Author:
Lemongrass
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Language:
English

Lemongrass Annual Travel Trend Report 2026

October 2025
Marketing

Travel has a way of bringing people together. A chat with a stranger, a shared meal, or even a laugh over a misunderstanding can turn the unfamiliar into something familiar. It reminds us to stay curious, to embrace the unexpected, and to see ourselves as part of something bigger. In a world that often feels overwhelming, what stands out in travel is the energy, optimism, and fresh ideas we encounter across the industry.

Looking at this year’s travel trends, a gentler, more understated and joyful side of travel is emerging. Instead of embracing the go-big-or-go-home mindset, people are turning inward emotionally, even as they travel afar geographically.

Bucket-list trips and far-flung destinations remain appealing, but many more travellers are seeking comfort, connection, and simplicity. Rather than chasing the perfect Instagram shot, people are savouring meaningful moments — a long conversation with a friend in a floating sauna, for instance. The focus is shifting away from constant stimulation towards peace, quiet, and even a little darkness.

Minimalist luxury will always have its place, but overthe-top excess no longer impresses when the world is facing a polycrisis. Travellers’ changing expectations are mirrored within the industry itself: destinations and companies are rethinking what success in tourism really means, with regenerative travel and long-term value increasingly taking centre stage.

These are subtle but significant shifts, offering a sense of hope and promise as we look ahead to the next chapter in tourism.

Contents:

  • Trend 1: The Decision Detox: the rise of decision-free getaways
  • Trend 2: Untrending is the New Trendy
  • Trend 3: All Eyes on U.S. Travel Trends
  • Trend 4: Overtourism Beyond the Band-Aid: Addressing Tourism’s Ills at the Systemic Level
  • Trend 5: Regenerative Travel Grows Up
  • Trend 6: Travel for Every Stage of Life
  • Trend 7: Radical Rest: Finding the Light in the Dark
  • Trend 8: Sweat It Out on a Sauna-vation
  • Trend 9: Travel gets political
  • Trend 10: Ready, Set, Roam: Midlife Women Redefine Travel
  • Trend 11: The Travel Rebellion Starts on Rails
  • Trend 12: The Billionaire Backlash and Reframing Luxury Travel
  • Trend 13: A New Set of Metrics: Destinations That Measure What Matters
  • Trend 14: Can AI Itineraries Really Support Sustainability Efforts?
  • Trend 15: Green Eating, Elevated: Vegan Goes High-End
  • Trend 16: Nature: The Luxed-Up Look
  • Conclusion

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Lemongrass Annual Travel Trend Report 2026

October 2025
Marketing

Travel has a way of bringing people together. A chat with a stranger, a shared meal, or even a laugh over a misunderstanding can turn the unfamiliar into something familiar. It reminds us to stay curious, to embrace the unexpected, and to see ourselves as part of something bigger. In a world that often feels overwhelming, what stands out in travel is the energy, optimism, and fresh ideas we encounter across the industry.

Looking at this year’s travel trends, a gentler, more understated and joyful side of travel is emerging. Instead of embracing the go-big-or-go-home mindset, people are turning inward emotionally, even as they travel afar geographically.

Bucket-list trips and far-flung destinations remain appealing, but many more travellers are seeking comfort, connection, and simplicity. Rather than chasing the perfect Instagram shot, people are savouring meaningful moments — a long conversation with a friend in a floating sauna, for instance. The focus is shifting away from constant stimulation towards peace, quiet, and even a little darkness.

Minimalist luxury will always have its place, but overthe-top excess no longer impresses when the world is facing a polycrisis. Travellers’ changing expectations are mirrored within the industry itself: destinations and companies are rethinking what success in tourism really means, with regenerative travel and long-term value increasingly taking centre stage.

These are subtle but significant shifts, offering a sense of hope and promise as we look ahead to the next chapter in tourism.

Contents:

  • Trend 1: The Decision Detox: the rise of decision-free getaways
  • Trend 2: Untrending is the New Trendy
  • Trend 3: All Eyes on U.S. Travel Trends
  • Trend 4: Overtourism Beyond the Band-Aid: Addressing Tourism’s Ills at the Systemic Level
  • Trend 5: Regenerative Travel Grows Up
  • Trend 6: Travel for Every Stage of Life
  • Trend 7: Radical Rest: Finding the Light in the Dark
  • Trend 8: Sweat It Out on a Sauna-vation
  • Trend 9: Travel gets political
  • Trend 10: Ready, Set, Roam: Midlife Women Redefine Travel
  • Trend 11: The Travel Rebellion Starts on Rails
  • Trend 12: The Billionaire Backlash and Reframing Luxury Travel
  • Trend 13: A New Set of Metrics: Destinations That Measure What Matters
  • Trend 14: Can AI Itineraries Really Support Sustainability Efforts?
  • Trend 15: Green Eating, Elevated: Vegan Goes High-End
  • Trend 16: Nature: The Luxed-Up Look
  • Conclusion