Smart Vacations, Mindful Travel Emerge as Key 2026 Trend

Expedia Group’s latest annual insights report, titled "Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel," indicates a potential shift in travel behaviors for the year 2026. The report, a product of Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, suggests that future travel will be less about completing bucket lists and more focused on introspection and environmental awareness.

The central theme identified for the coming year is the rise of “smart vacations.” This concept is defined as a travel style that integrates curiosity, calm, and conscious choices. The Unpack ’26 report provides a detailed analysis of how travelers are actively reshaping their priorities for their journeys.

Key Points

• Key quantifiable data:
  • Year: 2026
• Organizations involved:
  • Expedia Group
  • Expedia
  • Hotels.com
  • Vrbo
• Strategic topics discussed:
  • A shift from "checking off bucket lists" to "checking in with ourselves — and the planet"
  • The concept of “smart vacations”
  • Balancing curiosity, calm, and conscious choices
  • The reshaping of traveler priorities
• Market context:
  • Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report

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