by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 2:05 PM ET, Fri October 10, 2025
Skyscanner has released the results of extensive research into travel trends, and travel advisors will want to take note of some of what’s up and coming in the world of travel for the foreseeable future.
The report, published Oct. 9, 2025 used proprietary data, a global survey of more than 20,000 travellers and industry insights to compile an in-depth look at where travellers are interested in going and the sometimes charming, sometimes quirky reasons why.
"Travellers are planning with greater purpose, shaping trips that reflect who they are and what matters most, at a price that feels right for them,” says Skyscanner CEO Bryan Batista.
Trending Destinations
By looking at the number of searches Canadians performed on Skyscanner, the report measured which destinations are seeing the biggest jump in interest when compared with the number of searches last year. It’s a good indication of where people are interested in going and could be a nudge for advisors to bone up on destination knowledge.
The 10 destinations that saw the biggest surge in search volume from Canada are:
1. Terceira Lajes, Portugal: 209 percent increase
2. Basseterre, Saint Kitts: 170 percent increase
3. Castries, Saint Lucia: 160 percent increase
4. Guadalajara, Mexico: 146 percent increase
5. Comox, Canada: 145 percent increase
6. Kaohsiung, Taiwan: 122 percent increase
7. Victoria, Canada: 115 percent increase
8. Gander, Canada: 105 percent increase
9. Lyon, France: 99 percent increase
10. Ponta Delgada, Portugal: 98 percent increase
Trending Reasons to Travel
"Travellers are redefining what it means to explore, whether embracing self-care through beauty inspired trips, seeking serenity in the mountains, or letting literature inspire their journeys,” saysLaura Lindsay, Skyscanner Travel Expert. “2026 is the year that travel gets personal, and it’s about more than the destination themselves. Canadians are pioneering a travel landscape that is all about crafting unique itineraries that resonate on an individual level, making each trip a deeply personal adventure.”
The Skyscanner report coined the following names for the following trends.
Glowmads: Rising interest in beauty and skincare is influencing real-world travel behaviours. Gen Z is pioneering this trend, with 36 per cent planning to seek out beauty treatments and skincare stores while travelling in 2026.
Altitude Shift: Mountains are having their moment, with 74 percent of Canadian travellers considering or planning a mountain escape for summer or autumn 2026. Finding "peak serenity" is a priority, with 61 percent of travellers booking mountain travel for peace and quiet.
Bookbound: The love of reading, a certain book or favourite author can translate into literary-led travel behaviours - from visiting destinations inspired by beloved books, to planning holidays around reading retreats. 48 percent of Canadians say that they have booked, or would consider booking a trip inspired by literature.
Family Miles: 54 percent of adults said family travel, including multi-generational travel, is a chance to make memories, and 29 percent said that it’s a chance to truly connect with each other.
Catching Flights & Feelings: Travel in 2026 is about the place and the people. 50 percent of Canadian travellers have gone or have considered going overseas specifically to meet new people. Connecting with others is a key driver for travel, with 24 percent hoping to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, and 21 percent to foster meaningful friendships.
Destination Check-In: Travellers are increasingly choosing where to go based on where they want to stay. In 2026, hotels and accommodations aren’t just places to sleep, they’re becoming the destination itself. Forty-four per cent of travellers say they have picked a destination solely because of the accommodations, and 27 per cent are planning to book a stay that is part of the experience. From striking architecture to transportive design, travellers are prioritizing unique stays that shape the entire journey.
Shelf Discovery: 58 percent of travellers say they always or often visit supermarkets abroad to stock up on local flavours. 2026 is all about exploring destinations belly first, and 41 percent of Canadians are going to local supermarkets to discover meals, snacks or drinks they can’t get at home.
The Cost of Travel
Not surprisingly, one of the top concerns for those surveyed was cost. While 30 percent of Canadians are planning to travel more next year than they did this year, the price of airfare, accommodation, and food and drink were listed as major considerations.
For 62 percent of Canadians, the cost of flights is the highest determining factor when it comes to choosing a destination.
Anticipated spending on car rentals and accommodations is expected to increase by 17 percent and 58 percent, respectively. Gen Z respondents (34 percent of them) cited saving money as a core incentive to travel with family. Also the joy of being with loved ones, we’re sure!
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