KAYAK predicts wellness trips, emerging destinations to define 2026

KAYAK has released its 2026 "What the Future" report, identifying travel destinations and behaviours projected to shape the year ahead using billions of user search queries and survey data from 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travellers.

Cork, Ireland tops the list of emerging destinations, followed by Chongqing and Harbin in China.

The report indicates travellers are moving away from social media trending destinations, with 74 per cent of Gen Z and 72 per cent of Millennials preferring places not featured on their feeds.

"In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel, anticipating what travellers need before they ask and removing friction at every step. The future of travel isn't just smarter; it's more human and personalized, with technology enhancing the experience along the way," said Matthias Keller, chief product officer at KAYAK.

The report was developed in partnership with TikTok, incorporating social and cultural research alongside KAYAK executive interviews.

Emerging destinations show search growth

KAYAK's top 10 emerging destinations for 2026 are Cork, Ireland; Chongqing, China; Harbin, China; Zakynthos, Greece; Shenzhen, China; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Hilo, United States; Noumea, New Caledonia; La Romana, Dominican Republic; and Luxembourg.

The company reports that posts tagged #hiddengems rose more than 50% on TikTok last year.

Payment flexibility influences trip volume

Flexible payment options are affecting booking decisions, with 28 per cent of Gen Z and 26 per cent of Millennial travellers surveyed indicating that credit or installment plans will determine how many trips they take in 2026. 

KAYAK has introduced a buy now, pay later filter to its platform.

Event-driven travel dominates

The report finds 95 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial travellers plan to travel for a major event in 2026, whether sporting competitions, concerts, or festivals.

"TikTok is reshaping how people explore the world, and is home to a vibrant culture of search and discovery when it comes to planning travel – from flights, to hotels, to destinations, and beyond," said David Hoctor, vertical director of travel, global business solutions at TikTok. 

"KAYAK has identified a number of emerging travel behaviors that we are seeing play out in real-time on TikTok, from microtravel trips with friends, to 'gasp-away' dream vacations with their loved ones."

Wellness and AI shape travel planning

Mental health is driving travel decisions, with 67 per cent of surveyed travellers citing mental reset as their top reason for travelling. 

The report indicates 60 per cent plan to spend more on luxury trips in the future, while posts tagged #wellnesstravel rose 150 per cent in the TikTok community.

AI is influencing destination selection, with 55 per cent of those surveyed indicating they would change destinations if AI recommended a better option. 

Thirty-one percent say they trust AI recommendations because they pull advice from multiple sources, while 25 per cent say AI feels more accurate and current than recommendations from friends.

Small towns and shorter trips gain traction

The report finds 85 per cent of travellers prefer smaller towns for 2026 travel, citing expectations of lower prices, fewer crowds and more authenticity. 

Sixty-one percent of surveyed travellers plan several shorter trips in 2026 rather than longer vacations.

Posts tagged #weekendgetaways on TikTok rose more than 60 per cent, while #slowtravel posts increased nearly 330 per cent in 2025. 

Forty-six percent of surveyed travellers say slower travel provides mental clarity.

Activity preferences are shifting toward what KAYAK terms "soft adventures," with nearly one third of travellers choosing light adventure activities such as hiking, cycling, or paddleboarding combined with relaxation time. 

Posts tagged #glamping increased 20% on TikTok.

Natural phenomena are also influencing travel planning, with 60% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers indicating that natural wonders such as solar eclipses or meteor showers will guide their 2026 travel plans.

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