5 Top Trending Travel Resolutions for 2026
For 2026, travel resolutions are shifting away from rapid sightseeing toward meaningful, sustainable, and personalized experiences.
Travel is projected to increase significantly in 2026, marking a shift from the post-pandemic “revenge travel” phase and the influencer-generated “envy travel” into a new era of intentional, experience-driven growth.
Here are some of the most impactful resolutions to consider:
1. Embrace “Noctourism” and “Astrotourism”
- Become a Night Explorer: Avoid daytime crowds and heat by visiting landmarks after dark, such as Kyoto’s geisha districts (which have become overwhelmed by tourists) or taking moonlight safaris.
- Chase Celestial Events: 2026 is a major year for astrotourism, featuring a total solar eclipse sweeping across Europe.
- Seek Cooler Climes: Resolve to swap traditional summer beach trips for “coolcations” in destinations like Iceland, Norway, or Antarctica.
2. Prioritize Conscious and Regenerative Travel
- Go Beyond Sustainability: Instead of just “doing no harm,” aim for regenerative travel that leaves a place better, such as participating in rewilding projects in Sicily or coral restoration in the Maldives.
- Support Local Communities: Commit to staying in family-run guesthouses for at least two nights and booking at least one local-led experience per trip.
- Learn the Language: Master at least five key local phrases (e.g., hello, thank you, “where is the toilet?”, more beer please, how much is it?) before every international trip.
3. Adopt “Slow Travel” and “Whycations”
- Ditch the Checklist: Focus on “Whycations”—trips centered on a specific personal purpose (like mental health or a hobby) rather than just the destination.
- Travel by Rail: Resolve to take more scenic train journeys instead of short-haul flights to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the journey itself.
- Explore Off-Radar Sites: Skip overrun landmarks for lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the cave dwellings in Matera, Italy. And Madeira, Portugal is reopening the PR1 trail in April 2026, and it offers stunning hiking and natural beauty.
4. Smart and Budget-Savvy Planning
- The “Shoulder Season” Strategy: Plan major trips for spring or autumn to enjoy milder weather and lower prices.
- Carry-On Only: For trips under a week, resolve to pack only a carry-on to save time, money, and stress at the airport.
- Leverage AI Tools: Use AI-assisted planning for day-by-day itineraries and to find hidden gems or price alerts.
5. Personal Growth and Passion Projects
- Solo Adventures: If you’ve been waiting for others to join you, make 2026 the year of your first solo trip to build confidence and independence.
- Educational Escapes: Align your travels with a hobby, such as a cooking class in Florence, a pottery workshop in Portugal, or a “set-jetting” trip to filming locations from your favorite books or shows—the UK has a bunch of these to choose from in 2026.
