A new survey of Travelsavers and Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) travel advisors has revealed that bucket-list/to-do trips are the top emerging trend for 2026 bookings, driving clients to explore new destinations and set intentional goals for their vacations.
“In 2026, travelers will convert aspiration into action,” said Nicole Mazza, chief marketing officer of Travelsavers, NEST and the Affluent Traveler Collection. “They’re determined to take their vacation dreams and make them a reality. They’re traveling with a powerful resolve to achieve their goals and pursuing those once-in-a-lifetime wow experiences that they’ll never forget.”
The list of emerging trends for the year also includes personalized experiences, authentic travel and home-style accommodations, all reflecting travelers’ increasing desire to be immersed in local experiences, to dive deep into cultural immersion and to connect with destinations on a more meaningful level. This includes fitting their passions into their itineraries, whether that means focusing on food, observing natural phenomena such as eclipses or planning trips around sporting events.
What’s more, clients are willing to splurge on these special trips — the networks report that consumers are prioritizing experiences over material goods and are scaling up their vacations accordingly, fulfilling travel wishes such as Antarctica expeditions, African safaris, private excursions and more.
A final emerging trend — social-media inspired travel — is pushing clients toward more off-the-beaten-path destinations, including Eastern Europe; cooler climes and areas rich with natural beauty, such as Iceland, Antarctica and Alaska; and new-to-market offerings, including the latest cruise ships.
European destinations are topping the bookings list for next year, with Italy taking the No. 1 slot, Portugal ranking third and Greece coming in fourth. The top five is rounded out by Alaska in second place and Riviera Maya, Mexico, in fifth.
Emerging destinations for next year include continuously popular Japan, followed by Eastern Europe (drawing interest as a less crowded alternative), South Africa, Morocco and Thailand.
The top travel styles recorded in the survey start with all-inclusive travel, be it on land or onboard a cruise; that choice is driven by clients’ desire for seamless and relaxing travel, as well as strong included value. The rest of the list includes river cruising, family travel, active/adventure travel and luxury travel.
