According to Booking.com, next year’s travel forecast points to a more personal, intuitive and tech-savvy way to see the world
Next year’s travel forecast points to a more personal, intuitive and tech-savvy way to see the world.
The 10th annual Travel Predictions report from Booking.com has landed, revealing that for the modern traveller, the one-size-fits-all holiday is firmly a thing of the past. Instead, we’re entering an era of hyper-personalised adventures—journeys shaped by our passions, beliefs and curiosities, with technology as a trusted co-pilot rather than a distraction.
Among the ten defining trends for 2026, Romantasy Retreats stand out as a whimsical antidote to reality. Think enchanted landscapes and escapist stays inspired by fantasy worlds—a genre that feels naturally at home in New Zealand, where Middle Earth still casts its spell. Seventy-one per cent of Kiwi travellers say they’d welcome AI-powered recommendations that tap into these imaginative aesthetics, from storybook-style lodgings to real-world filming locations.
Then there’s the Roadtrip Rewired—the classic Kiwi roadie reimagined. 2026’s version swaps the predictable caravan convoy for something more spontaneous and self-guided. Gen Z is steering the way forward, with nearly seven in ten open to using AI to map out unplanned detours or even travel alongside new companions met en route.
Celestial travel is also having a moment. Astrology isn’t just shaping our star signs—it’s charting our itineraries. From retrogrades to moon phases, travellers are increasingly guided by what’s written in the skies, seeking holidays that feel cosmically aligned.
Wellness travel, meanwhile, is getting a high-tech refresh. Gone are the days of generic spa escapes. Next year, it’s about tailored ‘glow-cations’ designed to meet individual skincare and sleep needs—with circadian lighting, soundscapes and personalised treatments helping travellers reset on a cellular level.
And finally, Modern Milestone Missions reflect how our reasons for travelling are evolving. Traditional markers like anniversaries or promotions are being replaced by more personal milestones—moments of self-celebration, joy, or simple curiosity. For nearly two-thirds of Kiwis, no occasion is needed to justify a getaway. The message for 2026? Travel on your own terms, for your own reasons, and let the journey be the reward.
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