Mind-altering wellness retreats, vintage shopping sprees, and hotels designed for digital detoxes are poised to define how Britons holiday in 2026. These insights come from the newly released British Airways Holidays Travel Trends Report, created in partnership with the global forecasting agency Globetrender.
The Rise of the Uninhibited Holiday
A significant shift is underway as travellers increasingly seek to disconnect from social media pressures. The compulsion to constantly document trips is fading, making way for more authentic, in-the-moment experiences. This movement is partly driven by a growing desire for self-acceptance and a pushback against unrealistic, AI-generated beauty standards.
Supporting this trend, a survey by British Airways Holidays and YouGov found that 31% of UK adults believe body-positive experiences are more socially acceptable now than a decade ago. Furthermore, 27% of those aged 25-34 would consider participating in such an experience within the next year.
This translates into a surge in interest for traditional wellness practices like Japanese onsens, Turkish hammams, and Norway's friluftsliv (open-air living). The report suggests that the confidence gained from these freeing experiences abroad is often carried back into travellers' daily lives at home.
Value, Vintage and Aligning with Your Body Clock
With the cost of living still a concern, value remains king for 2026. 47% of British Airways Holidays customers stated the economic climate makes them more likely to engage with promotions, using points and deals strategically to fund getaways.
Another key trend is 'chronocations' – holidays tailored to an individual's natural chronotype, whether they are a night owl or an early bird. The aim is to use travel as a tool to reset the body's internal clocks and reduce stress, moving away from rigid routines. Brands are already adapting, with innovations like scent-based alarm clocks and late-night activity programmes.
In reaction to a homogenised digital world, travellers are also seeking unique, pre-loved treasures. 'Vintage Junkets' are on the rise, with holidaymakers treating flea markets and retro districts as a way to culturally connect with a destination's past. 33% of UK travellers cite authenticity as a crucial factor when souvenir shopping.
Stream Parks and Neurosurfing: The Future of Experience
The theme park sector is undergoing a major evolution, moving beyond rollercoasters into immersive narrative worlds. Driven by streaming giants, 'Stream Parks' are set to bring digital franchises to life. Netflix House, which launched in late 2025, is a prime example, transforming shows like Bridgerton and Stranger Things into physical experiences.
This aligns with data showing 28% of UK adults are eager to step inside their favourite film or show. Meanwhile, the growing focus on cognitive health is fuelling 'Neurosurfing' – holidays that combine activities like surfing, hiking, and sound baths to stimulate relaxation in an active, rather than passive, way.
The report also highlighted the top searched destinations for 2026 trips, with New York and Orlando retaining their first and second places. It identified several 'rising star' locations seeing significant search growth, including Bermuda (up 38%), St Kitts (up 31%), and Crete (up 18%).
