2026 Travel Forecast: Gen Z, National Parks, Solo Trips & Culinary Adventures

• Gen Z will redefine travel with ultra-short, 1-2 day international escapes to destinations like Buenos Aires and Mexico City, driven by viral trends.
• National parks are set to be 2026's hottest travel trend, with surging interest in US parks like Great Smoky Mountains and global wilderness areas for restorative nature breaks.
• "Mainstage Tourism" will dominate, with 65% of top-searched dates linked to major events like the Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Coachella, making event hubs travel magnets.
• Solo travel is predicted to skyrocket, as travellers opt for personal, immersive journeys to destinations like Norway and the Dominican Republic for self-discovery and emotional renewal.
• Culinary travel will become hands-on, with demand for experiences like croissant baking in Paris and mochi-making in Tokyo, alongside booming wine tourism in regions like Bangalore and Finger Lakes.

Why It Matters: It reveals 2026 travel trends, shaping your future vacation experiences.