2026 Travel Trends: Insights from Travel Creators Who Have Been There

Out of Town Blog

2026 Travel Trends: Insights from Travel Creators Who Have Been There

As 2026 progresses, travelers are reshaping their ideas of a great getaway. Instead of rushing to fit in trips, many focus on creating intentional and meaningful experiences. This subtle shift is something experienced travelers have quietly adopted.

Family Travel Inspires Stronger Connections

According to Intrepid Travel, family travel has increased by 87% over the past year as more families seek to disconnect from screens and reconnect through shared experiences.

More than just a trend, Patty Laurel-Filart embraces slow travel with her family to strengthen bonds and stay connected. By planning holidays well in advance, she creates relaxed and meaningful experiences where they deepen their understanding of each other, whether exploring Copenhagen’s quiet streets or visiting Germany’s Christmas markets. As multigenerational travel is projected to increase in 2026, Patty’s approach shows that mindful, experience-focused travel is the modern way for families to enjoy quality time together.

Grocery Tourism Could be the Next Big Hit

As a value-conscious traveler, Jax Reyes welcomes the new year by creating itineraries that help him save money without missing out on adventures. Besides watching for major seat sales and seeking the best deals, he enjoys local experiences like grocery store visits to engage with culture affordably. By choosing neighborhood shops and eateries instead of touristy restaurants, he experiences Colombia’s daily culinary traditions in a unique way.

For the Practical and Adventurous Type: Two-wheeled Traveling

Travelers today seek trips that push their boundaries yet also provide time for rest and reflection. Xzar Lim embodies this approach, organizing a solo trip through Central Asia and then traveling overland across South Africa. She prepares by arranging visas, planning routes, and budgeting for surprises, switching between bikepacking and backpacking to shape her experiences.

This thoughtful approach shows a wider change in travel trends. As highlighted in Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, road trips are experiencing a resurgence, with the hashtag #RoadTrip gathering over 5.9 million tags worldwide. This rise is fueled by travelers seeking freedom, flexibility, and budget-friendly adventures. In fact, 60% of surveyed travelers would prefer to drive to cut costs. This matches Xzar’s goal of facilitating meaningful travel experiences focused on being mindful, adaptable, and personalized.

More Daytime and Sober Nightlife are In

Younger travelers now prioritize connection through food, local communities, and heritage rather than nightlife that makes waking up difficult. Khrystelle Luha, known as The Travelling Morena, also favors this “dry tourism,” reflecting a broader generational trend where 77% of Gen Z prefer alcohol-free holidays, focusing on safety and meaningful experiences.

Hotels now offer quality non-alcoholic choices and curated experiences, such as minibar drinks and juice pairings at Michelin-starred restaurants. For Khrystelle, mindful travel is not just about drinking less; it is also about building deeper connections, immersing in local culture, and making the most of every moment.

As Travel Experiences Grow, So Should Your Protection

Experienced travel creators like Patty Laurel-Filart, Jax Reyes, Xzar Lim, and Khrystelle Luha see each trip as a chance to turn detailed planning into memorable, meaningful moments. They rely on AXA Smart Traveller, which offers coverage of up to P3.5M for accidents and an additional P3.5M for unexpected illnesses abroad, allowing them to enjoy their journeys without concern.

Supported by AXA, a global insurance leader, Smart Traveller is Schengen-accredited and can be purchased online the same day. It offers cheaper group plan options and annual multi-trip coverage, plus 24/7 travel assistance, so you can travel confidently wherever life leads. As these creators always remind their communities, big moments deserve big protection. With AXA, know you can rely on protection that lets you focus on the journey, not the risks.

For more information on AXA Smart Traveller, visit www.axa.com.ph

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Read: How travel can help with your child’s development

2026 Travel Trends: Insights from Travel Creators Who Have Been There

Melo Villareal

Out of Town Blog

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