From slow luxury escapes to quiet hobbies and the return of authentic influence, Curated Spaces has revealed what will be influencing travellers’ choices this year.
Curated Spaces, a travel booking platform powered by trusted tastemakers, has released its inaugural Travel Trend Forecast for 2026 report, spotlighting six defining movements that are taking the travel world by storm this year. Co-Founder of the platform, Molly Cooper, discusses the findings from the report.
“2026 is all about building intentional communities. In a world overwhelmed by screens, endless options, algorithms, and AI, travellers are craving first-hand, trusted recommendations,” says Molly. “People are slowing down and seeking places that feel both restorative and real. The most powerful trends are emotional ones – nostalgia, stillness, and self-expression. Guests are now curating experience that reflect their values and inner worlds.”
Looking back
Nostalgia is emerging as travel’s most powerful emotion – a demand that transcends possessions and speaks instead to memory, belonging, and the beauty of the familiar. Travellers are craving stillness; in a world obsessed with innovation, they’re drawn to the comfort of the past.
“This desire for nostalgia will shape a new expression of slow luxury – one that celebrates heritage and architecture, tactile design, and journeys that invite pause. The romance of a railcar, the scent of salt and oak in a weathered coastal inn, and the sound of footsteps echoing through centuries-old halls – these are experiences that awaken all the senses and anchor us in place.”
One for the book
The rise of book-related escapes reflects a craving for calm and concentration. According to
Condé Nast Traveler, 91% of travellers it surveyed are interested in trips centred around reading, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones.
“Quiet is a luxury and reading retreats allow guests to reclaim time – not just for books, but for being. They embody a shift from constant motion to mindful restoration.”
Self-expression
Travel has always been personal, but individuality is becoming the main driver in 2026. 68% say they’ll reject one-size-fits-all itineraries in favour of experiences that reflect their passions. The rise of solo travel, particularly among women, signals a move toward self-definition through experience.
“Curation is replacing consumption. People don’t just want to go somewhere new; they want to express who they are through where they stay.”
Call of the wild
As post-digital fatigue grows, nature-led travel continues to flourish: “Being in nature and escaping to the countryside have become powerful antidotes to modern life. Coupled with the rise of digital detoxes and analogue wellness – where travellers intentionally disconnect to recharge – we’re seeing wellness within travel shift to a necessity.”
Hushed hobbies
Slow creativity is reshaping leisure, and travellers are embracing hobbies like pottery, painting, and journalling as tools for restoration. According to Booking.com, 25% of travellers are seeking out ‘quieter’ hobbies on holiday: “People are realising that calm can be curated – it’s an intentional choice, found in the slow rhythm or making and noticing.”
Authentic influence
As technology accelerates, human curation is emerging as the ultimate trust signal. The future belongs to curator-led platforms that are emotionally intelligent and human-first. People are spending around 10 minutes less a day scrolling than they did two years ago; time on social media peaked in 2022 and has been sliding ever since. People aren’t looking for more content – they’re looking for connection.
