With global travel continuing to increase and many places around the world grappling with record visitor numbers, more seasoned travelers are increasingly seeking new experiences and different ways to see the world.
In its annual Travel Trends report for 2026, Booking Holdings-owned flight search platform Priceline named travel styles such as “Midwest Quest” and “Expedition Beach” as the types of travel starting to take off for the year ahead.
“The Midwest is stealing the spotlight,” the report’s authors say of the latter, with statistics showing that 63% of the 3,000 adults polled in July and August 2026 were more interested in visiting states in the middle of the country than they had been previously.
“With quirky attractions, charming small towns, and lively city centers, this region is quickly becoming travel’s next big thing.”
“Expect a rise in exotic, adventure-ready coasts that deliver thrills”: Priceline
The latter “Expedition Beach” moniker refers to the fact that 74% of travelers polled are looking for beaches that go beyond typical sand and water by offering something that excites or surprises their visitors.
“Travelers are swapping beach reads for jungle hikes, parasailing, jet skiing, and cliff diving,” Priceline wrote. “Expect a rise in exotic, adventure-ready coasts that deliver thrills, stories, and unforgettable memories far beyond the tan lines.”
Related: The top trending travel destination for 2026 is not where you think
Beach destinations seeing an increase in Priceline bookings include Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, India’s Goa, and Kahuku on the north shore of Hawaii’s Oahu. Popular Midwestern destinations, in turn, include Bloomington in Illinois, Saint Charles in Missouri, and Cedar Falls in Iowa.
Another trend identified in the report is “Kidfluence,” when families tailor a vacation to children’s preferences.
Some kid-forward destinations liked by the littlest travelers include Hawaii, New York City, Japan, England, and France, while 87% of survey respondents with kids said they regularly consult with their offspring about where they should vacation together.
Image source: Shutterstock
Other 2026 travel trends: family travel and tailgate tourism
“Fueled by curiosity, creativity, and a little screen-time inspiration, Gen Alpha is bringing fresh ideas to the family itinerary,” the trends report reads. “From hotels that spark play to destinations that feel straight out of their favorite movies, family travel is getting a fun, next-generation upgrade.”
Another travel trend identified by several outlets and platforms over the last year, the idea of Tailgate Tourism is also being called out by Priceline in the form of college sports team fans going to their university campuses to catch a game, no matter how far away they are from their current homes.
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Similar trends have been observed for professional sports and music fans.
“Nearly two-thirds of travelers say they’d love to visit a college town, and 70% of Gen Z and Millennials would go just to feel the electric energy of game day,” reads the report. “With great food, live music, and local buzz beyond the stadium, it’s clear: College towns aren’t just for students anymore.”
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)
Please make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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