Backroads has unveiled its 2026 Adventure Travel Trends, highlighting a shift toward unplugged, wellness-oriented experiences. The trends emphasize demographic changes, with a notable increase in women and solo travelers, and a growing preference for authentic, local experiences over traditional tourism.
Backroads has identified several key trends for 2026 based on extensive data and insights from its global network of travel experts. These trends reflect a broader shift in travel preferences toward more meaningful, wellness-focused adventures.
Demographic Shifts and New Travel Preferences
The travel landscape is witnessing significant demographic shifts. There is a surge in adventure travel among women, with bookings for Women’s Adventures expected to double by 2026. Solo travel is also gaining popularity, particularly among women over 50, driven by the desire for empowerment and community. Family travel continues to evolve, with an emphasis on experiences that foster family bonds and reduce screen time.
Emerging Destinations and Experiences
Travelers are increasingly seeking out unique destinations that offer immersive cultural experiences. This includes lesser-known regions and activities that allow for deeper engagement with local communities and landscapes. For instance, the popularity of trips to the Cotswolds, the Canadian Rockies, and rugged archipelagos such as the Canary Islands and the Azores is on the rise.
Human-Powered and Culinary Adventures
There is a notable interest in human-powered travel, such as non-electric bike tours and hut-to-hut hiking, which allow travelers to connect more intimately with their environment. Additionally, culinary adventures that combine physical activity with local food experiences are becoming more popular, highlighting a desire to engage all senses while traveling.
Accommodation Trends and Sustainable Practices
Accommodation preferences are also shifting, with more bookings for mountain lodges and historic hideaways that offer a blend of comfort, authenticity, and sustainability. This trend is part of a larger movement towards more sustainable and meaningful travel practices.
Future Outlook
As we look toward 2026, Backroads anticipates growth of over 10%, nearly double its post-pandemic pace, as more travelers seek active, authentic, and environmentally conscious ways to explore the world.
Conclusion
The future of adventure travel is becoming more immersive and aligned with personal values and wellness. Backroads’ insights for 2026 suggest that travelers will continue to seek out experiences that are not only physically engaging but also culturally enriching and community-oriented.
