Ucluelet, Niagara, Sorrento, and beyond Lead the Way, Surging Travel Trends That Will Change How You Plan Your Next Trip

A recently published travel report has unveiled crucial emerging trends expected to reshape the tourism industry by 2026. The findings indicate a significant shift in the types of destinations travelers are prioritizing, with an increasing demand for sustainable and less crowded locations, particularly Canadian destinations such as Ucluelet, a small but picturesque coastal town in British Columbia. The report highlights that travelers are becoming more inclined to choose peaceful spots that focus on sustainability, presenting an exciting opportunity for destinations like Ucluelet, which is poised for considerable growth. The report was based on data from over 24,000 global travelers, shedding light on the future direction of tourism and offering insights into how travelers will seek unique, responsible travel experiences moving forward.

Key Travel Trends for 2026

The report identifies seven key trends that are expected to have a significant impact on the tourism industry by 2026. These trends reflect a notable shift in how travelers approach their trips, with more emphasis on authentic and immersive experiences, and a focus on destinations that align with travelers’ core values, particularly sustainability and engagement with local cultures. The highlighted trends include Destinations of the Year – Beyond the Crowds, Fan Voyage, Salvaged Stays, Hotel Hop, Readaways, Farm Charm, and Set-Jetting.

1. Destinations of the Year – Beyond the Crowds

One of the most prominent shifts identified in the report is travelers’ growing preference for quieter, less crowded destinations. Ucluelet, located on the coast of British Columbia, has seen a significant 44% increase in search interest over the past year. This surge reflects the broader trend of tourists seeking more peaceful, nature-focused travel options that are not overwhelmed by crowds. Ucluelet, known for its natural beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism, has emerged as a prime example of how smaller destinations can attract travelers who are looking for more authentic, serene experiences.

The rise of this trend signals a departure from traditional tourism, where popular cities are often overrun by visitors. Instead, travelers are now drawn to less commercialized, quieter spots that offer a deeper connection with the local environment and culture. The shift toward such destinations aligns with the growing desire for sustainable tourism, where the impact on the environment and local communities is minimized. Ucluelet and similar destinations stand to benefit from this trend, which is expected to continue influencing travel choices as people look for more meaningful, authentic retreats.

2. Fan Voyage

Another emerging trend is Fan Voyage, where travelers are increasingly seeking immersive sports experiences that reflect the culture of the places they visit. The report highlights that 57% of travelers are likely to attend local sporting events while traveling. Rather than simply sightseeing, travelers—especially Gen Z and Millennials—are drawn to regional sports as a way to engage with the destination’s local culture and traditions.

From sumo wrestling in Japan to curling in Canada and Lucha Libre in Mexico, younger travelers are looking for ways to actively participate in and learn about the local culture through sports. This represents a shift in tourism toward more experiential travel, where people seek deeper, more personal connections with the destinations they visit. Fan Voyage offers a chance to embrace a destination’s identity through its unique sporting culture, allowing for more interactive, culturally enriching experiences that go beyond passive sightseeing.

3. Salvaged Stays

The Salvaged Stays trend highlights a growing demand for accommodations that offer both historical significance and modern comforts. Travelers are increasingly choosing repurposed buildings, such as old banks, schools, and train stations, that have been transformed into boutique hotels. These accommodations provide guests with the chance to stay in buildings that carry historical weight while enjoying contemporary amenities.

Examples of this trend include the Hotel Place d’Armes in Montreal, a former bank and federal building, as well as other unique properties like Hotel Seiryu Kiyomizu in Kyoto and The Old Clare Hotel in Sydney, Australia. These types of accommodations offer a richer, more authentic experience, where the past and present coexist, allowing travelers to connect more deeply with the destination’s history and culture. The growing demand for Salvaged Stays suggests that travelers are no longer satisfied with generic hotel experiences; instead, they seek out distinctive, culturally rich properties that tell a story.

4. Hotel Hop

The Hotel Hop trend refers to the growing preference among travelers to book multiple hotel stays within a single destination. According to the report, more than 54% of travelers are choosing to stay in different hotels during their trips, either to explore various neighborhoods or to take advantage of better deals. This trend is especially popular among Millennials and Gen Z, who often combine business and leisure travel, a practice known as “bleisure.”

