What Travel Will Look Like in 2026: Connection, Growth, and Adventure
WeRoad is one of Europe’s fastest growing travel operators and is sharing the powerful shifts in traveller behaviour that they believe will shape travel trends in 2026:
Emerging Destinations & Evergreen Favourites
WeRoad has seen a 380 % year-on-year increase in bookings for Uzbekistan so far in 2025, and 350 % for Kyrgyzstan — and expect this momentum to carry strongly into 2026. This is reflected by National Geographic’s recently released list of “Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2026”.
Clarissa Cappelletti, UK Country Manager at WeRoad, says: “Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are unique, emerging destinations filled with ancient stories, desert adventures, and a timeless allure.”
Andrea Lamperini, Chief Operating Officer at WeRoad, says: “The destination we are seeing with the most growth in demand is China - supported by the fact that many nationalities no longer require a tourist visa until the end of 2026. We are also seeing growing demand for Egypt, Transylvania/Romania, Brazil, Malta, Tanzania, Ecuador and Canada”.
Meanwhile tried-and-true destinations remain powerful: with The Dolomites and Amalfi Coast trips continuing to rank among WeRoad’s most popular itineraries.
This combination of discovering new and re-visiting favourites is one of the key drivers for 2026.
Why We Travel is Changing
WeRoad group photo, Peru
45% of respondents in WeRoad’s survey say they travel in order to challenge themselves, with 57% now seeing travel as an opportunity for personal growth, and 4% saying travel was recommended by their therapist.
More than half – 55% – admit they feel lonely in daily life, with 40% of people saying they are finding it difficult to meet new people.
Making friends IRL: Skyscanner’s research says: 44% of people are more open to meeting others when they’re travelling, with 30% saying it’s because they feel freer to be themselves. These numbers reflect a broad shift in travel - toward genuine human connection.
Andrea D’Amico, CEO of WeRoad, says: “We believe that travel is one of the most powerful ways to create real human connections. Our latest research shows that 1 in 2 people choose to travel not just to escape, but to reconnect. In a time when loneliness is on the rise, sharing a journey can become an opportunity to build genuine friendships through shared experiences.”
The Solo Travel Surge
Skyscanner’s recent survey reveals hotel bookings using their “solo” filter jumped 83% globally YoY, and Reddits solo travel related threads are up 90%.
Industry data indicates it’s women who are dominating the solo travel segment. ‘Solo travel for women’ Google searches have increased by 70%, and WeRoad’s customers of 60% women reflect this trend.
WeRoad’s Five Key Trend Predictions for 2026:
Destination Duality – A balance between “undiscovered gems” and “heritage favourites” will dominate.
Flexibility – We’ll see the appetite for one- to five-night express trips; “microcations” grow, reflecting travellers time & budget constraints, as well as the need to reset, and their urge to explore more of the world.
Detox & Disconnect – Travel will increasingly be framed as a break from screens, social-media pressure, and digital fatigue. Destinations with weaker signal or “no WiFi” badges will gain appeal.
Solo But Not Alone – Solo travel isn’t always about being alone; it’s about joining like-minded groups, forging friendships, and stepping (safely) outside our comfort zones.
Travel as ‘Medicine’ – With rising awareness of mental-health, loneliness and the value of “experiences over things”, travel will increasingly be seen as beneficial for self-care, challenge, growth and connection.
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