Below you'll find the top 50 travel trends for 2026, spotted by Rising Trends's trend radar algorithm.
These topics were detected from online sources including TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, Reddit, news outlets, and Google Search data. Each trend has at least 1,000+ monthly searches and over 20% year-over-year growth.
All travel trends with over 20% year-over-year growth, ranked by search volume.
| # | Topic | 5Y Trend | Search Vol. | Growth 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Forecast | 450,000 | +397% | |
| 2 | K2 | 135,000 | +23% | |
| 3 | Ridge | 135,000 | +49% | |
| 4 | Diesel Heater | 90,500 | +22% | |
| 5 | Asian Lantern Festival | 90,500 | +50% | |
| 6 | Lakeside Houses | 49,500 | +22% | |
| 7 | Desert Museum | 49,500 | +22% | |
| 8 | Catamaran Boat | 33,100 | +83% | |
| 9 | Compression Packing Cube | 27,100 | +50% | |
| 10 | Evisa Vietnam | 27,100 | +50% | |
| 11 | North Fork | 22,200 | +83% | |
| 12 | Daruma Doll | 22,200 | +50% | |
| 13 | Sylva | 18,100 | +22% | |
| 14 | Lightweight Luggage | 14,800 | +124% | |
| 15 | Snorkel Mask | 14,800 | +49% | |
| 16 | Finisterre | 14,800 | +83% | |
| 17 | Ottine Mineral Springs | 14,800 | +825% | |
| 18 | Off-road Electric Bicycle | 14,800 | +22% | |
| 19 | Train Tour | 14,800 | +174% | |
| 20 | Fastest Train In The World | 14,800 | +49% | |
| 21 | Fitzroy | 14,800 | +49% | |
| 22 | Steel Stacks | 12,100 | +22% | |
| 23 | Airspace Driver | 9,900 | +22% | |
| 24 | Day Pass | 9,900 | +50% | |
| 25 | Urban Exploring | 9,900 | +22% | |
| 26 | Airline Seat | 9,900 | +22% | |
| 27 | Airline Seats | 9,900 | +22% | |
| 28 | Maglev | 8,100 | +50% | |
| 29 | Cow Creek Farm | 8,100 | +179% | |
| 30 | Hydrofoil Boats | 8,100 | +125% | |
| 31 | Picaridin | 6,600 | +22% | |
| 32 | Portable Changing Pad | 6,600 | +50% | |
| 33 | Softside Luggage | 6,600 | +50% | |
| 34 | Lightweight Ebike | 5,400 | +23% | |
| 35 | Luxus | 5,400 | +86% | |
| 36 | Portable Water Purifiers | 5,400 | +440% | |
| 37 | Wild Woods | 5,400 | +23% | |
| 38 | Luxury Wellness Retreats | 4,400 | +52% | |
| 39 | Free Flight | 4,400 | +22% | |
| 40 | Small Group Adventure Tours | 4,400 | +99X | |
| 41 | Lightweight Teardrop Trailers | 4,400 | +511% | |
| 42 | Big Bear Cameras | 3,600 | +260% | |
| 43 | High Capacity Power Bank | 3,600 | +400% | |
| 44 | Crystal Serenity Cruise | 3,600 | +50% | |
| 45 | Beresheet Hotel | 2,900 | +81% | |
| 46 | Travel Esim | 2,900 | +123% | |
| 47 | Compact Electric Bike | 2,900 | +123% | |
| 48 | Compact E-bike | 2,900 | +123% | |
| 49 | Arb Earth Camper | 2,400 | +400% | |
| 50 | Journi | 2,400 | +85% |
Showing top 10 of 50 travel trends
| Category | Market Size | Growth | Leaders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora & Nature Tourism | ~$89B | ~12.4% CAGR | Hurtigruten, G Adventures |
| Cultural Experiences | ~$274B | ~8.5% CAGR | Airbnb Experiences, Viator |
| E-Mobility Travel | ~$52B | ~14.8% CAGR | Lime, Bird, Rad Power |
| Wellness Tourism | ~$817B | ~9.9% CAGR | Six Senses, Aman, Canyon Ranch |
| Travel Tech & AI | ~$12B | ~18.2% CAGR | Hopper, Kayak, Wanderlog |
| RV & Van Life | ~$68B | ~7.2% CAGR | Outdoorsy, RVshare, Winnebago |
CAGR = compound annual growth rate
For a breakdown of how we spot these movements before they peak, see our guide on Google Trends for market research where we explain our methodology.
Nature-based travel is experiencing unprecedented demand. "Northern lights aurora borealis forecast" has exploded to 450,000 monthly searches with an astonishing +397% year-over-year growth and +2,386% over five years. Meanwhile, "national parks" commands 450,000 searches as people seek authentic wilderness experiences.
The hunt for natural phenomena has become a defining travel motivation, with aurora tourism leading the charge.
Aurora and nature tourism is surging because:
The nature-based tourism market is projected to reach $89 billion by 2027, with aurora destinations seeing the fastest growth.
Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Forecast (450,000 searches, +397% YoY) – Real-time aurora prediction tools have transformed hopeful trips into planned expeditions. Aurora Service and dedicated apps help travelers maximize their chances.
Desert Farm Lights (33,100 searches, +3.3M% 5y) – Immersive light installations in desert landscapes, blending art with nature tourism. Events like Desert X attract hundreds of thousands.
Fairy Pools (5,400 searches) – Natural swimming spots, particularly Scotland's famous Isle of Skye pools, represent the search for pristine, Instagram-worthy natural destinations.
Destination theme parks are experiencing unprecedented growth. "Epic Universe" has exploded to 368,000 monthly searches with +235% year-over-year and +10,122% five-year growth, while "Universal Epic Universe" adds another 301,000 searches at +398% YoY. Immersive experiences are redefining what theme parks can be.
The next generation of theme parks goes beyond rides to create fully immersive worlds where guests live inside their favorite stories.
Theme park investment is accelerating because:
The global theme park market is projected to reach $85 billion by 2028, growing at 6.8% CAGR.
Epic Universe (368,000 searches, +235% YoY, +10,122% 5y) – Universal Orlando's new park opening in 2025 with worlds based on Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Nintendo, and classic Universal Monsters. The most anticipated theme park opening in decades.
Universal Epic Universe (301,000 searches, +398% YoY) – Alternative search term showing massive anticipation. Pre-opening buzz indicates potential to rival Disney's Magic Kingdom in attendance.
Arte Museum Las Vegas (110,000 searches) – Immersive digital art experiences represent the intersection of art galleries and entertainment. TeamLab-style installations are becoming destination attractions.
Evermore Orlando Resort (40,500 searches, +49% YoY) – New vacation home resort near Disney represents the premium accommodation trend around major theme parks.
Atlantis Paradise Island (40,500 searches, +514% 5y) – The Bahamas mega-resort combines water park, aquarium, and casino into destination entertainment.
Electric transportation is transforming how people explore destinations. "Compact e-bike" and "compact electric bike" generate 2,900 searches with +123% year-over-year growth, while "long range e-bike" variations show 6,600 searches and "electric bike rental" maintains 14,800 searches.
Sustainable mobility has moved from niche to mainstream, with e-bikes becoming essential travel gear and rental options.
E-mobility in travel is growing because:
The e-bike market is growing at 14.8% CAGR, with travel and tourism applications leading adoption.
Compact E-Bike (2,900 searches, +123% YoY) – Foldable and small-format electric bikes designed for travel. Brands like Brompton Electric and Gocycle lead this premium category.
Long Range Electric Bike (6,600 searches, +175% 5y) – E-bikes capable of full-day adventures without recharging. Essential for touring and exploring large areas.
Electric Bike Rental (14,800 searches) – Tourist destinations worldwide now offer e-bike rentals, from Amsterdam to national parks. Enables car-free exploration.
Off-Road Electric Bicycle (14,800 searches, +124% 5y) – Electric mountain bikes for adventure travel, opening previously inaccessible terrain to more riders.
Health-focused travel has evolved from spa weekends to transformative journeys. "Luxury wellness retreats" generates 4,400 monthly searches with +1,592% growth over five years, while "ottine mineral springs" shows 14,800 searches at +679% year-over-year and "strawberry hot springs" maintains 49,500 searches.
Wellness is no longer a travel add-on but the primary trip motivation for a growing segment of travelers.
Wellness tourism is accelerating because:
The wellness tourism market is valued at $817 billion and growing nearly twice as fast as general tourism.
Luxury Wellness Retreats (4,400 searches, +1,592% 5y) – High-end destinations combining accommodations with comprehensive wellness programming. Think Six Senses, Aman, and Canyon Ranch.
Ottine Mineral Springs (14,800 searches, +679% YoY) – Texas hot springs experiencing discovery as domestic wellness destinations gain popularity. Part of broader hot springs tourism revival.
Strawberry Hot Springs (49,500 searches) – Colorado's natural hot springs represent the intersection of nature and wellness tourism. Reservations are now required due to overwhelming demand.
Technology is revolutionizing trip planning and travel logistics. "AI travel planning" has surged to 2,400 searches with +23,900% growth over five years, while "travel router" generates 6,600 searches and "high capacity power bank" shows 3,600 searches at +400% year-over-year.
The connected traveler demands reliable technology support, from AI-powered planning to power solutions that keep devices running.
Travel tech is transforming because:
The travel tech market is growing at 18.2% CAGR, with AI planning tools leading innovation.
AI Travel Planning (2,400 searches, +23,900% 5y) – AI-powered trip planning tools like Wanderlog and ChatGPT plugins create personalized itineraries in seconds. The category barely existed three years ago.
Travel Router (6,600 searches, +128% 5y) – Portable routers that create secure wifi networks from hotel connections or cellular data. Essential for digital nomads and security-conscious travelers.
