Explore Worldwide Unveils its Top Travel Trends for 2026

Here’s a comprehensive look at Explore Worldwide’s Top Travel Trends for 2026, based on their latest announcement:

Micro-Retirements:
- Growing interest in career breaks before traditional retirement.
- 80% of surveyed Americans said they’re ready to take extended breaks within two years.
- Popular sabbatical destinations: Europe (34%), North America (33%), Australia (16%), Asia (15).

Hidden Seasons & Non-Viral Destinations:
- Travelers seeking off-season experiences with fewer crowds and better value.
- Examples: autumn in Japan, spring in Morocco, summer safaris in Zimbabwe.
- Rising interest in lesser-known regions like Kyushu (Japan), Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, northern Laos, inland Croatia.
- Bookings show strong growth: Laos (+20%), Mongolia (+64%), Estonia (+58%), Georgia (+45%), Zimbabwe (+89%).

Rail Revival:
- Surge in overland rail journeys as sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights.
- Rail bookings up 25% year-over-year; future bookings up 41% compared to 2024.
- Popular routes: Simply Japan (+42%), Kolkata to Amritsar (+21%), Venice–Rome–Amalfi Coast (+22%).

Umbraphilia & Astrotourism:
- Eclipse chasing is booming, with the 2026 solar eclipse across mainland Europe driving demand.
- Tours to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland sold out quickly.
- Average traveler age: 65; solo travelers account for 40% of bookings.
- Explore also announced 2027 eclipse trips.

Next-Gen Family Travel:
- Parents inviting adult children on trips, often covering costs.
- Family adventure travel sales up 106% year-on-year in the U.S. market.
- Trending destinations: Egypt (+72%), Belize (+71%), Sri Lanka (+34%), Botswana (+24%), Maldives (+69%).

Wellness & Restorative Adventures:
- Growing demand for trips focused on physical and mental rejuvenation.
- Includes cycling adventures, yoga retreats, and immersive nature experiences.

Big Picture
Explore Worldwide sees 2026 as a year where travelers prioritize:
- Value-driven, authentic experiences
- Sustainability and slower travel
- Intergenerational bonding through travel
- Cosmic and spiritual journeys that offer perspective and wonder

✨ This paints a fascinating picture of how travel is evolving—less about ticking off tourist hotspots, more about meaningful, sustainable, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.