According to a survey of TRAVELSAVERS advisors, globetrotters are ready to splurge on upscale, personalized experiences while still craving convenience and comfort.

From Europe’s timeless charm to Asia’s magnetic pull, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of purposeful travel filled with luxury, authenticity, and unforgettable memories.

Europe Still Rules, But Asia Is Rising

Europe remains the favorite vacation playground, with Italy taking the crown as the top destination for 2026. Portugal and Greece also make the top five, helped by expanded direct flights from the U.S. and a growing appetite for cultural immersion.

But 2026 isn’t just about the classics. Eastern Europe is having a moment thanks to fewer crowds, friendlier prices, and plenty of “destination dupe” appeal. Think castles, cobblestone streets, and historic squares without the Western European price tag.

Meanwhile, Asia is firmly in the spotlight. Japan tops the trending destination list, driven by cultural depth and favorable exchange rates. With limited capacity there, travelers are also flocking to Thailand, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Each country offers its own flavor of exotic paradise.

Travel Styles That Will Define 2026

Advisors say all-inclusive travel is the #1 style for the year ahead. Resorts and cruises have evolved far beyond buffets and poolside cocktails. They’re now offering elevated dining, wellness programs, and curated cultural activities. It’s effortless, stress-free, and increasingly appealing to younger travelers.

Other popular styles climbing the charts:

• River cruising for slow, scenic exploration

• Family travel that blends bonding and fun

• Active and adventure travel for thrill-seekers

• Luxury travel for those who want every detail perfected

Emerging Trends: Travel With Intention

In 2026, it’s not just about where people go. It’s about why.

According to the survey, travelers are chasing experiences that feel meaningful, rare, and deeply personal:

• Bucket-list trips are the ultimate motivator. Whether it’s an African safari, an Antarctica expedition, or seeing the Northern Lights, travelers are determined to turn aspirations into action.

• Personalized experiences are in demand, with itineraries tailored to passions. Envision foodies chasing haute cuisine, sports fans heading to Italy for the Winter Olympics, or skywatchers timing trips around eclipses.

• Authentic travel and home-style stays offer cozy, culturally rich experiences that feel more like living than touring

• And, yes, social media-inspired travel isn’t going anywhere, with FOMO continuing to inspire big adventures.

Travel Preferences That Will Shape the Year

Here’s how travelers are redefining their journeys for 2026:

• Proud Pioneers: Fueled by social media, they want to be first to discover the next big thing. Expect “coolcations” in Alaska and Antarctica, plus the latest cruise ships and private islands.

• Up Close and Personal: Forget passive sightseeing. These travelers crave immersion. They’re chasing food truck flavors, Olympic thrills, and celestial wonders.

• Treat Yourself Travel: Splurging is in: five-star suites, luxury cruises and private drivers. Experiences, not things, are the new currency.

• Unpack and Unwind: Stress-free escapes are trending. All-inclusive resorts and cruises are booming, while villas and suites with kitchens offer the comforts of home.

The Bottom Line

2026 is the year travelers stop waiting and start living their dreams. Whether it’s sipping wine in Tuscany, cruising the Mekong, or chasing the aurora in Iceland, the focus is on purposeful, passion-driven journeys.

Upscale comfort, authentic connections, and unforgettable experiences aren’t extras anymore. They’re the new standard.

2026’s Top Destinations and Travel Styles

Top Destinations

1. Italy

2. Alaska

3. Portugal

4. Greece

5. Riviera Maya

Top Trending Destinations

1. Japan

2. Eastern Europe

3. South Africa

4. Morocco

5. Thailand

Top Travel Styles

1. All-inclusive travel

2. River cruising

3. Family travel

4. Active/adventure travel

5. Luxury travel

Top Emerging Trends

1. Bucket-list trips

2. Personalized experiences

3. Authentic travel

4. Home-style accommodations

5. Social media-inspired travel