Travel behaviour completely changed: top 5 trends for 2026

79% of all bookings remain in the Netherlands: short trips and micro-adventures will define the travel year 2026.

: HotelSpecials, the specialist in short breaks and hotel deals, shares the most important travel trends for 2026. Based on booking data and market signals, HotelSpecials has observed that travellers are planning more consciously and opting for quality, experience and well-being. It is not the distance, but the value of a trip that is key.

Travel in 2026 will be all about experience

“Travel in 2026 is no longer just about long-distance journeys, but about meaning and experience. At HotelSpecials, we see that guests like to put together their own stays, with extras and activities that make their stay truly special, from dinner packages to local experiences,” says [Rick ten Cate], Head of Marketing at HotelSpecials.

The top 5 trends for 2026

1. Micro-adventures close to home

In 2026, travelling does not have to be far away. Short trips of one or two nights are gaining popularity. A wellness night, culinary mini-escape or themed stay offers the desired experience without long travel times. This is also clearly reflected in booking behaviour: approximately 1 in 4 bookings now includes an extra benefit, upgrade or package deal.

2. Slow travel and mindful movement

More peaceful travel is becoming increasingly popular. Walking, cycling and other outdoor activities are increasingly becoming an important part of hotel stays. Nature hotels in particular are benefiting from this, with direct access to routes or organised excursions.

3. Hotels as genuine destinations

The stay itself will become a more important reason to book in 2026. Heritage hotels, circular buildings and characterful design hotels attract travellers who are looking for something special. Not just a place to spend the night, but somewhere to really be.

4. Sustainability as the new standard

Conscious travel is the norm. Guests are increasingly looking for sustainable choices such as local products, energy savings and transparency about impact. Hotels that actively communicate this stand out positively to travellers.

5. Escapism and experience

Fairytale packages and themed hotels are gaining ground. Hotels are creating unique concepts for guests who want to escape the daily routine for a while, with a focus on experience and immersion.

Travel trends 2026: The Netherlands remains a favourite, but Germany is gaining ground

Recent booking trends for 2026 show that Dutch travellers are opting en masse for holidays close to home. With more than 79% of all bookings made, the Netherlands remains by far the most popular destination. The continuing interest in short trips, nature and wellness plays a major role in this. Limburg and South Holland in particular attract many travellers thanks to their mix of culture, nature and atmospheric cities.

Germany ranks second with nearly 14% of bookings, mainly North Rhine-Westphalia due to cities such as Düsseldorf, Oberhausen and Cologne, short travel times and affordable hotels. Belgium ranks third with nearly 6%, thanks to charming cities, nature and culinary hotspots for weekend trips.

In summary, 2026 presents a clear picture of travel: short micro-adventures in the United Kingdom are becoming more popular, and travellers are opting for slow travel and mindful outdoor activities. In addition, hotels are increasingly becoming the destination themselves, sustainability is becoming the new standard, and experience is playing a greater role than ever before.