What kind of traveler will you be in 2026?

The cultural connoisseur is inspired by history and tradition. For this curious explorer, there’s nothing more thrilling than the opportunity to discover ancient relics, dive deep into enduring legacies, and find true immersion through eras-old art. Whether they’re learning about the Nabataeans in Petra, the pharaohs of Giza, or the great masters of the Renaissance, cultural connoisseurs follow in the footsteps of those who came before us to try to grasp the fullness of the human experience. When on tour, no ancient sight or grand museum is left unvisited by this history-chasing traveler.

Among our 2026 travel predictions is the continued rise of solo travel. For solo travelers, the thrill is in gaining new perspectives through global adventures that encourage them to make new connections. The solo traveler knows you don’t have to give up on your 2026 bucket list trips just because you may not have anyone to travel with. This go-get-’em attitude allows the solo traveler to see as much of the world as they’d like while making lifelong friendships with fellow travel lovers along the way.

Perhaps one of the most crucial travel personalities out there is the group leader. They’re the ones creating the group chat to jump-start an epic trip. They bring everyone together and serve as the conductor of our most memorable travel experiences. Not only are they keeping us organized, they’re also the ones making sure everyone’s having a great time. They’re getting us out to see the world, but through their infectious enthusiasm for travel, they bring the party, too. Where would we be without our favorite group leaders?

Our savvy spenders know that the best travel experiences don’t have to break the bank. They keep a constant eye on our last-minute specials, and they’re signed up for our newsletter so as not to miss a promotion or a deal. But beyond that, they’re also thoughtful about picking the right tour at the right time. They know that travel trends in 2026 and beyond include Off-Peak Tours and coolcations. When everyone else is heading to summertime hotspots, our savvy spender might have their eyes trained on places with milder temperatures. And maybe they’ll consider those same hot-weather hotspots during the off-season for smaller crowds and discounted prices.

Fresh air, open spaces, spellbinding landscapes, and inspiring wildlife are just some of the elements that our nature and wellness seekers prioritize on their trips. Their travel resolutions are all about spending more time in the great outdoors rather than fast-paced cities. They’re the types of travelers who dream of hiking jungles in Costa Rica, seeing the Big Five on safari in South Africa, and snorkeling around the iconic Great Barrier Reef in Australia. For them, every journey is like a breath of fresh air. Sustainable travel trends aren’t just trends to these Earth lovers, but rather a mindful way of life.

Cultural travel experiences go beyond exploring museums and historical sites. It can also mean diving deep into the culinary heritage of a destination. For indulgent foodies, travel trends in 2026 point to meals worth traveling for. These types of travelers believe the heart of travel is found around the table: clinking glasses, swapping bites, and sharing stories over incredible food. They also make it point to visit local markets for the freshest ingredients, vineyards for the perfect pairing to accompany their meal, and chefs’ kitchens to learn culinary secrets and traditional recipes. Simply put: Every trip is planned with their tastebuds in mind.

The laid-back explorer personifies the concept of slow travel, which is all about taking a leisurely pace to see all the world has to offer. Jam-packed itineraries are replaced with a slow cup of coffee to start the day, followed by a relaxing stroll through a quaint neighborhood or small village, then descend into a meandering lunch paired with a glass or two of a favorite vintage. These adventurers tackle travel trends in 2026 in their own languorous style, finding hidden gems (from crowd-free beaches to sumptuous bakeries) along the way.

These travelers have their fingers on the pulse. Whether finding destination dupes (hidden-gem alternatives to buzzy travel hotspots) or off-the-beaten-path treasures, seasoned jet-setters are excited to break new ground. And that’s why they’re the first to hear about (and book) our newest tours. They’re always on the hunt for their next favorite place, and for them, the best places to travel in 2026 might be somewhere many of us have never heard of. Seasoned jet-setters value sustainable travel trends that go beyond the obvious or the expected, and typically, away from the crowds.

One of our favorite travel trends of 2026 honors female travelers and the equally amazing women farmers, winemakers, and artisans they’ll meet on tour. For the worldly woman, traveling is about building community and fostering connection through the shared experience that is womanhood. They love seeing the world among women and through the experience of other women around the world, whether that’s their Tour Director, the chef teaching them new techniques in a cooking class, or the artist whose studio they’re visiting. For some, it’s also about connecting with the women in their lives who they’re traveling with.