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Booking.com’s 2026 travel trends put individuality — and kitchens — first

Travel trends to look out for in 2026

By Emily Caldwell Nov 8, 2025 12:17 PM

man sitting next to suitcase reading a piece of paper — Gustavo Fring / Pexels

The 10th edition of Booking.com’s Travel Predictions report has just revealed that travelers next year are expected to place a heavy emphasis on individuality when booking travel in 2026. The predictions suggest that travelers are embracing personal achievements on their own terms and using travel as a way to celebrate their individuality. Per Booking.com’s findings, nearly 75% of travelers justify booking a vacation simply because they’ve worked hard and deserve it, while new reasons to book a trip are rising to the forefront:

Toasting a new job or promotion (24%)
Receiving a surprise tax refund (16%)
Marking the closure of a breakup (14%)
Showing off a new outfit (9%).
Health and well-being achievements are also emerging as powerful motivators, with 22% traveling to mark milestones like sobriety or fitness transformations.

Turning kitchen shelves into cultural showcases

In addition to individuality, 2026 travel predictions suggest travelers want to turn their kitchen shelves into cultural showcases. Booking.com says the “humble kitchen cupboard is becoming a cultural canvas”, filled with travel souvenirs that reflect personal taste, design flair, and a story of place. Instead of souvenirs like fridge magnets, travelers are seeking edible and design-led treasures that turn everyday kitchens into showcases of global culture.

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68% of travelers responded that they would consider buying design-led kitchenware or pantry items on vacation, from hand-painted spice jars to tins of artisan olive oil that double as décor, with more than half (55%) saying they would even consider traveling to a destination specifically known for its pantry products or kitchenware.

26% of travelers responded that edible souvenirs help them relive a destination each time they cook, while 25% value how these items showcase local craft, sustainability, and traditional methods. Plus, 17% said they even would choose destinations for rare souvenirs, limited-edition cookware, or packaging that looks as good on a shelf as it does on social media.

Emily is a Features Writer at The Manual, where she specializes in food, beverage, and travel content. She focuses on weaving… Read Full Bio

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