Booking.com has released its 2026 Travel Predictions.
Based on responses from more than 29,000 travellers across 33 countries — including 1,018 Canadians — the report shows 10 trends.
“In 2026, travel is becoming a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or bold to explore,” said James Waters, chief business officer at Booking.com.
“Travellers are stress-testing relationships, stepping into fantasy worlds, turning their kitchens into reflections of their journeys, and looking at new ways to experience road trips and vacation rentals with enhanced technology features.”
Fantasy-Fueled
The Romantasy Retreat trend shows Canadians leaning into their imaginations, with 62% saying they’d visit destinations inspired by mythical worlds and 44% open to role-play retreats based on fantasy games, books, or films. Nearly three-quarters (72%) said they’d welcome AI-powered suggestions for “storybook” stays or real-world filming locations.
Travel as a Compatibility Test
The Turbulence Test trend reveals that 65% of Canadians would consider travelling with a potential partner, colleague, or friend to see how well they connect. More than half (54%) would test relationships by visiting remote destinations to see how companions handle uncertainty, while 50% are intrigued by role-reversal trips or budget-limited adventures.
Milestone Missions
Two-thirds (64%) of Canadians say they don’t need a special reason to travel, while 76% justify booking a vacation simply because they’ve worked hard and deserve it. The Modern Milestone Missions trend highlights how personal celebrations are shifting — from marking fitness milestones to commemorating breakups.
Quiet Escapes and Natural Connection
In Hushed Hobbies, Canadians are seeking peace in nature. Forty-two percent say they would vacation specifically to feel closer to the natural world, while more than half (58%) would stay at a property offering foraging experiences. Popular pursuits include fishing, birdwatching, and even moth or butterfly spotting.
High-Tech Wellness
The Glow-cation trend points to the rise of skin-specific wellness travel, with 69% of Canadians open to vacations focused on skincare. Half say they’d use AI to choose destinations tailored to their skin needs, and 70% are interested in sleep-optimized hotel suites designed with circadian lighting and soundscapes.
Cosmic Journeys
Astrology will play a growing role in trip planning. According to Destined-ations, 39% of Canadians would change or cancel travel plans if advised by a spiritual guide, and 35% say they consider cosmic influences like moon phases or retrogrades when scheduling trips.
Tech-Enhanced Stays
The Humanoid Homes trend sees travellers embracing robotic vacation rentals. Sixty-eight percent of Canadians say they’d book a “robotic-enhanced” home, with cleaning bots (53%) and robotic chefs (45%) topping the wish list.
Edible Souvenirs
With Shelf-ie Souvenirs, travellers are turning their kitchens into cultural showcases. Sixty-two percent of Canadians say they would buy locally designed kitchenware or pantry goods abroad, while 28% say edible souvenirs help them relive a destination long after returning home.
Nostalgic Journeys
PastPorts taps into nostalgia, with 61% of Canadians saying they’d recreate old photos using AI-powered mapping tools. For many, these journeys are emotional — 37% see them as milestones, whether reconnecting with old friends or revisiting meaningful places.
AI Road Trips
Finally, Roadtrip Rewired merges technology and community on the open road. Nearly eight in ten Canadians (79%) are open to carpooling, and 58% would use AI to map out scenic routes. Gen Z travellers lead the way, with 77% interested in using self-driving vehicles or generative AI to design their journeys.
Full 2026 travel predictions here.
