How we'll travel in 2026: Survey reveals the latest shifts in tourism trends

Adventure travel company Explore Worldwide has released its forecast for travel trends expected to shape 2026, based on booking data and a survey of 2,000 Americans.

The findings point to growing interest in extended travel breaks, rail journeys and lesser-known destinations as travellers prioritize value and authentic experiences.

Micro-retirements gain momentum

According to a survey commissioned by Explore Worldwide and conducted by OnePoll, 80% of respondents are interested in taking an extended break within the next two years, with 41% saying they would take a sabbatical specifically to travel for one to three months. 

The company has also seen a 23% year-on-year increase in customers booking trips lasting more than eight days.

"We are seeing a real shift in how people are thinking about spending their time, and the results show that micro-retirements are not a far-off dream, but there is real demand for them right now," says Katy Rockett, Explore's regional director of North America.

The survey found that 34% of respondents would choose Europe for an extended trip, followed by North America (33%), Australia (16%) and Asia (15%).

Off-peak and under-the-radar destinations

Explore Worldwide's booking data shows travellers are increasingly seeking out less-crowded destinations and off-season travel periods. The company reports significant year-over-year booking increases for destinations including Laos (up 20%), Mongolia (up 64%), Estonia (up 58%), Georgia (up 45%) and Zimbabwe (up 89%) among North American travellers.

Rockett said: "We're also seeing lesser-known destinations and regions ranking high in bookings such as Colombia's Coffee Triangle, northern Laos, and inland Croatia all attracting interest."

Rail travel surges

Bookings for rail-based trips have increased 25% year-over-year at Explore Worldwide, with future rail bookings up 41% compared to 2024. 

The company's Japan rail itinerary saw a 42% year-over-year increase, while India's Kolkata to Amritsar journey increased 21%.

"We're seeing phenomenal growth in rail-based adventures, which is a clear reflection of the wider trend towards more sustainable and experiential forms of travel," Rockett continues. 

"Travellers want to slow down and take in more of the journey itself, and rail provides that sense of adventure and connection to the landscape that flights can't offer."

Eclipse tourism takes off

With a total solar eclipse set to cross mainland Europe in 2026 for the first time in nearly 30 years, Explore Worldwide reports strong demand for eclipse-related travel. 

The company's initial 2026 eclipse tours sold out between May and mid-July of this year.

Around 75% of bookings for Spain's eclipse tours come from UK travellers, while half of Iceland eclipse departures are from US travellers, according to the company. 

The average traveller age is 65, with solo travellers accounting for just over 40% of bookings.

"Explore's eclipse tours have proven to be incredibly popular this year," said Rockett. 

"The first set for 2026 tours went on sale in May of this year, and sold out by mid-July, showing a clear indication of how popular these experiences are."

Multi-generational travel growing

Explore Worldwide reports a 106% year-over-year increase in family adventure travel bookings from heading into 2026. 

The company says it's seeing more parents traveling with adult children, often covering costs for multi-generational trips.

"Families are willing to invest more than ever to keep family vacation experience alive, turning travel into a meaningful way to stay connected across generations, and this is also evident for Explore," shares Rockett. 

"We're seeing a really exciting shift in year-on-year sales of family adventure travel generally, up 106% heading into 2026 from the U.S. market."

Popular family destinations in the company's bookings include Egypt (up 72%), Belize (up 71%), the Maldives (up 69%), Sri Lanka (up 34%) and Botswana (up 24%).

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