New Trends at Destinations Holiday and Travel Show 2026

Thinking about a big trip for 2026? It feels miles away, but the best holidays are the ones people dream about for a bit first. And it seems the way people think about travel is starting to change. Instead of just picking the most famous dot on the map, many are now looking for something a bit different. They want stories to tell that their friends haven't heard a dozen times before. The latest travel trends show a big shift away from the usual suspects, with overlooked destinations and different kinds of adventures becoming the new must-dos. Whether it's swapping a famous city for its cooler, quieter sibling or exploring a continent known for one thing for something completely different, the emerging travel trends for 2026 are all about fresh experiences.

Swapping the classics for something new

Picture a European city break. What comes to mind? Probably the Colosseum in Rome, the canals of Venice, or the busy streets of Barcelona. These places are famous for a reason, they’re genuine cult classics of the travel world. But their popularity can be a bit of a problem. Massive crowds, high prices, and that feeling that you’re just one of a million tourists can take the shine off things. So, what’s the alternative?

Well, it looks like people are getting clever. They’re starting to look at ‘second-tier’ cities. That doesn’t mean they’re second best, not at all. It just means they’re not the first name that pops into everyone’s head. And because of that, they often offer a more genuine, relaxed, and sometimes cheaper holiday. Think of it like this: instead of battling the crowds in Venice, you could be wandering the beautiful streets of Verona, the actual setting of Romeo and Juliet. How romantic is that?

Experts are seeing this happen more and more. According to an expert comment from Patrick Millar, Head of Marketing at Kirker Holidays, these kinds of destinations are seeing a huge spike in interest. He says,

"Travel trends show the second-tier city break surging, with overlooked destinations among the fastest risers this year. Lisbon (+46%), Milan (+60%) and Verona (+92%) are giving Barcelona, Rome and Venice a run for their money".

That 92% jump for Verona is massive! It shows that a lot of people are discovering the magic of these other places. Milan offers world-class fashion and food without the ancient-ruin-overload of Rome, while Lisbon in Portugal gives you amazing views, colourful trams, and a vibe that’s completely different to Barcelona.

Africa beyond the big five

When someone says they’re off on a trip to the African continent, most people probably picture a safari. Bumping along in a jeep, binoculars at the ready, hoping to spot a lion or an elephant. And that is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime kind of travel experience. But Africa is a huge, incredibly varied continent with so much more to see and do. The latest trend shows people are beginning to realise this, looking for cultural holidays that connect them with the people and places, not just the wildlife.

This is one of the most exciting emerging travel trends. It’s about discovering the music, food, history, and art of a country. One expert comment from Tim Williamson at Responsible Travel highlights this perfectly. He says,

“2026 will see travellers going beyond traditional safari destinations and exploring other parts of the African continent. Enquiries for cultural holidays in Africa have increased 11% year on year, with both the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone emerging as exciting options in West Africa."

Places like the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone are fantastic examples. They offer incredible coastlines, vibrant cities, and a rich history that many people know very little about. These are the kinds of destinations that challenge your expectations and give you a completely new perspective. Choosing one of these exciting options for a holiday means you’re not just a tourist; you’re an explorer discovering somewhere truly special. These cultural holidays are becoming the new frontier of adventure travel.

Finding your next adventure

So, it's clear the big travel trends for 2026 are all about looking past the obvious. It's about finding those overlooked destinations that give you a real sense of discovery. But where do you even start planning a trip to Verona or the Ivory Coast? It’s not like booking a week in Benidorm, is it? A great place to get ideas and proper expert comment is at a travel show, and the UK’s longest-running one is Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show.

This is where you can find all the inspiration you need. The show brings together hundreds of travel companies and experts under one roof. The exhibitors there can tell you all about these emerging travel trends. You can chat with people who know everything about cultural holidays on the African continent or which Italian city has the best pasta. It’s the perfect place to turn a vague idea into a real plan. The show will be at Manchester Central from Thursday 15th until Sunday 18th January 2026. Then it moves to Olympia, London from 29th January until 1st February 2026.