As per our forecasts, 2026 is likely to move towards even more immersive experiences in travel, rather than traditional sightseeing. 2026 is likely to move even more towards experiences like noctourism, set-jetting, and AI Travel. These trends can also be viewed through the lens of deeper cultural immersion, customizing travel itineraries, and integrating adventure with eco-friendly and wellness travel. 2026 is likely to be dominated by experience over sightseeing. 2026 will incorporate advanced travel through set-jetting and AI-led travel. 2026 will be more towards eco-friendly and wellness travel.
1. Noctourism: Exploring Destinations After Dark
Noctourism is becoming one of the most popular ways to experience a destination in 2026. Instead of the usual daylight tours, this trend invites travelers to explore the quieter, serene side of places after dark. Nighttime activities like moonlit hikes, stargazing, and visits to night markets are growing in popularity, giving visitors a chance to connect with local life when it’s less crowded.
Where to Experience It:
- Hoi An, Vietnam: Glide down the peaceful canals of this UNESCO city under soft lamplight.
- Kyoto, Japan: Stroll through the historic streets bathed in the glow of lanterns.
- African Safaris: Embark on evening safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife.
2. Set-Jetting: Travel Through Movies and TV
Set-jetting is a growing trend that allows fans to visit filming locations from their favorite movies and TV shows. Whether it’s standing where famous scenes were shot or walking the streets of iconic sets, this trend allows travelers to live out their favorite cinematic moments in real life.
Why It’s Popular:
It merges travel with nostalgia and adventure, creating a strong emotional connection with the places featured in beloved films. Social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, amplifies these experiences, as fans share their travels with a global audience.
Where to Experience It:
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: Known for its role as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
- Paris, France: Explore the locations from Emily in Paris.
- New Zealand: Visit the settings from The Lord of the Rings.
3. Experiential Travel: Living the Culture
In 2025, experiential travel has gone beyond just visiting new places; it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture. Travelers now seek hands-on experiences, such as cooking classes, craft workshops, or participation in local festivals. These activities allow deeper connections with the people and traditions of a destination.
Why It’s Captivating:
Engaging with local cultures in an authentic way offers a more meaningful and transformative journey. It helps create lasting memories and supports local artisans and businesses, contributing to sustainable tourism.
Where to Experience It:
- Italy: Take a farm-to-table cooking class in Tuscany.
- Morocco: Learn traditional crafts from artisans in the souks of Marrakech.
- India: Attend cultural festivals such as Diwali or Holi to experience local traditions firsthand.
4. Bookish Travel: Literature Meets Travel
In 2025, readers are turning their literary passions into travel experiences. Bookish travel involves visiting real-world locations that inspired or were featured in famous novels. This trend is closely tied to the #BookTok community, where book lovers share travel tips related to literary destinations.
Why It’s Popular:
This trend allows travelers to step into the worlds of their favorite books and experience them in person. It adds a personal connection to the places they visit, especially for those inspired by literary works.
Where to Experience It:
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Explore locations associated with Harry Potter and other literary works.
- Paris, France: Visit the cafés and streets where Hemingway wrote his novels.
- New Zealand: Tour locations that bring Tolkien’s Middle-earth to life.
5. Blended Trips: Combining Work and Leisure
Blended trips are increasingly popular, offering the perfect balance between work and leisure. Travelers are extending business trips into mini-vacations, allowing them to explore new cities, relax, and enjoy local experiences without taking extra days off.
Why It’s Popular:
Blended travel offers the best of both worlds—professional productivity alongside personal enjoyment. It’s cost-effective and allows people to experience more of a destination in a limited amount of time.
Where to Experience It:
- Singapore: Visit cultural landmarks and explore the city’s vibrant hawker culture.
- Dubai, UAE: Combine business with visits to luxury malls, desert safaris, and fine dining.
- Barcelona, Spain: Enjoy cultural immersion during evenings after work hours.
6. AI-Powered Travel Planning: Personalized Itineraries
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing travel planning. AI offers hyper-personalized itineraries based on your preferences, past travels, and budget. This trend ensures that every traveler receives a tailored journey, making it easier to explore new places while saving time and money.
Why It’s Popular:
AI doesn’t just offer generic suggestions; it provides recommendations that truly match the traveler’s profile, adapting in real-time to changes in weather, delays, or local events. This results in smooth, seamless experiences tailored to individual needs.
Where It Shines:
AI is perfect for city breaks, multi-destination trips, or cultural and wellness adventures, ensuring each day is packed with relevant and unique activities.
Conclusion
The trends in travel for 2025 show people want to connect with the places we’ll travel to in a more authentic, sustainable, and personalized way. 2025 will allow someone to experience the world like never before. From noctourism to set-jetting to experiential travel, there will be an abundance of travel alternatives to immerse travelers into a culture. AI travel planning will help tailor experiences more efficiently and meaningfully than ever before. It’s a good idea to keep these trends in mind when planning a trip.
Source: Travel And Tour World
