The 2026 Travel Trends Every City Girl Should Know
Travel is becoming more personal, purposeful and expressive than ever before — and we’re so here for it.
Skyscanner’s new report, “Beyond Escape: Travel as an Expression of Self,” has revealed the biggest travel trends for 2026.
Here’s everything you need to know, fast.
Destination searches for Akureyri, Iceland are up 83%. Photography by @joshuadavidreid
Travel is Back — and Bigger Than Ever
84% of travellers say they’ll travel more in 2026.
37% will spend more on flights.
31% will increase their hotel budget.
It’s not just about where we go — but why.
Trips are becoming more intentional: shaped by passions, people and a sense of “worth it.”
Top Trending Destinations for 2026
Destination searched for Salerno, Italy are up 211%. Photography by @gianp_anto94
City Girls are skipping the usual hotspots for smaller, story-rich escapes with culture, calm and character.
Europe’s Hidden Gems
Salerno, Italy: Amalfi-Coast charm without the crowds.
Bilbao, Spain: Bold art, Basque cuisine and beach vibes.
Rijeka, Croatia: A quieter Adriatic escape.
Kaunas, Lithuania: Europe’s new creative capital.
Beyond Europe
Kochi, Japan: Coastal calm and culture.
Koror, Palau: Dreamy lagoons and world-class diving.
Rabat, Morocco: Heritage, markets and calm city energy.
Akureyri, Iceland: Gateway to the wild north.
St John’s, Canada: Colourful coastline and charm.
St George’s, Grenada: Rainforest, spice markets and Caribbean beaches.
City Girl Tip: Smaller destinations = richer stories, lower costs and fewer crowds.
Best Value Escapes: Where Flights Just Got Cheaper
Prices for Bergen, Norway went down by 27% in the last year. Photography by @ionovph.
If you’re watching your budget, these destinations saw the biggest airfare drops last year:
Cologne, Germany (–44%) – Stylish and affordable city break.
Goa, India (–34%) – Sunshine, spice and soul-soothing beaches.
Kaunas, Lithuania (–31%) – Trending and affordable.
Bergen, Norway (–27%) – Fjords and fresh air for less.
Madeira, Portugal (–26%) – Volcanic views and vibrant food scene.
Tbilisi, Georgia (–21%) – Wine, design and warm hospitality.
Ottawa, Canada (–20%) – Back on the map with new direct routes.
Quick tip: When demand dips, flight prices drop — timing really is everything.
7 Travel Trends Defining 2026
Travel is no longer about escape. It’s about expression.
Here are the seven big ideas shaping the way City Girls will travel next year.
1. Glowmads: The Beauty-First Traveller
Self-care meets sightseeing. Think in-flight skincare routines, destination spas and detours to cult beauty stores.
Beauty travel planning conversations on Reddit are up 215%.
2. Shelf Discovery: The Food-Lover’s Adventure
Destination searches for Kochi, Japan were up 106%. A perfect place for food lovers to explore. Image by @banktayawee
Forget fancy restaurants — foodies are exploring local supermarkets for authentic (and affordable) tastes of culture.
73% of UK travellers browse local grocery stores when abroad.
3. Altitude Shift: The Mountain Calm Trend
It’s not just about skiing anymore. Mountain breaks are becoming year-round escapes for peace, quiet and beautiful remote stays.
71% of travellers are considering mountain trips for summer or autumn 2026.
4. Bookbound: The Literary Getaway
Destination searches for Bilbao, Spain are up 97%. And it’s the perfect place to read and wander. Image by @jorgefdezsalas
Reading retreats and bookish breaks are trending. Travellers are visiting libraries, tracing literary heroes and booking “reading holidays.”
Hotel bookings using Skyscanner’s “library” filter are up 70%.
5. Catching Flights and Feelings: The Solo Trend
Solo travel is soaring — and it’s all about connection.
39% of travellers have travelled, or plan to travel, solo to meet new people.
6. Family Miles: The Multi-Gen Trip
More families are travelling together to save costs and share memories.
51% of Gen Z adults have travelled with their parents in the past two years.
7. Destination Check-In: The Hotel as the Hero
Read our latest article highlighting Wellness Hotels in the Algarve for inspiration. Image by Visit Algarve.
Hotels are the new main event — with travellers choosing destinations based on a single property.
61% of Gen Z have booked a trip just for the hotel.
City Girl Takeaway
Travel in 2026 is more mindful, expressive and experience-driven than ever.
Whether you’re:
chasing calm in the mountains,
booking a solo reading retreat, or
travelling with your family for the first time in years
Make this your year of purpose-filled adventure.
Read the full Skyscanner 2026 Travel Trends Report here.