Top 10 Travel Trends in 2026: When Mystery and Technology Become the Heart of Young Travelers Trips

Examining 10 travel trends for 2026 from a survey of over 29,000 travelers reveals that Thai tourists focus on visiting romantic fantasy novel-inspired sites, using AI and robots in accommodations, alongside a rising trend of relationship-testing trips.

Booking.com released a 2026 travel trend forecast based on a survey of more than 29,000 participants from 33 countries. It found that Thai travelers are shifting toward a more individualistic era, with AI technology and niche interests like fantasy novels and astrology playing key roles in destination choices.

1. Traveling Following Romantic Fantasy Novels (Romantasy Retreats)

The popularity of romantasy—romantic fantasy novels blending love with fantasy worlds—clearly influences travel preferences.

• 91% of Thai travelers are interested in visiting places inspired by these novels.
• 81% are willing to participate in role-playing activities based on favorite games or movies.
• 92% welcome AI recommendations for accommodations or filming locations that offer a fairy tale atmosphere.

2. Futuristic Smart Homes (Humanoid Homes)

Vacation homes will become more advanced with robotic technologies.

• 94% of Thais are open to booking homes equipped with robotic systems.
• 50% are interested in cleaning robots, and 33% are excited about robot chefs.
• 26% want robots to manage sustainability aspects within accommodations.

3. Relationship Compatibility Trips (Turbulence Test)

Travel will serve as a test of relationships with partners, friends, or colleagues.

• 92% of Thai travelers use trips to assess compatibility.
• 88% choose remote destinations to observe how companions handle difficult situations.
• 85% are interested in role-reversal trips where introverted individuals lead the group.

4. Souvenirs Focused on Design and Practical Use (Shelf-ie Souvenirs)

Souvenirs are shifting from typical collectibles to kitchenware or home decor items.

• 87% of Thais choose to buy kitchenware or ingredients with distinctive designs during trips.
• 77% consider destinations known specifically for kitchen products.
• 41% view local kitchenware as reflecting craftsmanship and sustainability.

5. A New Version of Road Trips (Roadtrip Rewired)

Road trips will emphasize openness to new experiences and meeting unfamiliar travel companions.

• 95% of Thai travelers are open to carpooling.
• 92% enjoy road trips that allow them to meet new people.
• 79% of Gen Z are open to driverless cars or AI-planned routes.

6. Astrology-Guided Trips (Destined-ations)

Mysticism and astrology have become new guides for travel decisions:

• 72% of Thais are willing to alter or cancel plans if astrologers advise it is not the right time.
• 58% adjust plans during Mercury Retrograde periods.
• 65% of Gen Z are particularly interested in spiritual-search travel.

7. Skincare-Focused Trips (Glow-cations)

Health tourism will focus on advanced skincare technology:

• 91% of Thais are interested in trips emphasizing skin health.
• 85% are attracted to smart mirrors that analyze pores and hydration.
• 90% are interested in accommodations designed to enhance sleep quality for skin rejuvenation.

8. Quiet, Restorative Activities (Hushed Hobbies)

Travelers seek peace and nature to restore their minds.

• 54% of Thais plan to relax in natural environments.
• 91% want stays where they can forage wild food for cooking.
• 84% want to try insect-watching activities, and 87% are interested in fishing or birdwatching.

9. Memory-Trace Passports (PastPorts)

Technology will be used to revisit meaningful past moments.

• 91% of Thais want technology to locate remembered places for revisits.
• 55% want to travel to places that make them feel like a child again.
• 36% use travel to understand and let go of difficult past times.

10. New-Style Success Celebration Trips (Modern Milestone Missions)

Travel is no longer reserved for weddings or anniversaries but for personal achievement celebrations.

• 87% of Thai travelers view travel as a reward for hard work.
• 24% travel to celebrate a new job or promotion, and 15% after ending a relationship.
• 23% travel to celebrate health achievements such as quitting alcohol or body transformation.

Travel trends in 2026 reveal that travelers seek not just relaxation but experiences that are "personally tailored" and "reflect identity," with AI technology playing a key role in making complex travel plans easy and accessible.