The Citizens Row 2026 Travel Trends Report

Welcome to the first edition of the Citizens Row Travel Trends Report.

With 2026 on the horizon, it’s clear travel is more than just a vacation, it’s a way to express identity, reconnect with what matters, and create memories that last. 

This coming year is stacked with possibilities: from sports-fueled adventures to wellness escapes, family-first holidays to “read-aways” inspired by BookTok, travelers are craving variety, purpose, and meaning.

We dove into research and reports from insiders in the travel industry, as well as insights from what we're seeing from our very own Citizens Row clients, to uncover what’s shaping the next wave of travel.

These trends are more than predictions; they show how, in 2026, travel becomes deeply personal, intentionally curated, and uniquely varied.

2026 Travel Trends to Watch

FIFA-Fever: Sports-Driven Travel & “Fan Voyages”

Whether it’s a major match on the calendar or simply the draw of local sporting culture, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where adrenaline, fandom, and travel go hand-in-hand.  The “Fan Voyage” is taking over, especially among younger generations, as travelers are increasingly adding sporting events to their itineraries not just for competition, but for culture, community, and connection.

Expect destinations hosting games, tournaments, or regional sports festivals to benefit from a surge in tourism: group travel, mini-stay packages, and bespoke hospitality around match schedules could become hot commodities.

Wellness Gets Social: Holistic, Mindful & Connective Escapes

As the global wellness travel industry continues to grow, 2026 isn’t just about spa weekends. It’s about immersive wellness experiences that combine self-care with community, wellness rituals with social connection.

From “star-bathing” under desert skies to DJ-led yoga sessions, mental-health retreats, and longevity-driven getaways, travelers are gravitating toward trips that restore body and soul. Resorts and hotels are leading the way, offering wellness programs, curated spa & healing offerings, and serene escapes that double as sanctuaries from everyday life.

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Hushcations & Readaways: BookTok Travel, Slow Travel & Literary Escapes

When it comes to pop culture influences in travel, the past few years have been largely shaped by "jet-setting", the trend that saw travelers visiting destinations from popular TV shows and movies (think of all your friends who went to Hawaii and Thailand after White Lotus). Looking to 2026, travelers are now turning to books for inspiration. Enter the era of Hushcations and Readaways, the quieter and soulful movement that blends reading culture and slow travel with heavy influences from BookTok. 

Get ready for literature-inspired journeys, where travelers are choosing vacations with reading, relaxation and connection at its center. 

Altitude Shift & Mountain Escapes: Nature, Serenity & Year-Round Peaks

Mountains aren’t just for winter anymore. In 2026, travelers will flock to alpine escapes not just for snow sports, but for stillness, nature, and escape from city life. In fact, 80% of travelers are eyeing summer and fall to book a trip to the mountains. 

Destinations with mountains, forests, and wide-open skies, from Big Sky to the Dolomites, or remote highland villages, are rising in popularity. These escapes are not only about altitude and views, but about reconnection, reflection, and reconnecting with nature (and with oneself).

Multi-Gen & Family Travel: Travel Becomes a Family Affair 

In 2026, travelers are reclaiming vacations as family time, and not just for parents and kids. Families across generations are traveling together more than ever, from grandparents to grandkids, as travelers are prioritizing shared experiences, meaningful connections, and flexible itineraries that work for all ages. 

And Citizens Row can confirm. We are already booking multiple multi-gen getaways, for big birthdays and celebrations to places like Miami, St. Barths, and Southern Spain. Villa rentals, large-group accommodations, and kid to grandparent-friendly activities (from beach days to cultural tours) are already among the most requested travel plans this year.

Top Destinations We’re Watching for 2026

Here are the destinations climbing on our radar, reflecting our recent inquiries and the trends shaping the year ahead. They combine luxe escape, nature, culture, and that wanderlust-worthy magic we look for at Citizens Row.

Your Travel Playbook for 2026

At Citizens Row, we believe travel should make you feel like the most authentic expression of yourself, so it's no wonder that the way people are traveling reflects such beautiful variety and intentionality for connection and personal passions. Whether you’re planning your next "fan voyage", dreaming of a slow-paced retreat, or plotting a multi-gen family trip, these trends and destinations offer both inspiration and direction.

And of course, we are here to help bring these trends to life. From villa bookings and bespoke itineraries to thoughtful route planning and wellness escapes, Citizens Row has your travel plans covered. Let’s make next year’s travel deeply personal, beautifully curated, and truly unforgettable.

Here’s to 2026: may it bring us wanderlust, wonder, and more moments that feel like home, anywhere in the world.