Creative names promise exciting travel trends for the coming year. Skyscanner has ventured a look into the future and analyzed the travel behavior of the Germans of tomorrow. Falstaff TRAVEL presents the most interesting findings.
The "Travel Trends 2026" report from Skyscanner shows where the journey will take us in 2026. From solo adventures and the search for beauty experiences to culinary discoveries in the supermarket and literary-inspired trips, the new year has it all. Falstaff TRAVEL has made a selection of the most exciting trends.
Whether it's a slow reading vacation, a stroll through the world's most beautiful bookshops and libraries or a hike along the paths of fictional heroes - for many, literature and travel are the perfect combination to escape from everyday life. Around 43% of travelers have already undertaken a literary-inspired trip or would like to do so. For 58%, reading time on the move is an absolute must. 22% dream of visiting the locations of their favorite novels, 17% would like to explore a famous bookshop or library on vacation - and 14% could even imagine going on a writing or reading trip.
Beauty should not be neglected in the new year and is becoming a travel companion. Beauty rituals not only influence where Germans travel, but also how they travel. 26% of respondents in the Skyscanner study buy local care products on vacation that they cannot find at home, and 22% use duty-free stores specifically to buy make-up, perfume and skincare. Gen Z in particular is driving this trend: 32% of them plan to book beauty treatments or visit skincare stores when traveling - compared to only 14% of baby boomers. The continuing rise of beauty tourism shows that self-care is no longer just a lifestyle, but a travel destination.
From quirky vending machines in Tokyo to geothermally baked bread in Iceland - gastrotourism is changing. More and more travelers not only want to taste, but really immerse themselves in the culinary soul of a country. Particularly popular is the "supermarket safari". It offers an authentic insight into the everyday life of the locals - far away from Michelin-starred restaurants and street food markets. Two thirds of Germans surveyed regularly visit local supermarkets when traveling, 44% browse there specifically for new foods that are not available at home, 32% want to discover regional variations of familiar products, and 35% are attracted by the insight into everyday culinary life.
In 2026, travelers will be drawn up high - and no longer just to the ski slopes. According to the latest data, global hotel bookings with the "Room with a mountain view" filter have increased by an impressive 103% compared to the previous year. Whether it's the Dolomites, Annapurna or the Canadian Rocky Mountains - more and more people are planning a summer or autumn vacation at lofty heights: 62% of those surveyed are considering a stay in the mountains. The reasons are obvious: fresh air and a cool climate (55%), picturesque hikes and crystal-clear lakes (53%) and secluded accommodation with a view and peace and quiet (42%). Mountain vacations are becoming the new epitome of relaxation and closeness to nature.
In 2026, hotels themselves will become travel destinations. Instead of just being a place to spend the night, they become a stage for design, architecture and experience. More and more holidaymakers are looking for accommodation with character - and this is clearly reflected in the figures: according to Skyscanner, worldwide bookings with the "Unique accommodation" filter increased by 60% compared to the previous year and 35% of respondents even chose their destination exclusively because of a specific accommodation. The younger generations in particular are driving this trend; in addition to the price-performance ratio (25%), one thing above all else counts for them - the escape from everyday life (18%).
