6The world of travel continues to evolve year after year. Even the way people vacation today is vastly different from just a few years ago. It’s no longer just about where you go, but also how you travel and what you seek from the journey itself. This shift is closely tied to traveling trends that become hyped at certain moments.
As the new year begins, more and more people have started looking into traveling trends in 2026. So, what holiday trends are expected to be popular for 2026? If you’re curious, make sure to read this article until the end!
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Travel trends are patterns or vacation habits that attract large numbers of people during a specific period.
For example, vacations used to be synonymous with packed schedules and visiting many places in a single day. Nowadays, however, many people prefer slower-paced holidays that are more relaxed yet still meaningful.
Here are several traveling trends for 2026 that are expected to grow increasingly popular throughout the year.
Eco-friendly tourism is the first vacation trend in 2026 that is expected to become increasingly popular. This environmentally friendly tourism trend emerges from the collective awareness of travelers, both globally and domestically, with a focus on the availability of eco-conscious facilities and activities.
From a facilities standpoint, travelers tend to choose environmentally certified accommodations, hotels with strict policies to reduce single-use plastics, and destinations with integrated waste management systems. Meanwhile, travelers are drawn to attractions that offer hands-on conservation and ecosystem restoration experiences.
Culinary and gastronomy experiences are also set to become complementary elements of travel packages with their own unique appeal. This traveling trend in 2026 offers authentic culinary experiences, such as cooking classes, traditional food festivals, and farm-to-table activities in tourism villages.
Gastro-tourism trends are predicted to continue growing as one of the pillars of creative tourism in Indonesia. A few examples include tourism destinations in Candirejo Tourism Village in Magelang, Bonjeruk in Lombok, and Pujon Kidul in Malang, which have successfully developed participatory-based culinary tourism.
In these travel packages, you can take part in the food production process from farm to table. This means you’ll be introduced to the stages of planting, harvesting, cooking, and, finally, enjoying meals together with fellow travelers.
The cultural immersion travel trend is expected to become even more popular in 2026. Through this trend, travelers can directly experience local life firsthand.
With cultural immersion, you can actively participate in the daily lives, traditions, and cultural practices of local communities. In addition, you can join traditional ceremonies, stay with local residents, and learn to cook traditional dishes.
In Indonesia, one cultural immersion destination that has recently attracted growing attention from travelers is Panglipuran Traditional Village in Bangli Regency, Bali. Visitors can learn to make traditional Balinese handicrafts and cuisine during their visit to the village. They are also invited to understand the traditional spatial layout of the village.
In 2026, people no longer travel simply because they “need a break.” Instead, every trip tends to have a more personal reason, such as celebrating achievements, healing from burnout, reconnecting with oneself, or even seeking life inspiration.
This trend is known as whycation. The term comes from the English word “why,” essentially asking, “Why are you traveling?”. For example, someone may choose a solo staycation at a quiet, nature-adjacent hotel to calm their mind, or a young couple may travel to the beach to celebrate their anniversary.
Vacations with emotional purposes like these are considered more memorable for many people. This is because the meaning behind the journey itself is what brings a deeper sense of happiness.
Wellness tourism is also expected to grow rapidly in 2026. This is driven by a shift in traveler lifestyles toward balance and self-awareness.
These travel activities function as spaces for recovery and reflection. Therefore, the main focus of wellness tourism is holistic physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
In Bali, many businesses have already developed wellness tourism offerings that include traditional spa treatments, yoga, meditation, and holistic aromatherapy treatments. Meanwhile, in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, wellness tourism based on aromatherapy and education about essential oil plants, which combines creativity, health, culture, and education, has also become increasingly popular.
If in previous years people competed to post as many destinations as possible in a short time, today they choose the opposite. Travelers now tend to enjoy a single destination more deeply.
That’s why slow travel has emerged as a new trend that lets you truly be “present” in the places you visit. It’s not just about stopping by, but also interacting with local communities, learning local culture, tasting traditional food, and, of course, enjoying the atmosphere without rushing.
Along with growing awareness of work-life balance, the bleisure trend continues to gain traction. Essentially, bleisure combines business travel with leisure, where travelers extend their business trips to explore nearby attractions.
The rapid growth of bleisure is also supported by the strengthening ecosystem of MICE, urban tourism, and nomadic work-life travel.
Today, official agendas such as conferences and exhibitions often integrate city tours, wellness activities, and culinary experiences. This approach not only increases participant satisfaction but also extends their length of stay, generating positive economic impacts for MICE destinations.
In 2026, road trips are expected to evolve from personal journeys into shared social experiences. Many travelers are drawn to road trips because they offer spontaneity and flexibility. As such, the main focus of this traveling trend lies in freedom and connection.
Road travel is predicted to regain popularity as travelers rediscover the charm of exploring destinations by road. Many choose to drive because it is considered simpler and more cost-effective.
If you usually stay at just one hotel during your vacation, the 2026 vacation trend suggests otherwise. Yes, hotel hopping is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular among travelers.
In short, hotel hopping involves moving between different accommodations to experience varied atmospheres and vibes. For example, spending two nights at a tropical-style hotel in Seminyak, then moving to a nature-view villa in Ubud that offers a more tranquil ambiance.
This trend not only makes vacations more dynamic but also creates a sense of micro-adventure with every move. Especially now that hotel prices are more varied and can be chosen according to your budget and needs.
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Following traveling trends in 2026 isn’t just about trendy destinations or new vacation styles. It’s also about being fully prepared for your journey.
For those of you who want to enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable vacation, Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia is here to provide extra protection. This coverage helps you handle various travel risks, whether for domestic or international trips, without disrupting your vacation moments.
So, complete your journey with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia and enjoy every vacation moment worry-free!
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