2026
Global
Travel
Trends
2026 Global Travel Trends Report
A look into the key inspirations behind global travel behaviors and what the on-trip experience looks like in 2026.
Our 2026 Global Travel Trends Report shows that travelers are being incredibly intentional about how they spend their vacation time this year,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “As people continue to be thoughtful about their trips, our expertise, benefits and tools allow them to get the most out of their vacations.”
Miles on Milestones
Travelers are taking invitations to destination weddings, family reunions, and milestone birthdays as a chance to make the trip their own.
Celebratory trips are filling up calendars this year. Two-thirds of global respondents (66%) plan to take a trip to celebrate a milestone for other people in 2026.
Many travelers are strategically planning to make the most of their time traveling — putting miles on milestones — with 82% of global respondents planning to build in buffer days surrounding the main celebration of their milestone trip.
Among Millennials and Gen Z surveyed who are extending a milestone trip, the top reasons include spending more quality time with family and friends (49%), exploring a new destination (45%), and experiencing the location how they want (46%).
Fun fact: Birthdays are the most popular reason (40%) for a milestone trip among Millennials and Gen Z surveyed.
Vacation rentals for an extended group getaway
Sight-Doing
Today’s travelers want more than just passive sightseeing — seeking out hands-on activities that help them connect more deeply with a place and its culture.
Whether it’s a tortilla-making class in Mexico City or a fragrance workshop in Paris, 79% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say that they’re likely to seek out local workshops or activities specific to the destination they’re visiting in 2026.
Beyond just interactive immersion, sight-doers are focused on experiences that leave a lasting impression — as 76% of global respondents believe the skills they gain on a trip remain with them longer than any material souvenir.
Millennials and Gen Z surveyed especially value engaging activities:
Add these hands-on activities and classes to your next trip
Lore Chasing
Today’s travelers aren’t just chasing destinations; they’re chasing stories.
Whether they’re seeking out once-in-a-lifetime activities or leaving room in their itineraries for spontaneity, travelers are embracing discovery and adventure in 2026 — especially to gain new "lore” from their trips.
87% of global respondents like to leave room in their itinerary for unexpected local discoveries. Additionally, 76% of global respondents say they’re likely to do something adventurous or outside their comfort zone while traveling, with Millennials and Gen Z surveyed even more likely to do so (86%).
As for how Millennial and Gen Z respondents achieve their “lore chasing,” 83% say that they prioritize unique, authentic experiences over popular tourist attractions. Of course, sharing their travels is part of their motivation, too — as 82% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say that they’re likely to do something completely out of the ordinary simply if it makes a good story.
Choose your own lore-chasing adventure at these hotels
Snackpacking
Travelers are zeroing in on the flavors that define a destination — seeking out local snacks, regional dishes, and the businesses that offer them.
While dining has always been central to travel, today’s travelers are accessing local flavors through smaller, more snackable ways.
89% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say it’s important to leave room in their itinerary to enjoy local snacks. 60% of global respondents surveyed either often or always purchase local snacks or food items specific to the destination they are visiting.
Key reasons that respondents cite for seeking out local foods on their travels include trying items not available at home (66%) and supporting local businesses (45%).
While almost half (49%) of global respondents look to family and friend recommendations for food travel decisions, the Millennials and Gen Z surveyed are also relying on social media for inspiration.
Ways to embrace your inner snackpacker
Explore more
2026 Trending Destinations
View 2026 Destinations
Amex Travel App™
Learn more
Amex Passport™
Learn more1Survey Methodology
This Morning Consult poll was conducted between December 30, 2025 – January 14, 2026 among the following sample of global respondents: 2025 US Adults, 1001 Australia Adults, 1019 Canada Adults, 1005 UK Adults,1021 Japan Adults, 1010 Mexico Adults and,1021 India Adults who all have at least a $50k+ income equivalent and typically travel at least once a year. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2-3 percentage points. Some geographies may be weighted with fewer variables depending on local census data availability.
2Millennials and Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1981-2012. Gen X and Baby Boomers refers to individuals born between 1946-1980
© American Express.