From purpose-driven exploration to AI-powered trip planning, the 'Year in Travel' report from eDreams Odigeo uncovers how the world is travelling now — and where it’s heading next. Olivia Palamountain reports

The 'Year in Travel' report from eDreams Odigeo offers a global snapshot of how people travelled in 2025 and what they’re planning for 2026. Based on millions of searches and bookings across Europe and the US, the findings point to a travel landscape driven by spontaneity, cultural immersion and a growing reliance on AI-powered personalisation.

In 2025, travellers increasingly favoured short, spontaneous escapes, with stays of just three to four days accounting for nearly a third of all global bookings.

More than half of all trips were booked within a month of departure, underscoring the continued appetite for flexibility. Meanwhile, bookings surged for destinations offering adventure and authenticity, from Rio de Janeiro and Santiago to Lima and Johannesburg — each reflecting a global desire for new perspectives and deeper cultural experiences.

Top global searches and bookings (2025)
Most searched: London, Paris, New York City
Most booked: Barcelona, Paris, Palma de Mallorca
Top growth: Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Lima

For British travellers, the picture revealed both consistency and curiosity. Amsterdam, Barcelona and Paris remained the UK’s most booked destinations, while emerging favourites included Bordeaux, Funchal and Seville.

Looking ahead, 2026 search data reveals shifting interests towards Asia, where two cities dominate the travel wish list.

Top global searches and bookings (2026)
Most searched: Bangkok, Tokyo, Paris
Most booked: Bangkok, Paris, Rio de Janeiro

London continues to perform strongly, ranking fourth in global searches and sixth in bookings for 2026. In the UK, the most-searched destinations for next year are Bangkok, Tokyo and Orlando, while the most booked are Amsterdam, Barcelona and Rome — showing that city breaks remain the cornerstone of British travel habits.

Beyond destinations, eDreams Odigeo identifies six key travel trends shaping 2026:

1. Transformational travel – Holidays centred on learning, growth and connection.
2. AI-powered personalisation – Smart technology delivering hyper-tailored experiences.
3. Wellness and longevity – Health-focused escapes promoting balance and vitality.
4. Conscious and regenerative travel – Trips that give back to nature and local communities.
5. Event-driven travel – Festivals, concerts and major sporting events driving bookings.
6. Flexibility and control – A desire for adaptable, change-friendly itineraries.

“Travellers are no longer just booking holidays — they’re curating journeys that reflect their values, passions and desire for personal growth,” says Dana Dunne, CEO of eDreams Odigeo. “From tech-enhanced itineraries to wellness retreats and cultural adventures, 2025 marked a turning point for travel defined by meaning, flexibility and self-discovery.”