Longer, more personalized and experiential trips: what tourists will be looking for in 2026

Tourist behavior in the lead-up to 2026 shows a shift towards longer, more flexible, and experience-focused trips. One of the main trends is the strategic use of free days to extend short breaks into longer trips, driving an increase in average spending and greater demand for experiences that prioritize the value of the journey over the traditional itinerary.

The search for unique experiences is gaining prominence, with a growing interest in less explored destinations and themed offerings that provide something new compared to traditional tourist routes. Short getaways, immersive experiences, and destinations with good value for money coexist with the enduring popularity of major urban centers and established destinations, which continue to attract a significant portion of tourist demand.

Newer generations are playing a key role in this shift in behavior. Younger travelers are showing the fastest growth rate, while millennials continue to lead in travel volume and are increasing their spending on premium services, activities, and personalized experiences. This reflects a preference for travel that combines comfort, authenticity, and offerings tailored to the traveler's interests.

Personalization is becoming a key factor in travel decisions. There is a growing demand for trips tailored to specific interests, such as event-based tourism, end-of-year celebrations, unique nature experiences, and options that include traveling with pets or as a family. Travelers are increasingly seeking to create meaningful memories and actively experience their destinations.

Meanwhile, international tourism continues to expand. Short- and medium-haul destinations remain attractive, while there is also growing interest in long-haul travel and emerging destinations. The preference for self-guided travel and greater autonomy reinforces the trend toward flexible and personalized itineraries.

Finally, technology is positioning itself as a key ally in travel planning and management. Artificial intelligence-based tools are gaining ground as assistants for organizing itineraries, discovering activities, and optimizing the experience, especially for family trips. Taken together, these trends anticipate a 2026 marked by a more informed, demanding traveler focused on authentic experiences, supported by technology and personalization.

Source: Fliggy.