AI, Small Towns, and Wellness Shape 2026 Travel, Says KAYAK and TikTok Study

KAYAK’s 2026 “What the Future” report, using data from billions of searches and surveys of over 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travelers, identifies key trends including a preference for lesser-known destinations, increased reliance on AI recommendations, flexible payment options, and a focus on wellness, authenticity, and short, meaningful trips.

Overview of the 2026 Travel Trends Report

KAYAK, in collaboration with TikTok, has released its 2026 “What the Future” (WTF) report, analyzing travel trends expected to define the coming year. The report draws on billions of user searches, TikTok community data, and survey responses from over 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travelers across multiple countries. It highlights ten key trends, with a focus on emerging destinations, changing payment preferences, the growing role of artificial intelligence, and evolving traveler motivations.

Emerging Destinations and Off-the-Grid Preferences

The report identifies a significant shift toward lesser-known destinations, with 69% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials expressing a preference for places not widely featured on social media. The popularity of #hiddengems posts on TikTok increased by over 50% in the past year. KAYAK’s top ten emerging destinations for 2026 include Cork (Ireland), Chongqing (China), Harbin (China), Zakynthos (Greece), Shenzhen (China), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Hilo (United States), Noumea (New Caledonia), La Romana (Dominican Republic), and Luxembourg.

Flexible Payments and Financial Considerations

Financial flexibility is increasingly important for younger travelers. According to the report, 35% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials say that the availability of credit or installment payment options will influence the number of trips they can take in 2026. KAYAK has responded by introducing a “Buy now, pay later” filter to accommodate this preference.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Travel Planning

Artificial intelligence is becoming a central part of travel planning, particularly for younger generations. The survey found that 41% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers trust AI recommendations more than those from friends or social media, citing the breadth and accuracy of AI-sourced information. This indicates a shift in how travel decisions are made, with AI playing a more prominent advisory role.

Wellness, Authenticity, and Short Trips

Wellness is a growing priority, with over 60% of next-generation travelers citing mental reset as their main travel goal. Posts about wellness travel on TikTok rose by 150%. Travelers are also seeking more authentic experiences, with 84% preferring small-town escapes for lower prices, fewer crowds, and greater authenticity. Short trips, or “nanocations,” are also on the rise, with 63% planning several shorter trips in 2026.

Event-Based and Slower Travel

Traveling for major events is a strong motivator, with 97% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents planning to travel for at least one major event in 2026. There is also a trend toward slower, more mindful travel, as shown by a 330% increase in #slowtravel posts on TikTok. Over half of the surveyed travelers believe that slower travel improves their overall experience.

Soft Adventures and Changing Definitions of Luxury

Preferences are shifting away from extreme adventures toward “soft adventures” that combine light activity with relaxation. About 25% of travelers prefer activities such as moderate hikes or runs followed by leisure time. The definition of luxury is also evolving, with travelers valuing rest and rejuvenation over traditional markers.

Methodology

The report’s findings are based on surveys conducted among over 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. Data was collected through online surveys and analysis of KAYAK’s flight and hotel search data, as well as TikTok hashtag trends, between 2024 and 2025.

Conclusion

KAYAK’s 2026 travel trends report highlights a generational shift toward more personalized, flexible, and wellness-focused travel. The findings suggest that technology, especially AI, and social trends on platforms like TikTok will continue to shape how and where people travel in the coming years.