Brits will be embracing relationship-testing trips, star-guided travel and fantasy retreats in 2026, scouting out authentic experiences that reflect their true identities, says Booking.com. Olivia Palamountain reports

Booking.com has today revealed its top 10 predictions for travel in 2026, offering Brits a glimpse of what to expect next year and inspiration for their next trip.

From relationship compatibility tests - with 67% of British travellers open to taking a trip to see how their relationships hold up - to mystical detours, with 41% turning to astrological influences when planning their next getaway, Booking.com's Travel Predictions spotlight how people want to experience the world.

In 2026, every trip will become a bold expression of individuality and identity: with travellers eager to let their true selves shine, quirks and all.

Destined-ations: Brits are increasingly looking to the stars to guide their travel plans. Nearly half of travellers (49%) would consider changing plans based on spiritual advice, while 48% would reconsider trips after a negative horoscope. Gen Z (52%) and millennials (49%) are particularly drawn to aligning trips with cosmic events and energy-rich locations.

Romantasy Retreats: The booming romantasy genre is inspiring travel choices, with 68% of British travellers considering visits to destinations that evoke fantasy worlds. Over half (55%) are open to participating in role-play retreats based on favourite fantasy books or films, while 74% welcome AI suggestions for finding "storybook" stays and filming locations.

Turbulence Test: Travel is becoming the ultimate compatibility check, with 67% of Brits open to travelling with potential partners, colleagues or new friends specifically to test relationships. Many (62%) would visit remote locations to see how companions handle discomfort, while 58% are interested in role-reversal retreats where the usual dynamics are challenged.

Hushed Hobbies: Travellers are seeking peace and connection with nature, with 41% holidaying specifically to feel closer to the natural world. Quiet activities like butterfly watching (56%), fishing or birdwatching (67%) and foraging (64%) are gaining popularity as people seek restorative experiences away from overstimulating environments.

PastPorts: Nostalgia is driving travel decisions, with 68% of British travellers considering using technology to identify and revisit exact locations from cherished photos or memories. For 53%, the main motivation is to share these memories with family or friends, while others seek to reconnect with people from their past (40%) or gain closure from difficult memories (23%).

Glow-cations: Skincare-focused trips are surging, with 77% of travellers open to booking dedicated "glow-cations" featuring personalised skin treatments. Many are interested in accommodation with smart mirrors for real-time skincare analysis (62%) and sleep enhancement suites designed to improve rest (72%).

Modern Milestone Missions: Travellers are rewriting the rules about when and why to take trips. Two-thirds (65%) say they don't need a traditional reason to book, with many celebrating personal achievements like new jobs (25%), sobriety or fitness transformations (23%), breakup recovery (14%), or simply because they deserve it (75%).

Roadtrip Rewired: The classic road trip is evolving with 79% of travellers open to car-sharing and 54% willing to use apps to find fellow travellers on similar routes. Technology is enhancing these experiences, particularly for younger generations, with 66% of Gen Z open to using self-driving vehicles or AI to plan routes, compared to just 26% of Boomers.

Shelf-ie Souvenirs: Kitchen cupboards are becoming cultural showcases as 65% of British travellers consider buying design-led kitchenware or pantry items while abroad. More than half (56%) would even travel to destinations specifically known for their culinary products or kitchenware, with many valuing how these items help relive destinations through cooking (25%).

Humanoid Homes: Holiday accommodation is going high-tech, with 74% of travellers open to booking robotic-enhanced homes. Cleaning bots (45%), robotic chefs (35%), and sustainability-managing robots (28%) top the wish list, with many drawn by the novelty (21%) or bragging rights (19%) of futuristic stays.

James Waters, chief business officer at Booking.com, says: "In 2026, travel is becoming a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or bold to explore. Travellers are stress-testing relationships, stepping into fantasy worlds, turning their kitchens into reflections of their journeys, and looking at new ways to experience road trips and holiday rentals with enhanced technology features. At Booking.com, we're continuously evolving to make it easier for everyone to experience the world and fully lean into their dream trips by offering more choice, flexibility, and convenience than ever before."

Booking.com's Travel Predictions 2026 are based on insights from more than 29,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories.