If 2024 and 2025 were about making up for lost time, 2026 is shaping up a little differently. The Back Track team is seeing travellers move away from rushed, box-ticking itineraries and towards trips that feel more personal, more grounded, and a lot more rewarding.
Here are the trends we’re hearing about in enquiries, spotting in the places people are booking, and are genuinely excited to plan.
1) Slow travel becomes the default, not the exception
Steph has been calling this one early: slower, more immersive travel is going to be big in 2026.
We’re seeing travellers choose fewer destinations, longer stays, and more time in one region. That can mean swapping a three-country whirlwind for ten nights in one corner of Italy, or building a South America trip around one or two standout areas rather than trying to do it all.
Why it’s trending: people want breathing room. They want to settle in, get to know a place, and travel with less admin and more enjoyment.
What it looks like in real trips:
- Longer stays in one city or region
- A mix of guided days and free days
- Fewer flights, more overland travel
- Accommodation that suits longer stays (apartments, family-run stays, small hotels)
2) Under-the-radar travel, even in famous places
Matteo’s take is a strong one: as destinations hit saturation, the opportunity is in places and experiences that keep you away from the typical tourist trail, even in iconic regions.
He sums it up simply: spend more time with locals than with other tourists.
This does not mean everyone is suddenly booking “obscure” countries. It’s more about how you travel. Staying in neighbourhoods where people actually live. Eating at places locals go. Shopping at everyday markets. Building a trip around personal interests rather than chasing a checklist.
Why it’s trending: people are tired of crowds and “same-same” experiences. They want stories that feel like their own.
How we plan for it:
- Choosing the right neighbourhood, not just the right city
- Building in local-led experiences (food, craft, nature, history)
- Allowing flexibility for unplanned moments
3) South America keeps climbing
Naomi has had a very clear pattern in 2025: she’s constructed almost solely South America trips for her travellers, and that momentum is rolling into 2026.
South America suits travellers who want variety and depth, landscapes, culture, food, wildlife, and proper adventure options. It also rewards good planning, which is where having a team behind you makes a big difference.
Why it’s trending: it feels big and new, and it offers that “worth the flight time” factor.
What we’re seeing clients ask for:
- Multi-region trips built around a theme (food, nature, trekking, culture)
- Add-ons that make logistics easier (private transfers, internal flights, guided sections)
- A balance of comfort and adventure
4) Expedition cruising stays strong
Naomi is also seeing a lot of expedition cruising in her social media feeds, and Emma agrees. The appeal is clear: small-ship cruising gives you access to remote places with expert guides, without having to pack up every day.
Expedition cruising also attracts travellers who like learning as part of the experience, onboard talks, guided shore landings, and a bit of unpredictability in the best way.
Why it’s trending: it blends comfort with genuine exploration, and it suits travellers who want nature and wildlife without roughing it.
5) Alternative Europe rises, with Albania leading the charge
Europe is still a favourite, but travellers are getting choosier about where and when they go. Emma notes that alternative Europe is increasingly appealing, including Iceland, Portugal and the Baltics, as people look to avoid the overcrowded icons.
Leanne is seeing strong interest in lesser-travelled parts of Europe too, especially the Balkans. She called out Albania, Romania and Montenegro as destinations people are actively seeking out.
Why it’s trending: people want Europe’s charm and culture, with fewer crowds and better value.
What travellers love about these regions:
- Strong local food culture
- Excellent scenery and outdoors options
- Smaller cities and towns that still feel lived-in
- Easy pairing with nearby countries for a well-rounded trip
6) The “Stans” and Central Asia curiosity grows
Naomi mentioned seeing the “Stans” (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan) pop up more and more, and we’re seeing that curiosity translate into real bookings.
These destinations appeal to travellers who want history, culture, and something genuinely different. Think Silk Road cities, mountain landscapes, markets, and craft traditions that are still part of everyday life.
Why it’s trending: it feels fresh, culturally rich, and far from the usual routes.
7) South East Asia for value, variety, and easy trip design
Emma also called out South East Asia as a standout for 2026 because it offers great value, strong culture, and the ability to combine relaxation and exploration in one trip.
This is ideal for travellers who want a mix, a few active days, a food focus, some nature, then time to unwind, without needing multiple long flights.
Why it’s trending: it’s flexible, it suits different budgets, and it delivers high “experience per day.”
8) Northern edges and island destinations get more attention
Leanne’s list included destinations like the Faroe Islands, which fits a broader trend we’re noticing: travellers are looking to the edges of maps, islands, remote coastlines, and places where nature leads the itinerary.
These destinations suit people who want to slow down and focus on scenery, walking, wildlife, local food, and a sense of space.
Why it’s trending: it feels calming, different, and often less crowded.
What this means for planning 2026 travel
Most of these trends point to the same underlying shift: travellers want trips that feel personal, with more depth, fewer crowds, and better use of time.
If you’re thinking about 2026 travel, here’s the practical takeaway:
- Book earlier for small-ship cruises and peak seasonal windows
- Be open to alternative regions within popular countries
- Build trips around interests, not lists
- Leave space for flexibility, because that’s often where the best moments happen
If you want help turning these trends into a trip that suits your style, the Back Track team can match you with the right destination, the right timing, and the right pace.
