In 2026, the travel rulebook has been officially tossed out. Travelers in the US and Canada are no longer looking for the “standard” vacation. Instead, we are entering an era of hyper-personalization. According to our latest 2026 Travel Predictions, trips are becoming identity-shaped—less about where everyone else is going, and more about who you are. From “stress-testing” your relationships to planning trips around your skincare routine, here are the trends taking center stage across North America this year.

The “Turbulence Test”: Relationship-First Travel

Forget the romantic dinner; 2026 is about the Compatibility Trip. Over 65% of Canadians and Americans are now booking trips with new partners, colleagues, or friends specifically to see if they “click” under pressure.

• The Challenge: Travelers are intentionally choosing remote destinations with limited connectivity or tight budgets to gauge a companion’s adaptability.
• The Goal: It’s a “stress test” for the soul. If you can handle a missed flight in the Yukon or a flat tire in the Utah desert together, you can handle anything.

2. “Glow-cations”: Wellness Under the Skin

Wellness has moved beyond the yoga mat. In 2026, the “Glow-cation” is the new gold standard. Travelers are prioritizing their physical longevity and skin health as part of their itinerary.

• Smart Stays: Look for hotels offering circadian lighting suites and personalized hydration stations.
• Tech-Driven Beauty: Many US travelers are now using AI on Booking.com to find destinations tailored to their specific skin needs—think high-humidity retreats for hydration or mineral-rich thermal springs for healing.

3. “PastPorts”: Reconnecting Through Nostalgia

Nostalgia is the ultimate travel compass this year. We call this the “PastPort” trend, where travelers use AI photo-mapping to locate and revisit specific spots from old family photos.

• The Motivation: It’s about finding closure or reconnecting with family roots. Whether it’s finding the exact ledge in the Rockies where your grandparents stood in 1956 or revisiting a childhood boardwalk in New Jersey, these trips are deeply emotional.
• Milestone Missions: 37% of travelers now view these nostalgic returns as personal milestones—no big ceremony required, just a meaningful return to “home.”

4. “Noctourism”: Embracing the Dark Side

With rising daytime temperatures, the night has become the new playground. Noctourism is booming across the US and Canada.

• Starry Skies: From stargazing in the dark-sky preserves of Mont-Mégantic, Quebec, to midnight museum tours in Washington D.C., travelers are shifting their schedules to avoid the heat and the crowds.
• Cosmic Connections: Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennial travelers are now aligning their trips with moon phases, solstices, or “energy-rich” sites for self-discovery.

5. Humanoid Homes: Your High-Tech Host

The future of vacation rentals has arrived. 68% of travelers are now open to staying in “robotic-enhanced” homes.

• The Appeal: It’s all about convenience. Cleaning bots, robotic chefs, and automated sustainability systems (which manage energy and waste behind the scenes) allow guests to spend less time on chores and more time on the experience.
• The Bragging Rights: Staying in a home that feels like science fiction is the ultimate 2026 status symbol.

Conclusion: What Is Your 2026 Travel Identity?

At Booking.com, we believe travel should be a reflection of who you truly are. Whether you’re embarking on a “Turbulence Test” in the wilderness or seeking a “Glow-cation” in the city, we’re here to make it easier for you to experience the world—on your own terms. Ready to find your next “Storyscape”? Start your journey at Booking.com today.