Expedia data shows travellers booking closer to departure in 2026

New first-party search data from Expedia Group covering January through March 2026 points to a shift in traveller behaviour: booking windows are getting shorter.

According to the latest figures, global searches in the 7–13-day booking window increased 25 per cent year over year, signalling that more travellers are making plans much closer to departure than they were just a year ago.

The trend is especially pronounced across several key regions. Latin America recorded the strongest growth in short-term searches at 30 per cent year over year, followed by North America and APAC, both up 25 per cent.

At the same time, major events are continuing to influence travel demand in real time.

Searches tied to this summer’s major soccer tournament rose 10 per cent year over year for travel to the U.S. and Canada, while searches to Mexico increased 15 per cent.

The data highlights a travel landscape that is becoming increasingly dynamic and less predictable.

Rather than following fixed planning cycles, travellers are responding to timely events, regional disruptions and changing confidence levels when deciding when to book.

Challenges & opportunities

For travel advisors and agencies, the shift creates both challenges and opportunities.

Shorter booking windows leave less time to convert interest into sales, making speed, pricing and inventory access more important than ever.

Agencies that can respond quickly with competitive rates, flexible options and broad supply are likely to be best positioned to capture last-minute demand as traveller behaviour continues to evolve throughout 2026.

Travel planning is becoming more flexible, with many clients waiting longer to book and responding more directly to events, pricing and changing circumstances,” said Robin Lawther, VP of Expedia TAAP and business development, in a statement.

“For travel agents, this creates a clear opportunity to add value in the moment—especially given Expedia TAAP’s strength in supporting last-minute demand—helping clients move quickly, navigate choice confidently and secure the right trip even on a shorter booking window.”

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