In 2026, studies published by platforms such as Booking.com indicate that travel is increasingly going beyond the simple notion of rest or disconnection. Data reveals a growing interest in meaningful experiences, where history, the journey itself, and personal connection matter more than the final destination. Without claiming to predict exactly what the coming year will bring, these trends nevertheless offer an initial reading of the evolution of destination choices and ways of traveling.
Travel as a Narrative
There is a growing attraction to experiences that spark the imagination, narrative universes, or places capable of awakening curiosity beyond traditional routes. This translates into thematic stays inspired by literary or cinematic works, as well as trips where the history of a territory becomes the main motivation for travel.
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This approach takes shape, for example, in Colombia, where Aracataca invites visitors to explore the places that inspired Gabriel García Márquez’s universe: the Casa Museo, the old railways evoked in his novels, and the neighborhoods that preserve the family memory of the writer. The traveler no longer simply visits a place—they move through a story.
The Return of the Road Trip, Now Shared
Another notable trend is the reinvention of the road trip. Itineraries are becoming more flexible, supported by collaborative tools, and sharing a vehicle transforms the journey itself into a central experience. In Latin America, this trend could reinvigorate iconic routes such as the Ruta del Fuego, connecting the southern landscapes of Argentina and Chile, or the legendary Route 40, which crosses Patagonia and links isolated territories to small Andean communities.
Rethinking Gastronomic Tourism
For many travelers, gastronomy will no longer just be a gateway to a destination, but a lasting connection that extends beyond the return home. This relationship is particularly expressed through the direct purchase of local products: ingredients, artisanal objects, or utensils used later in everyday life.
In the region, this approach is already well established. In Colombia’s Eje cafetero, visitors select and package their coffee directly at family farms. In Lima or Cusco, culinary workshops combine market visits, preparation of ceviche or causa limeña, and the purchase of local spices, allowing travelers to take home a tangible part of the Peruvian experience.
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Traveling to Explore Relationships
Among the most unique trends is the idea of travel as a way to reveal personal or professional compatibilities. A significant proportion of travelers say they are willing to use vacations to test affinities, whether with a potential partner, friend, or even colleague. According to the study, 70% of Spaniards would consider this type of trip to evaluate cohabitation outside the daily routine.
For the sector, these motivations could boost demand for short stays, flexible packages for duos or small groups, and accommodations that encourage shared experiences. Hospitality designed as an interactive space could thus take precedence over more traditional models.
If sustainability or well-being continue to shape discourse, what truly distinguishes 2026 dynamics is a deeper shift: travel is increasingly thought of not as an accumulation of places, but as a lived experience. Living a literary story, cooking with one’s own hands, sharing the road over long distances—the meaning is no longer found only at the destination, but in every step of the journey. This evolution is not a trend but a lasting transformation in how travelers approach the world.
Photos: Peru Travel | Sébastien Walkowiak
