Priceline has published its 2026 Where to Next? Travel Trends Report, surveying travelers and analyzing booking data to identify seven emerging travel trends for the year ahead.
“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,” Lesley Klein, SVP, Strategy and Brand Marketing, Priceline, said in a statement.
“Combined with the growing role of AI-powered planning, these trends point to a traveler who’s changing the playbook on how, when, and why they go.”
Little Treat Travel
According to Priceline, 2026 will see more travelers turn small indulgences into big adventures, with many Americans booking last-minute getaways for no particular occasion. Hence the phrase “little treat travel.”Midwest Quests
Interest in exploring the Midwest is on the rise thanks to the region’s quirky attractions, charming small towns, and bustling big cities. Priceline found that 63 percent of travelers say they’re more interested in visiting the Midwest than they used to be.
DéjàView
Priceline also identified the DéjàView as one to watch for 2026, with many Millennial and Gen Z travelers “turning nostalgia into their next itinerary.”Seventy-three percent of travelers surveyed indicated that they’re drawn to trips that help them reconnect with their past. What’s more, 82 percent of younger travelers can’t wait to return to childhood favorites.
Expedition Beach
It’s anticipated that travelers will add some more adrenaline-pumping adventures to their beach vacations in the year to come. According to Priceline’s research, three-quarters of travelers (74 percent) are seeking beaches that excite rather than just relax.Tailgate Tourism
College towns across the U.S. are gaining momentum as they become must-visit destinations for tailgating premier football matchups in addition to the events and experiences that surround them, from live music to mouthwatering food.Kidfluence
When it comes to family getaways, kids are gaining more influence. Eighty-seven percent of surveyed parents say their kids help choose and plan the trip.Dead Zoning
Expect travelers to truly embrace digital detoxing in 2026, trading in Slack messages and Zoom calls for a real break from the day-to-day grind.Priceline found that nearly six in 10 travelers (59 percent) say they’re setting stronger boundaries with work during vacations and are choosing destinations that make unplugging easy.
“Travelers are rewriting the rules of vacationing and it’s clear they’re driven by emotion as much as exploration,” Christina Bennett, Priceline Consumer Travel Trends Expert, said in a statement. “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,” said Bennett.
