8 trends set to redefine experiential travel in 2026

January 14, 2026

Buffet at Accor's Gronda property. Image credit: Accor

In a world shaped by economic, social and environmental uncertainty, travelers are increasingly turning to travel as a way to self-regulate.

Rather than accumulating things, they are collecting moments – seeking awe, joy and connection as antidotes to stress and instability, according to a new report on experiential travel in 2026 from hospitality giant Accor. Twenty-five percent of travelers would like their online search experience to start with 'mood', underscoring a fundamental shift: travel is no longer defined by geography alone, but by how it makes people feel.

“The essence of travel is evolving,” said Alix Boulnois, chief digital and tech officer of Accor, in a statement. “As people seek deeper meaning and connection, emotions guide their journeys.”

Based on an international study analyzing the behaviors of thousands of travelers, the report identifies eight key trends – each linked to a distinct ‘vibe’ – reflecting the aspirations of a generation in search of freedom, authenticity and emotional intensity.

Accor’s ALL Accor booking platform and loyalty program partnered with forecasting agency Globetrender to produce the report.

Here, per Accor, are the eight trends and vibes identified in its research:

Endorphin economy – Vibe: awe

Hyper playgrounds – Vibe: joy

Portable lifestyles – Vibe: liberty

Social wellness – Vibe: connection

Memory lanes – Vibe: nostalgia

Earth syncing – Vibe: serenity

Unfiltered journeys – Vibe: surprise

Points maxxing – Vibe: prestige

Istanbul is one of the most popular destinations worldwide for holidaymakers. Image credit: Accor

Endorphin economy – Vibe: awe
When awe brings fans from around the world together.

More than just a holiday, travel becomes the pursuit of a heart-pounding moment – a suspended instant where collective energy and shared passion draw travelers together to feel something extraordinary.

A decisive goal cheered by thousands of fans, an iconic concert experienced in perfect unison, an ovation that unites and transcends an entire crowd.

Eighty-nine percent of travelers say that live events make travel truly worthwhile. Among the most sought-after experiences, concerts (1), sporting events (2) and music festivals (3) stand out as the primary travel drivers of the Endorphin Economy.

Hyper playgrounds – Vibe: joy
'Hyper playgrounds' reflect a deep-rooted need: to escape an everyday life that is hyper-rational, hyper-productive and over-optimized.

In a world shaped by performance, screens and constant demands, travelers are seeking spaces where they can truly let go – not through stillness, but through play, surprise and sensory stimulation. 'Hyper playgrounds' embody a new generation of immersive, multisensory and playful environments designed to delight the senses and spark joy.

Portable lifestyles – Vibe: liberty
Hospitality without compromise.

In the era of remote work and hybrid lifestyles, 'Portable lifestyles' embody a new form of freedom: the ability to travel without giving up one's routines or reference points.

Today, traveling no longer means leaving life behind but taking it with you. In fact, 95 percent of travelers say it is important that they are able to maintain aspects of their usual lifestyle when traveling.

Eating habits, work and fitness routines, wellness rituals and even pets have become 'portable,' allowing travelers to feel at home anywhere in the world.

Social wellness – Vibe: connection
Health and healing are becoming collective experiences.

In an era marked by growing loneliness, 84.5 percent of travelers are seeking deeper, more direct connections with others, while 59 percent associate wellbeing with moments of shared conviviality.

Travelers are swapping solitude for shared rituals, from group saunas and sunrise runs to meditations and summer camps, discovering that restoration feels richer when it's done together.

Memory lanes – Vibe: nostalgia
As digital saturation and ephemeral content blur our moments of true presence, 87 percent of travelers feel nostalgic for a time when life seemed more real, simpler and less digital, while 64.5 percent admit to often feeling overwhelmed by smartphones, notifications, constant photo-taking and social media sharing.

Rather than submitting to this constant race for immediacy and visibility, travelers are now seeking tangible experiences, places rich in history and immersive atmospheres that rekindle memory and reconnect them with the simple pleasures of the past.

Paros is a highly popular Greek destination for tourists. Image credit: Accor

Earth syncing – Vibe: serenity
As seasons become increasingly unpredictable, 59 percent of travelers report feeling disconnected from natural rhythms, and 69 percent have planned a trip specifically to experience a seasonal natural phenomenon (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, wildflower blooms, the Northern Lights, harvest season, wildlife migrations).

In this context, 'Earth syncing' embodies the desire to slow down, refocus and reconnect with the Earth's pulse, offering a rare sense of serenity in an otherwise hyperactive daily life.

Unfiltered journeys – Vibe: surprise
As social media fatigue sets in, travelers are yearning to rediscover what algorithms have gradually erased: surprise.

In a world where every restaurant is geotagged and every moment anticipated, ultra-planned trips leave little room for the unexpected. The result: 63.5 percent of travelers now avoid destinations considered too exposed or “overhyped,” while 82 percent prefer seeking advice from locals or people they meet along the way.

Points maxxing – Vibe: prestige
Rewards as passports to the extraordinary

For decades, loyalty programs were synonymous with free flights, room upgrades and the occasional complimentary breakfast.

Today, it goes beyond simple rewards to become a key to rare moments, usually inaccessible places, and experiences that offer as much prestige as lasting memories.

Seventy-two percent of travelers place access to unique or unforgettable experiences at the heart of what they value most in loyalty programs, and one in three members uses their points to live something exceptional – experiences that deliver a true sense of belonging and prestige.

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