High Capacity Power Bank (3,600 searches, +400% YoY) – Large-capacity portable chargers that can power devices for days of travel. Necessary as phones become primary cameras, maps, and boarding passes.
Jet Lag Recovery Calculator (1,300 searches, +665% 5y) – Tools that optimize sleep schedules before and during travel to minimize jet lag. Apps like Timeshifter personalize recommendations.
Route Planner App (1,900 searches) – Multi-stop route optimization for road trips. Google Maps alternatives offer better trip planning features.
The outdoor travel segment continues its post-pandemic evolution. "Diesel heater" generates 90,500 monthly searches with +511% five-year growth, while "solar generator for rv" shows 1,900 searches and camping essentials like "camp sleeping pad" maintain 12,100 searches.
Van life and RV travel have graduated from trend to lifestyle, with specialized gear enabling year-round adventures.
RV and camping travel is thriving because:
The RV market is valued at $68 billion and continues growing as lifestyles evolve.
Diesel Heater (90,500 searches, +511% 5y) – Chinese-manufactured diesel heaters have revolutionized van and RV living, enabling winter travel at low cost. Brands like Vevor dominate the value segment.
Solar Generator for RV (1,900 searches, +90% 5y) – Portable solar power systems from Jackery and EcoFlow enable off-grid living with full electrical capability.
Portable Espresso Maker (6,600 searches, +175% 5y) – Travelers refuse to compromise on coffee quality. Manual and battery-powered espresso makers bring cafe quality anywhere.
Camp Sleeping Pad (12,100 searches) – Insulated sleeping pads have transformed ground sleeping from uncomfortable to luxurious. R-value ratings help campers choose appropriate insulation.
Campsite Coffee Maker (4,400 searches) – Dedicated camping coffee solutions from pour-over to percolators reflect the importance of morning rituals outdoors.
Rural experiences are becoming destination travel. "Milk and Honey Ranch" has surged to 60,500 monthly searches with +2,421% year-over-year growth, while "June Farms" shows 33,100 searches at +234% YoY and "Wildflower Farms" generates 40,500 searches with +4,502% five-year growth.
Travelers are seeking authentic rural experiences that connect them with food sources, agricultural traditions, and simpler ways of living.
Farm tourism is accelerating because:
The agritourism market is valued at $69 billion globally and growing at 13.4% CAGR.
Milk and Honey Ranch (60,500 searches, +2,421% YoY) – Celebrity-connected ranch experiences offering luxury accommodations with authentic farm activities. Represents the premium end of agritourism.
Wildflower Farms (40,500 searches, +4,502% 5y) – Auberge resort in Hudson Valley combining luxury hospitality with working farm experiences. Set the template for upscale agritourism.
June Farms (33,100 searches, +234% YoY, +652% 5y) – New York farm experience offering animal encounters, farm-to-table dining, and seasonal festivals. Represents accessible agritourism.
Southern Hill Farms (49,500 searches, +309% 5y) – Florida u-pick farm that has expanded into a destination with seasonal events, cafe, and market.
International connectivity has been transformed by eSIM technology. "Airalo" generates 301,000 monthly searches with +50% year-over-year growth, while "Holafly" shows 74,000 searches at an extraordinary +105,614% five-year growth. Travelers now expect seamless global connectivity without physical SIM cards.
The days of expensive roaming charges or hunting for local SIM cards are ending as eSIM marketplaces make international data instant and affordable.
Travel eSIMs are exploding because:
The global eSIM market is projected to reach $16.3 billion by 2027, growing at 15.5% CAGR.
Airalo (301,000 searches, +50% YoY) – The leading eSIM marketplace offering data plans for 200+ countries. Founded in 2019, now valued at over $1 billion with millions of users.
Holafly (74,000 searches, +49% YoY, +105,614% 5y) – Travel eSIM provider popular with influencers, offering unlimited data plans for specific destinations.
Trainline (49,500 searches, +817% 5y) – European rail booking platform representing broader digital travel infrastructure. Makes cross-border train travel as easy as booking a flight.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 (22,200 searches, +50% YoY, +10,471% 5y) – Satellite communicator for off-grid travel. Provides emergency SOS and messaging where cell coverage doesn't exist.
The travel landscape of 2026 reveals a clear narrative: travelers are seeking meaning over convenience, immersion over observation, and connectivity over isolation. Whether chasing the northern lights (450K searches, +397%), experiencing Epic Universe (+10,122% growth), exploring on electric bikes, planning with AI tools (+23,900% growth), staying at agritourism destinations (+2,421% YoY), or staying connected with eSIMs (301K searches) – the common thread is intentional, well-connected travel.
The winning approaches in travel share these characteristics:
For entrepreneurs and investors, the data points to high-growth opportunities: aurora and nature tourism experiences, theme park and immersive entertainment, e-mobility rentals, wellness retreat development, AI-powered travel planning tools, agritourism properties, and travel connectivity solutions.
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