by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:10 AM ET, Fri January 16, 2026
KAYAK has released its 2026 What the Future (WTF) Report, outlining the destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.
According to the report, artificial intelligence (AI), smaller destinations, and shorter trips are emerging.
Now in its second year, the report draws on KAYAK search queries, a survey of 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travellers, social and cultural research, executive interviews, and community data from TikTok. T
The goal, according to KAYAK, is to identify shifts in travel demand before they become mainstream.
AI Forward
AI stands out as one of the most influential forces shaping how travellers plan trips. More than half (55%) of Gen Z and Millennial respondents said they would change their destination if AI suggested a better option.
“In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel, anticipating what travellers need before they ask and removing friction at every step. The future of travel isn’t just smarter; it’s more human and personalized, with technology enhancing the experience along the way,” said Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer at KAYAK.
TikTok data also played a significant role in the findings, reflecting how social platforms influence discovery and decision-making.
“TikTok is reshaping how people explore the world, and is home to a vibrant culture of search and discovery when it comes to planning travel – from flights, to hotels, to destinations, and beyond,” said David Hoctor, Vertical Director of Travel, Global Business Solutions at TikTok.
"KAYAK has identified a number of emerging travel behaviors that we are seeing play out in real-time on TikTok, from microtravel trips with friends, to ‘gasp-away’ dream vacations with their loved ones. We’re thrilled to see these trends take shape in the year ahead as travellers plan their next trips.”
Emerging Destinations for 2026
As travellers seek lower prices and fewer crowds, KAYAK’s report highlights a shift toward lesser-known cities and regions. Its Top 10 Emerging Destinations for 2026 are:
- Cork, Ireland
- Chongqing, China
- Harbin, China
- Zakynthos, Greece
- Shenzhen, China
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Hilo (Big Island), United States
- Noumea, New Caledonia
- La Romana, Dominican Republic
- Luxembourg, Luxembourg
The report notes that many travellers are actively avoiding destinations dominating social media feeds.
Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z (74%) and Millennials (72%) said they prefer places not yet widely shared online, while TikTok’s #hiddengems posts rose more than 50% last year.
Smaller Trips, Slower Travel
Shorter, more frequent getaways are also expected to gain traction in 2026.
Nearly 61% of surveyed travellers plan to take multiple short trips, rather than one long vacation, a trend KAYAK refers to as “nanocations.”
At the same time, interest in slow travel continues to rise, with 46% saying slower-paced trips help clear their minds.
Small towns are another draw. Eighty-five percent of respondents said they would prefer a smaller town for their 2026 travel, citing lower prices, fewer crowds and a greater sense of authenticity.
Events, Nature and Wellness
Major events are shaping travel plans more than ever. An overwhelming 95% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers said they plan to travel for a major event in 2026, whether for sports, concerts or festivals.
Nature-led travel is also influencing itineraries. Sixty percent of respondents said natural phenomena such as meteor showers or eclipses would guide their plans, while TikTok posts related to glamping increased by 20%.
Wellness remains a strong motivator, with 67% citing mental reset as their top reason for travelling. Sixty percent said they plan to spend more on luxury trips in the future, redefining luxury as rest and recovery rather than status.
Budget Flexibility and “Soft Adventures”
With affordability top of mind, flexible payment options are playing a larger role.
More than a quarter of Gen Z (28%) and Millennials (26%) said credit or installment plans will influence how many trips they take in 2026.
Adventure travel is also evolving. Rather than extreme activities, many travellers are opting for “soft adventures” such as hiking, cycling or paddleboarding, blending activity with downtime.
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