trends 2026 paints a picture of a travel ecosystem that is increasingly personalized, interconnected, and driven by curiosity. From pet-friendly adventures to AI-enhanced planning, pop culture immersion, advanced aviation, and tech-enabled hospitality, next year promises journeys that are as thoughtful and innovative as they are memorable. For travelers and industry leaders alike, 2026 will be a year to explore the world in entirely new ways, where every trip is an opportunity to engage, connect, and experience the future today.