Travel in 2026 Highlights Personalised Journeys and Hidden Gem Destinations

Published on December 29, 2025

Travel in 2026 will look markedly different as technology reshapes every stage of the journey, from planning to on‑site discovery, and as global connectivity expands access to destinations that were once under the radar. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) will become central to how trips are researched, booked and tailored, while travellers increasingly seek meaningful and personalised travel experiences that reflect personal priorities and passions. These shifts promise to make travel more efficient, more responsive to individual tastes and more adventurous in destination choice.

AI Starts in Planning and Extends Beyond Booking

Artificial intelligence will play an expanded role in planning and booking travel in 2026, supporting itinerary generation and recommendation engines that tailor trips to individual preferences. AI tools can now analyse vast data sets to help with itinerary planning, taking account of traveller interests and constraints, and suggesting experiences and routes aligned with those preferences. This trend stems from the broader adoption of AI in itinerary generation and personalisation, where itinerary tools analyse traveller choices to recommend destinations, activities, and even restaurants.

Government‑verified initiatives such as India’s Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) have already begun incorporating AI to offer real‑time, personalised travel suggestions and updates on weather, attractions and local cultural events, pointing to how national tourism bodies are adapting technology to enhance visitor planning and satisfaction.

AI’s influence also extends into safety and travel advisories: the technology can interpret alerts and advisories, enabling travellers to make travel decisions with real‑time risk awareness.

Personalised Travel Shapes How Trips Are Built

Beyond technology itself, how people plan trips in 2026 will reflect a shift toward personal expression. Data highlights that travellers are increasingly building trips around their identities and passions, rather than simply seeking to escape routine. Parts of this trend include budgeting for experiences that feel meaningful, such as multi‑generational family trips or adventure excursions tailored to internal values.

Search behaviour for 2026 indicates that travellers are not only choosing destinations but designing for purpose, exploring local markets, indulging in beauty or wellness rituals, or embarking on reading retreats, for example.

This mirrors broader industry data showing that travel in 2026 is expected to centre on personalised experiences that resonate with travellers’ identities, interests, and aspirations.

Global Connectivity Widens Travel Horizons

Expanding global connectivity will also shape travel in 2026. Airlines are increasing international capacity and introducing new direct routes, particularly in regions like the Asia‑Pacific, Middle East, and Latin America, making remote or emerging destinations more accessible than before.

This increase in flight options is enabling travellers to explore niche, cultural, and less crowded locations that have previously been difficult to reach. In 2026, search data shows rising interest in diverse locations such as Eastern Europe’s Prague, Sofia, and Kraków, cities gaining traction due to affordability, cultural appeal and reduced congestion compared with traditional European hotspots.

Emerging Hidden Gems and Off‑Radar Experiences

As travellers look beyond familiar itineraries, lesser‑visited places are becoming increasingly attractive. Emerging destinations, including those with cultural depth and unique experiences, gain attention as travellers seek fresh perspectives instead of the traditional bucket list approach.

Alongside destination choice, travellers are also seeking experiences that go deeper than sightseeing. Trends like noctourism, exploring locations after dark for night sky experiences, lantern festivals, or wildlife encounters, reflect a desire to connect with environments in different ways.

These patterns demonstrate that exploration in 2026 will blend technology and curiosity, with travellers using digital tools to plan complex, personalised journeys to places that match their interests, whether in nature, culture, or local community engagement.

Technology Enables Seamless Travel Execution

Technology’s role doesn’t stop at planning and booking. Contactless services, mobile check‑in, virtual tours and other digital tools continue to streamline travel at every touchpoint. Travellers expect devices and platforms that make processes more efficient and integrated, from airports to accommodations.

Airport and hotel ecosystems are evolving with these expectations, embracing digital keys, app‑based services and seamless check‑in experiences as part of the travel continuum.

Travel in 2026 Centres on Smarter Planning and Discovery

Travel in 2026 marks a significant shift as AI planning, personalisation and global connectivity converge to redefine how journeys start, unfold and resonate. Travellers will tap AI tools early in trip planning and continue to rely on connected digital services throughout their experiences. Emerging destinations that feel authentic and unique will rise in popularity as global flight access expands and travellers seek experiences that align with their individual identities. The combination of intelligent planning and adventurous exploration will characterise travel in 2026 as both deeply personal and widely accessible.