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UNPACK '26: EXPEDIA, HOTELS.COM, AND VRBO REVEAL HOW TRAVELERS WILL EXPLORE THE WORLD IN 2026
Prnewswireยท 2025-10-15 13:03
Core Insights - Expedia Group's annual report, "Unpack '26," highlights significant shifts in traveler behavior and emerging travel trends for 2026, focusing on sustainable tourism and unique experiences [1][28]. Travel Trends - The report identifies seven key travel trends for 2026, including Set-Jetting, Hotel Hop, Farm Charm, Readaways, Fan Voyage, and Salvaged Stays, reflecting a growing interest in immersive and local experiences [5][32]. - Set-Jetting, inspired by movies and TV shows, is projected to become an $8 billion industry in the U.S., with 81% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers planning trips based on screen inspirations [22][26]. - Hotel Hop is gaining traction, with 54% of travelers opting to book multiple hotels within a single destination, particularly popular among younger travelers [15][32]. - Farm Charm is on the rise, with 84% of travelers expressing interest in farm stays, indicating a shift towards nature-based, slow travel experiences [17][32]. - Readaways, focusing on reading and relaxation, are appealing to 91% of travelers, with a notable increase in interest for literary-themed retreats [4][17]. Destinations of the Year - The 2026 Destinations of the Year list features locations with significant search increases, including Big Sky, Montana (+92%), Okinawa, Japan (+71%), and Sardinia, Italy (+63%), showcasing rising global traveler interest [8][32]. - Six of these destinations meet the criteria for Expedia's Smart Travel Health Check, which emphasizes sustainable tourism practices [6][25]. Hotels of the Year - The 2026 Hotels of the Year list highlights the trend of Salvaged Stays, where historical buildings are repurposed into unique accommodations, with properties like Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu showing a 194% increase in searches [12][13]. - The report indicates a growing demand for hotels that combine historical architecture with modern amenities, appealing to travelers seeking character and cultural relevance [12][32]. Fan Voyage - The Fan Voyage trend reveals a surge in interest for local sporting events, with 57% of travelers likely to attend regional sports while traveling, emphasizing the importance of community and culture [9][10].