Forget generic getaways. The travel landscape for 2026 is set to be dominated by brain-boosting wellness retreats, cities brimming with authentic vintage finds, and hotels that actively encourage guests to switch off from the digital world. This is according to the newly released British Airways Holidays Travel Trends Report, compiled with the world's leading trend forecasters, Globetrender.
The End of the Overshare: Holidays Without the Posting Pressure
A significant shift is underway as a growing number of travellers plan to log out of social media entirely during their trips. This move towards uninhibited holidays is driven by a desire for self-acceptance and a rejection of unrealistic, AI-generated beauty standards. British Airways Holidays and YouGov survey data reveals that 31% of UK adults believe body-positive experiences are more socially acceptable now than a decade ago.
This trend is fuelling interest in traditional wellness practices worldwide, from Japanese onsens and Turkish hammams to Norway's philosophy of friluftsliv (open-air living). As author Emma O'Kelly notes, the appeal is visceral: "You can go to a sauna, and you can feel embodied... which you could never get watching a sauna video on TikTok." The benefits may extend beyond the holiday, with survey data suggesting time away helps people reconnect with their bodies and carry a more relaxed mindset home.
Value, Vintage and Aligning With Your Body Clock
With the cost of living still a concern, the value-conscious traveller is king in 2026. Nearly half (47%) of British Airways Holidays customers said the economic climate makes them more likely to engage with promotions and loyalty points, using them strategically to fund trips, which remain a top priority 'big-ticket' expense.
In reaction to a world of algorithmically-generated content, travellers are also seeking tangible relics of the past. 'Vintage junkets' – holidays centred on hunting for pre-loved treasures – are on the rise. This isn't just nostalgia; it's often anemoia, a longing for an era never personally experienced. With 43% of UK travellers saying authentic, locally-connected souvenirs are harder to find, vintage districts and flea markets are becoming portals to a destination's unique history.
Another key trend is 'chronocations' – holidays designed around our natural biological rhythms, or chronotypes. Breaking free from rigid routines, travellers are seeking breaks that act as a full reset. Brands are responding with offerings like scent-powered wake-up calls and late-night wellness treatments, helping guests recalibrate their internal clocks.
Stream Parks, Neurosurfing and the Top Destinations
The theme park industry is evolving beyond physical thrills. 'Stream Parks' are emerging, where immersive technologies from streaming giants like Netflix and iQIYI bring digital worlds to life. This taps into the 28% of UK adults eager to step inside their favourite film or show, seeking interactive story-based experiences over simply the tallest ride.
Perhaps the most novel trend is 'neurosurfing'. This brain-boosting concept combines high-impact relaxation through stimulation, blending activities like surfing, hiking, sound baths, and arts and crafts. It responds to data showing 26% of UK adults cite sleep deprivation as the top factor affecting their mental balance, ahead of social media or poor physical health.
The report also lists the top searched-for destinations for 2026 trips, based on 2025 data. New York and Orlando hold the top two spots, with Dubai, The Maldives, and Barbados completing the top five. Several locations are flagged as 'rising stars' due to significant search increases, including Bermuda (up 38%), St Kitts (31%), and Crete (18%).
