Between the quiet arrival of long-ignored destinations, the rise of places committed to more sustainable tourism and the emergence of new cultural hotspots, the world continues to reinvent itself. Travelers now want fewer boxes ticked, more profound experiences, and this is completely redrawing the map of trendy destinations.
1. Northbound
The climate encourages travellers to head for northern latitudes in summer. From the fjords of Norway to the forests of Finland, these regions offer freshness, unspoilt nature and long days bathed in light. This quest for milder climates is accompanied by a desire to slow down, hike and breathe. The North thus becomes a soothing alternative to traditional summer destinations.
Rising stars... from the North :
- Rural Iceland raw nature, geothermal energy, slow travel.
- Faroe Islands spectacular hikes, limited and controlled tourism.
- Lapland outside winter lakes, forests, Sami culture.
2. City trips to secondary towns
Faced with the saturation of fashionable city trip destinations, a new trend is taking hold: exploring quieter, often little-known secondary towns. From Porto à Ljubljana, of Gdańsk à Bari, These destinations are seductive for their authenticity, lower prices and a more respectful approach to tourism. Travelling off the beaten track allows you to discover a more intimate Europe, rich in preserved local cultures, while easing the pressure on the major metropolises. A more sustainable and humane way to explore the continent.
3. Glowcations: a new generation of wellness trips
2026 should see an explosion in glowcations, These stays combine relaxation, wellness treatments, healthy eating and gentle activities to recharge body and mind. Between holistic retreats, immersive spas, hiking, natural therapies and destinations focused on regeneration (both physical and mental), travel becomes a parenthesis for refocusing and rediscovering your inner radiance.
Top destinations :
- European Alps nature retreats, Nordic baths, hiking.
- Bali off the beaten track.
- Costa Rica a pioneer in sustainable tourism and well-being.
4. Literary tourism: traveling with your favorite authors
Another strong trend: the journeys inspired by books, sagas and literary universes, a booming practice. From writers' homes to the cafés where masterpieces were born, these journeys offer immersion in the places that inspired novels and poems. By exploring these real-life settings, readers extend the emotion of the books and discover the territories from a cultural and intimate angle.
A few literary hotspots :
- Edinburgh UNESCO's first city of literature.
- Dublin in the footsteps of Joyce, Wilde and Beckett.
- Tokyo Murakami tours and literary cafés.
5. Nature destinations set to explode in 2026
Nature travel is appealing to a generation in search of new experiences. disconnect and unspoilt landscapes. Hiking, cabin stays, wildlife observation or forest bathing respond to the need to slow down and rediscover a direct link with the environment. This trend values simple, authentic and respectful experiences, where silence, fresh air and the wonder of life are privileged.
The must-sees :
- Reunion Island Kingdom of hiking, 400 microclimates, exceptional biodiversity.
- Namibia lunar deserts, responsible safaris.
- Philippines unspoilt beaches, diving, undiscovered islands.
6. Before it's too late“ destinations”
More and more travelers are turning to destinations to discover «before it's too late». Rising sea levels, over-visitation and cultural fragility are fuelling the desire to see certain threatened places. This quest combines curiosity, urgency and ecological awareness. She reminds us that traveling also means protecting what we admire, rather than simply consuming it.
3 destinations to see now :
- Montenegro magnificent coastline and unspoilt mountains.
- Uzbekistan Silk Road revival.
- Georgia natural wine, mountains, hospitality.
7. Community and aboriginal tourism
More and more travellers are looking to meet indigenous communities to understand their culture and traditions. their knowledge, traditions and deep connection with nature. This approach, guided by respect and attentiveness, enhances the value of often marginalized cultures and encourages more responsible tourism. By sharing their stories and practices, these people offer another way of exploring the world, one that's more human and more aware. This translates into: stays in indigenous ecolodges, tours guided by local communities and immersive cultural experiences.
Where can you enjoy these experiences?
- Aboriginal Canada immersion in First Nations cultures.
- Maori New Zealand.
- Patagonian Chile and Argentina.
8. Smart travel in ‘dupe’ destinations’
Destinations dupe are gaining in popularity: these are places cheaper and less frequented which offer an atmosphere similar to that of popular spots. This trend allows you to travel differently, avoiding crowds and reducing your impact, while enjoying similar experiences at a lower cost.
- Instead of Santorini, we choose the white villages of other Cyclades (Naxos, Sifnos, Folegandros...), just as bright but much more accessible.
- To replace Bali, the unspoilt beaches of Lombok or the Sri Lanka offer nature and culture for less.
- And for the Tokyo atmosphere, Seoul attracts with its futuristic energy and lower prices. A new way to travel smart, without giving up the dream.
2026, the year of meaningful travel
The trendy destinations of 2026 aren't just beautiful: they tell the story of a new way of traveling. Slower, more conscious, more connected to local cultures and nature. Whether we go to recharge our batteries, explore or learn, 2026 promises travel that leaves a mark - in our lives, not on the planet.
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