In 2026, travel isn’t just an escape; it’s an expression of who you are. The days of one-size-fits-all itineraries are over. According to Booking.com 10th Annual Travel Predictions, this is the “Era of YOU”—a year where your quirks, passions, and even your favorite book genres dictate where you check in.
Whether you’re looking to “touch grass” in the Canadian Rockies or find a European-style escape in a walkable US city, 2026 is about traveling on your own terms. Here are the top trends shaping how we explore North America this year.
1. Romantasy Retreats: Step Into Your Favorite Story
Fantasy isn’t just for your bookshelf anymore. With “Romantasy” (Romance + Fantasy) exploding in popularity, travelers in the US and Canada are seeking out “storyscape” stays.
- The Vibe: Enchanted castles, misty forests, and medieval-themed masquerades.
- Where to go: Look for historic estates in Quebec City or the gothic charm of Savannah, Georgia.
- The Tech: Over 70% of travelers are now using AI on Booking.com to find “storybook” stays that match a specific fantasy aesthetic.
2. Hushed Hobbies & “Touching Grass”
As the world gets louder, North Americans are seeking silence. “Hushed hobbies”—quiet, nature-based activities like birdwatching, foraging, and stargazing—are the new “must-dos.”
- National Park Surge: Interest in US National Parks has surged by 35%. Travelers are flocking to Acadia for the night sky or Glacier National Park for untouched serenity.
- Agrotourism: Staying on a farm or near a vineyard is trending, especially in places like the Finger Lakes, NY, or Kelowna, BC, where guests can forage for their own dinner.
3. “Domestic Europe”: Continental Charm, No Jet Lag
With a desire to avoid long-haul stress, many Americans and Canadians are seeking European vibes closer to home. We call this the “Travel Dupe” movement.
- The Walkable City: Travelers are swapping Paris for the cobblestones of Montreal or choosing the Mediterranean feel of Santa Barbara over the French Riviera.
- Slower Pace: 2026 is about the “leisurely day”—long lunches, local boutiques, and art galleries in secondary cities like Tulsa, OK, or Victoria, BC.
4. Humanoid Homes: The Future of Vacation Rentals
Your next vacation rental might come with a side of robotics. Travelers are increasingly open to high-tech homes that handle the “boring” parts of a vacation.
- Cleaning & Cooking: 53% of travelers say they’d choose a stay specifically because it features cleaning bots or robotic chefs.
- Sustainability Behind the Scenes: Smart systems that automatically manage energy and waste are a major draw for the eco-conscious traveler in 2026.
5. Milestone Missions: Celebrate the “Small Wins”
You don’t need a 50th birthday or a wedding to book a trip anymore. In 2026, North Americans are traveling to celebrate “Micro-Milestones.”
- The Motivation: Finishing a big project at work, celebrating a fitness goal, or even moving on from a breakup.
- The Justification: 75% of travelers feel a vacation is the ultimate reward for hard work. Why wait for a “big” reason when the joy of the journey is reason enough?
Make 2026 Your Most Personal Year Yet
At Booking.com, our mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world—exactly how they want to. Whether you’re looking for a solar-powered yurt in Nova Scotia or a high-tech “smart suite” in Las Vegas, your perfect stay is just a click away.
Where will your passions take you this year? Start your journey and find your “Era of YOU” stay at Booking.com.
