US, France, Portugal, Brazil, Thailand and More Shape 2026 Travel Trends as Gen Z Drives Short Trips, Solo Journeys and Immersive Experiences – Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 18, 2025

In 2026, the US, France, Portugal, Brazil, Thailand and other global destinations are redefining travel as Gen Z prioritizes short international escapes, solo exploration and deeply immersive experiences. From fast cross-border city breaks and nature-focused retreats to hands-on food journeys and event-driven travel, younger travelers are reshaping how, why and where the world travels.

Global travel patterns are entering a decisive new phase, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by intensity, intention, and immersion. Travelers are no longer chasing distance alone; they are maximizing meaning, compressing timelines, and prioritizing experiences that feel personal, cultural, and transformative. From ultra-short international escapes to deep wilderness retreats and hands-on culinary journeys, the way people explore the world is changing rapidly.

A major force behind this shift is the growing influence of younger travelers, particularly Gen Z, who are redefining how and why trips are taken. Short international getaways lasting just one or two days are rising faster than traditional extended holidays. Social media–driven inspiration has normalized the idea of crossing borders for brief but high-energy experiences, turning long weekends into global adventures. Instead of slow beach breaks, these travelers are gravitating toward cities packed with music, nightlife, street culture, history, and bold local flavors. The goal is to extract maximum experience from minimal time away, often aligning trips around concerts, festivals, food scenes, or creative communities.

Urban destinations known for strong cultural identities, expressive art scenes, and social energy are seeing growing interest. Cities across Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean are drawing attention for their ability to deliver nightlife, cuisine, heritage, and community interaction in compact, walkable environments. These places reward curiosity quickly, allowing visitors to feel immersed almost immediately through street food, markets, local music, and neighborhood exploration.

At the same time, an opposite but equally powerful trend is unfolding. Travelers are actively disconnecting from cities to reconnect with nature. Interest in national parks and protected landscapes is accelerating, particularly in destinations that offer restorative scenery and accessible outdoor experiences. In the United States, milestone anniversaries tied to iconic parks are amplifying attention, while globally, regions near gorges, sanctuaries, and mountainous reserves are seeing growing demand.

Search behavior shows a clear pivot toward accommodations located near national parks, with solo travelers especially drawn to destinations that promise solitude, reflection, and physical renewal. Hiking, forest bathing, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives are among the most sought-after activities, reinforcing the appeal of slower, nature-based travel. Outdoor and nature experiences have become the most-booked category overall, signaling a broad desire to balance digital lives with grounded, physical environments.

Another defining feature of 2026 travel is the rise of “mainstage” tourism. Major global events are increasingly shaping travel calendars, with sporting tournaments, international festivals, and large-scale cultural celebrations acting as anchors for entire trips. Travelers are no longer content with attending an event and leaving; instead, they are building immersive journeys around these moments, extending stays and exploring surrounding regions. Tickets have effectively become travel catalysts, transforming concerts, competitions, and celebrations into once-in-a-lifetime global experiences.

Solo travel is also entering a new era. More travelers are choosing independence over companionship, driven by a growing emphasis on self-discovery, personal wellness, and flexibility. Rising destinations for solo travelers tend to share common traits: scenic beauty, calm pacing, strong local identity, and opportunities for reflection. Mountains, islands, coastal regions, and northern landscapes are particularly appealing, offering both adventure and introspection.

These solo journeys often blend physical activity with wellness practices. Travelers are pairing hikes with yoga, cold-water immersion, spa therapies, and creative pursuits. Small towns, alpine regions, coastal enclaves, and remote northern destinations are emerging as ideal settings for this style of travel, allowing individuals to reset mentally while remaining culturally engaged.

Food-focused travel is evolving in parallel. Culinary tourism in 2026 is becoming more participatory, shifting from passive dining to hands-on learning. Bakery workshops, cooking classes, and local food techniques are drawing strong interest, fueled by viral food content and a growing desire to understand cuisine from the inside out. Travelers are increasingly booking experiences that allow them to bake, cook, ferment, or prepare traditional dishes alongside locals.

Wine tourism is also expanding beyond well-known regions. Lesser-known and emerging wine destinations are gaining attention, particularly those offering intimate tastings, vineyard stays, and educational experiences. These regions appeal to travelers seeking authenticity, slower exploration, and a deeper connection to local agricultural traditions.

Across all these trends, one unifying theme stands out: travelers want depth over distance. Whether navigating a vibrant city in 48 hours, hiking through protected wilderness, traveling solo for reflection, or learning a recipe by hand, the focus is on experiences that feel real, grounded, and memorable. Scenic landscapes, strong local culture, and opportunities for active participation are becoming the key drivers of destination choice.

As 2026 approaches, travel is no longer about checking places off a list. It is about designing journeys that align with personal values, emotional needs, and creative curiosity. The destinations gaining momentum are those that invite travelers to engage fully, even if only for a short time, and leave with a lasting sense of connection rather than just photographs.