From Glowmads to Bookbound! The Wild New 2026 Travel Trends That Are About to Take Over Your Life and Your Feed

From Glowmads to Bookbound, the wild new 2026 travel trends are about to take over your life and your feed in ways you never imagined. These exciting 2026 travel trends reveal how the world of travel is evolving into something more personal, emotional, and unforgettable.

From Glowmads who chase global beauty rituals to Bookbound travellers finding inspiration in literature and libraries, the year 2026 will redefine how we explore and connect. Travel is no longer just about destinations—it’s about self-expression, discovery, and purpose. As Glowmads and Bookbound adventurers transform travel into an art form, this new wave of wanderlust will dominate social media feeds and reshape the way we journey forever. The wild new 2026 travel trends are more than predictions—they’re a movement. Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story to discover how these groundbreaking trends will change your travel life.

Skyscanner unveils 2026 travel trends that redefine how the world will explore, experience, and connect in the year ahead. The global travel giant’s Travel Trends 2026 report highlights seven groundbreaking trends — Glowmads, Shelf Discovery, Altitude Shift, Bookbound, Catching Flights and Feelings, Family Miles, and Destination Check-in — set to reshape the way travellers plan their journeys. These 2026 travel trends reflect how global travel is becoming more personal, purposeful, and connected than ever before. Skyscanner’s insights reveal that travellers are now prioritising value, emotion, and meaning over distance and cost. Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore these trends shaping the future of global travel.

Skyscanner 2026 Report Highlights a New Era of Personalised Travel

Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report signals a shift towards a more meaningful and individualised approach to travel. As travellers enter 2026, they are crafting trips that reflect their identities, passions, and priorities. The research shows that rising living costs have encouraged people to choose experiences that feel truly “worth it.” Each trip is now guided by emotion, curiosity, and connection. From beauty-inspired journeys to literature-led escapes, travellers are moving beyond traditional sightseeing to self-expression. The future of travel, Skyscanner notes, is deeply personal — shaped by inner desires, cultural discovery, and purpose-driven adventures that align with one’s lifestyle and values.

Glowmads: Beauty Culture Becomes the New Passport

In 2026, the Glowmads trend takes beauty beyond vanity and into the heart of travel. Skyscanner’s data reveals that 33% of global travellers want to experience local beauty culture, while 20% admit to being influenced by TikTok and social media when choosing destinations. Beauty rituals are now travel itineraries. Travellers are visiting Seoul’s skincare boutiques, Tokyo’s minimalist wellness spas, and Paris’s luxury perfumeries. In-flight skincare routines, spa retreats, and iconic local beauty stores are becoming key experiences. Glowmads are proving that beauty and travel are intertwined — transforming self-care into a journey and turning global beauty culture into a new form of exploration.

Shelf Discovery: Supermarkets Become the New Culinary Hotspots

Shelf Discovery redefines culinary travel by shifting focus from Michelin stars to supermarket shelves. According to Skyscanner’s 2026 travel report, 35% of global travellers now plan to explore local grocery stores during their holidays. This trend is about authenticity and curiosity — “eating like a local” by discovering snacks, flavours, and everyday foods that define a culture. Travellers are trading five-course meals for Tokyo vending machines, Icelandic geothermal-baked bread, and Mexican market treats. The supermarket safari offers cultural depth at low cost. Shelf Discovery celebrates the world’s food diversity and shows how a humble snack aisle can tell a nation’s story.

Altitude Shift: The Rise of Year-Round Mountain Escapes

Skyscanner identifies “Altitude Shift” as a defining 2026 travel trend, with over 76% of travellers considering a mountain escape during summer or autumn. Mountains are no longer reserved for winter skiing — they have become sanctuaries of peace and mindfulness. From the Dolomites to the Canadian Rockies and Nepal’s Annapurna range, travellers are heading upwards for serenity. Skyscanner reports a 103% year-on-year increase in hotel bookings using its “Room with a mountain view” filter. This proves travellers are seeking elevation both physically and mentally. Altitude Shift captures the desire to disconnect, find stillness, and embrace nature’s calm — at new heights.

Bookbound: Literature Inspires Journeys of the Imagination

Bookbound travel is redefining how people explore the world through the written word. Skyscanner’s data shows that 57% of travellers have booked or would consider a trip inspired by literature. From retracing the paths of classic characters to joining reading retreats, travellers are merging fiction with reality. The use of Skyscanner’s “library” filter for hotel bookings is up 70% globally, revealing a growing desire for spaces that inspire reflection. Bookbound travellers are discovering destinations through novels, poetry, and bookshops, transforming reading into an act of travel itself. Literature becomes a map, guiding explorers through the worlds imagined on paper.

Catching Flights and Feelings: Travel Meets Connection

Skyscanner’s report highlights that 55% of travellers have travelled or considered travelling overseas to meet new people — whether for friendship, love, or adventure. This trend, named “Catching Flights and Feelings,” captures a growing shift in how people use travel to form real-world connections. The data reveals an 83% increase in bookings using the “solo” filter on Skyscanner, showing a rise in independent but socially motivated travel. As online dating and remote work reshape lifestyles, travellers are replacing digital swipes with spontaneous meetings abroad. Catching Flights and Feelings reflects a world hungry for human interaction, romance, and friendship on the move.

Family Miles: Reconnecting Across Generations

Family Miles is bringing families back together through shared travel. Skyscanner’s research finds that 31% of global travellers plan to journey with their families in 2026, many choosing multi-generational holidays. Parents, children, and grandparents are travelling together not just to save costs, but to create lasting memories. Younger adults living at home are helping to shape these plans, choosing destinations that blend affordability with connection. From large villas in Europe to road trips across the US, families are rediscovering togetherness through travel. Family Miles symbolises how travel has become an emotional bridge — connecting generations through shared experiences and stories.

Destination Check-In: Hotels Become the Main Event

According to Skyscanner’s report, nearly 29% of global travellers will choose their destinations based on where they want to stay rather than what they want to see. This phenomenon, called “Destination Check-In,” signals a seismic shift in travel psychology. Hotels are no longer just accommodation — they’re experiences themselves. Whether it’s a treehouse stay, a desert dome, or an oceanfront villa, travellers are booking properties that double as cultural landmarks. The rise of design-led hotels and destination resorts shows how hospitality now defines tourism. Skyscanner reports a surge in social media searches for unique stays that make travel more experiential and immersive.

The Future of Travel: Personalised, Purposeful, and Powered by AI

Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report predicts that travel will become more intelligent, curated, and purposeful than ever. With 84% of travellers planning to go abroad as much or more than in 2025, the desire to explore remains unstoppable. Artificial intelligence will shift from assistant to agent, with smart systems helping travellers plan and adapt their journeys in real time. Meanwhile, social media continues to shape inspiration, with trending destinations and influencer-led discoveries influencing bookings. As travellers prioritise personal value and emotional fulfilment, 2026 marks a new dawn where technology and humanity combine to create truly meaningful journeys.

A Year of Emotion, Exploration, and Evolution

The seven Skyscanner travel trends — Glowmads, Shelf Discovery, Altitude Shift, Bookbound, Catching Flights and Feelings, Family Miles, and Destination Check-In — redefine what it means to travel. They reveal that the future of tourism is not about distance or luxury alone, but about purpose, connection, and experience. Travellers in 2026 will journey to feel inspired, not just impressed. With data-backed insights and collaborations from brands like Reddit, Malin + Goetz, AllTrails, and Penguin Books, Skyscanner’s findings highlight a new age of emotional, sensory, and mindful travel. The world is ready to move again — but this time, with heart and intention.

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