At 2026 travel will no longer be an escape. This is confirmed by Skyscanner’s latest global report, which reveals how travelers are transforming the way they travel the world. It’s no longer just about disconnecting or crossing destinations off the map, but about reconnecting with yourself.
The journey becomes a mirror of personal passions, a space to explore identity, well-being and human relationships.
A journey that starts from the inside
Skyscanner’s study, based on data from more than 20,000 travelers worldwide, reveals a clear trend: travel will become more personal, conscious and emotional. After years in which the search for shared experiences set the pace, the compass is now pointing toward the intimate.
Traveling is no longer about escaping routine, but about taking the essence of oneself to other places. The figures speak for themselves: 31% of Spanish travelers say they will seek out beauty treatments or spas at their next destination; 28% will explore local supermarkets; and 27% will do so accompanied by several generations of their family. These are small decisions that reflect a change in mentality: each trip is tailored to the traveler.
Beauty lovers: esthetics as a travel compass
Beauty rituals are making their way into the suitcases of 2026. Massages, spas and cosmetic products are no longer a luxury, but a motivation. According to Skyscanner,
It’s no coincidence. In a context in which stress and technology occupy every minute, many seek a physical and emotional refuge in travel. Wellness tourism is growing because it promises something that day-to-day life does not offer: pause, silence and personal attention.
Real local flavor: supermarkets as a cultural window
Another big trend is the desire to discover authenticity through everyday food. Beyond trendy restaurants, travelers are starting to walk the aisles of supermarkets and local markets to truly understand local life.
Skyscanner’s report reveals that one in three Spanish travelers plan to visit local food stores by 2026. What was once considered a trivial activity is now an essential part of travel. Buying an artisanal cheese, trying an unfamiliar snack or discovering how to cook in another country has become a way to connect with the culture from the everyday.
With altitude: alpine getaways that conquer all year round
Mountain tourism is no longer seasonal. Alpine getaways are becoming a year-round trend, both for those in search of snow and sports, as well as for those who wish to disconnect among forests and lakes.
Hiking, yoga in nature, reading in front of fireplaces… the mountains are becoming the new stage for conscious relaxation. Not surprisingly, 26% of Spaniards plan to go hiking in 2026: contact with nature remains the perfect antidote to the frenetic urban pace.
Novel getaway: traveling to read and write one’s own story
The book becomes an inseparable travel companion. The study indicates that
Some hotels have already understood this and have created literary spaces with libraries, reading clubs or rooms inspired by authors. Literary tourism is gaining strength among those seeking inspiration, calm or simply a digital break.
Family vacations: generations traveling together
Another clear sign of change is the rise of intergenerational travel. Grandparents, parents and children are sharing destinations and experiences. Twenty-seven percent of Spaniards plan to travel with several generations of their family, a figure that reflects the importance of shared time after years of impossible distances and schedules.
These trips are not only an opportunity to strengthen bonds, but also to create common memories that transcend ages. Family tourism also promotes rural destinations and spacious accommodations, where spending several days together becomes an essential part of the experience.
Traveling for love: new connections in the post-digital age
Romanticism also finds its place among the trends. In 2026, traveling will be a way to open up to new connections, whether to make friends or, who knows, to find love. Sixteen percent of Spanish travelers openly confess: they hope to meet someone while traveling.
In an era marked by digital solitude, travel becomes a real meeting place. Traveling for love, or with love, is once again a way to feel alive.
Stays that transport: when the hotel is the destination
Skyscanner identifies another key trend: accommodations will be so important that they will determine the destination. Sixteen percent of Spanish travelers plan to choose their trip based on the hotel or apartment where they stay.
The concept of “rooms that transport” refers to those spaces that tell stories: sustainable hotels, with artistic design or immersive experiences, where rest is transformed into discovery. Sleeping in a lighthouse, in a
The choice between a desert house or a Nordic cabin will cease to be an extravagance and become a conscious choice.
The future of travel: technology, AI and authenticity
The report also reflects on the role of artificial intelligence in travel planning. Algorithms help find cheaper flights or less crowded destinations, but travelers are looking to keep the human at the center.
AI will be a tool, not a substitute for instinct. The challenge will be to use technology to simplify travel without removing its emotional essence. As Lee Chambers, a travel psychologist quoted by Skyscanner, explains, “tailored travel helps you connect with what really matters.”
Traveling while keeping your wallet in mind
Cost continues to be a determining factor. While travelers are looking for more personal and select experiences, economics continue to set the limits. Skyscanner identifies value-for-money destinations as a growing priority. In 2026, the trend will be to balance pleasure and budget, choosing wisely, but without sacrificing enjoyment.
Bryan Batista, CEO of the platform, sums it up clearly: “Next year we will travel with a different look. It won’t be about escaping reality, but about taking with you who you are and what you love”.
A new type of traveler is being born
What Skyscanner shows is not only a change in behavior, but the birth of a new generation of travelers. People who travel to grow, to take care of themselves, to learn. Travel is no longer measured in kilometers traveled, but in emotions experienced.
Behind every ticket is a personal story, an inner quest, a purpose. In 2026, travel will be more human than ever, and the true destination will not be on the map, but within each traveler.