Destinations like Tokyo, Paris, and Honolulu have seen an increase in visitors who hop between different hotels, allowing them to experience more of the city and enjoy a variety of environments. Rather than staying in one hotel for the duration of the trip, Hotel Hop allows guests to explore diverse areas of a city, providing a more adventurous and flexible way to experience a destination. This trend reflects a broader desire for variety and flexibility in travel, as people seek to make the most out of their trips by engaging with multiple facets of a location.

5. Readaways

The Readaways trend is driven by the increasing demand for peaceful, quiet getaways focused on relaxation and reading. The rise of platforms like #BookTok has encouraged more travelers to seek destinations that offer serene environments where they can unwind with a good book. 91% of travelers now express a preference for vacation rentals that offer quiet, tranquil settings ideal for relaxation and reading.

Destinations such as Port Medway, Nova Scotia, Gnarrenburg, Germany, and Sorrento, Italy have seen increased interest from travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle and indulge in reading or spend quality time with loved ones. The Readaways trend reflects a shift toward more slow-paced, reflective travel, where the emphasis is on personal well-being, relaxation, and spending time in calm, peaceful surroundings rather than rushing through traditional sightseeing activities.

6. Farm Charm

The Farm Charm trend points to a broader movement toward rural tourism, where travelers seek to reconnect with nature and embrace a simpler, slower pace of life. 84% of travelers are now interested in staying on farms or in rural areas, looking for experiences that offer a break from the fast-paced, urban lifestyle. This trend reflects a deepening desire to disconnect from the chaos of city life and immerse oneself in more authentic, nature-centered experiences.

Popular farm stays include the Lakefront Farm House in Niagara, Ontario, and Moorhall Farm in Worcester, England. These accommodations provide an opportunity for guests to experience life on a farm while enjoying the peace and tranquility of rural settings. The increase in farm-related experiences, which has risen by 300%, shows that travelers are seeking more than just an escape; they are searching for deeper connections to the land and a more sustainable way of living.

7. Set-Jetting

Finally, the Set-Jetting trend continues to capture the imagination of travelers, especially Gen Z and Millennials. Set-Jetting involves visiting locations made famous by movies or TV shows. The report indicates that 81% of younger travelers are planning vacations to destinations that they’ve seen on-screen, contributing to what is expected to be a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Destinations like the rolling hills of Yorkshire, U.K., and the stunning coastlines of Croatia have seen a surge in visitors who are following in the footsteps of their favorite characters from films and television. Set-Jetting offers travelers a chance to bring cinematic moments to life by visiting iconic film locations. This trend reflects a desire for more interactive, pop culture-driven tourism, where travelers can immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite characters, making the trip a true adventure.

The Impact of These Trends on Global Travel

These emerging trends are not just reshaping individual travel plans—they are transforming the global travel industry as a whole. As sustainability, cultural immersion, and authenticity become increasingly important to travelers, destinations like Ucluelet, Niagara, and Sorrento are benefiting from the demand for more responsible and meaningful travel experiences. These destinations provide examples of how tourism can positively impact both the visitor and the local community, offering experiences that foster a deeper connection between travelers and the places they visit.

Trends like Fan Voyage and Set-Jetting underscore the growing demand for experiential tourism, where travelers seek personalized, immersive encounters rather than traditional sightseeing. This reflects a broader desire for travel experiences that offer a sense of meaning, cultural depth, and long-lasting memories. Travelers are increasingly looking to create memories rather than just check off destinations from a list of must-sees.

For the travel industry, these shifts require significant adjustments in how destinations, accommodations, and experiences are marketed. As travelers seek more sustainable, authentic, and immersive travel options, businesses will need to adapt and cater to these evolving demands. Moving forward, the industry must focus on crafting experiences that prioritize local engagement, cultural enrichment, and environmental responsibility.

Ultimately, these emerging trends signal a new era of travel—one that prioritizes responsible tourism, where people not only explore new places but also engage deeply with the world around them. The future of travel will be shaped by an increasing commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, leading to more meaningful and enriching experiences for travelers.

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