7 Predictions for Travel in 2026 That Could Mess With Your Plans Heres How to Dodge the Worst

Economic uncertainty, AI scams, and airline tech failures could derail trips in 2026—here are seven predictions and expert tips from Faye Travel Insurance on how to keep your trip on track.

The post-pandemic revenge travel trend has receded, but travelers are still going out into the world to discover its magic. This year, 690 million people packed their bags between January and June (33 million more than last year). Travel was more personal, more meaningful, more focused on experiences than souvenirs. People depended on technology to plan their trip, from AI assistants to TikTok searches, and navigated a warming planet with “coolcations.”

In 2026, we can expect to see these trends continue as travelers find ways to follow their passions and personalize their experiences. However, it won’t be all smooth sailing. Disruptions are expected due to the current geopolitical climate, and travelers may need to shell out more as the world order changes.

Here’s what we’re predicting, and how you might be able to avoid the biggest pain points. 

The year started with a flurry of changes, and 2025 is ending after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. In addition to the recent hiccup, many destinations around the world experienced abrupt disruptions due to climate change, wars, and overall instability. In 2026, travelers will likely remain affected by these factors. 

In the U.S., a second shutdown is possible in January. The federal shutdown that began in October lasted 43 days until a deal was reached. The funding package was extended until January 30, but if the Senate suffers another gridlock, there will be a second shutdown with similar consequences, which could include flight cancellations.

In addition, the aviation industry is also getting increasingly affected by technological outages. In October, Amazon Web Services went down, affecting check-in services for airlines, including Delta and United. In July 2024, an update from the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike caused widespread system failures, affecting aviation worldwide. Technological problems have also plagued air traffic controllers in Newark as its decades-old system proved unreliable. Moreover, the travel industry has seen major hacking incidents and data leaks. Technology is likely to be a pain point next year, too, as companies and governments roll out measures to safeguard existing systems.

Here’s How You Can Plan

Opt for a travel insurance policy that can holistically look after you–and reimburse you–when travel goes awry. For example, Faye Travel Insurance policies can cover trip delays–when you’re stranded in transit due to reasons outside of your control, such as flight delay or theft of passport–and interruptions, when you must unexpectedly cut your trip short or extend it for covered reasons, including if you contract COVID-19. 

For instance, with Faye, when you experience a flight or luggage delay of six-plus hours, Faye can reimburse you $200 for the inconvenience alone, straight to your phone’s wallet. Meaning it’s not on you to pay for that pricey airport meal or a change of clothes. 

And these days, with delays, cancellations, and incidents such as the government shutdown, an extra layer of companionship always comes in handy. Make sure the travel insurance provider you’re considering provides 24/7 support from real humans–on weekends and holidays too.

In these unpredictable and volatile times, wellness will be at the core of travel in 2026. The focus may not just be on premium yoga retreats and resorts, but connecting with nature and finding quiet moments in the age of constant stimulation and notifications. 

Skyscanner’s recent research on Gen Z travel trends revealed that the generation values wellness, and as many as 73% plan trips for relaxation or self-care. Byway Travel’s prediction for 2026 also points towards itineraries that are more nature and wellness-focused. Meanwhile, Booking.com predicts personal skincare needs and quiet activities like bird watching and fishing will influence decisions. 

As per Google, “soakcations” at geothermal springs and Japanese onsen are getting increasingly popular. Medical tourism is also witnessing an upward trend–though having a medical procedure overseas does have potential risks. 

Lauren Gumport, VP of communications at Faye, notes, “If you’re traveling for a cosmetic procedure, keep in mind that many travel insurance providers do not cover scheduled medical treatments. However, travel insurance (such as Faye) can still protect you from unexpected events unrelated to the procedure, such as baggage issues or travel delays. To avoid finding yourself abroad without protection, speak with your travel insurance company of choice before your trip to confirm exactly what coverage is available.”

Travelers are already relying on technology to help plan their trips. The “Why Travel?” report by Google and Trip.com notes that AI has become a companion to travelers. The search interest on Google for “help planning my trip” grew 190% year on year, while travelers also relied on AI assistants during their journeys for translations or support during disruptions (“how to cancel” searches also went up).

Generative AI has become part of travel planning and booking in more intrinsic ways. As per McKinsey’s report on agentic AI, the travel industry is harnessing this technology, and that trend is likely to accelerate in 2026.

However, travelers also need to be cautious. AI chatbots don’t always give sound advice. In one incident this year, a traveler asked ChatGPT about a U.S. visa. The chatbot told her she did not need one as a European, but it failed to mention that she still required an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter the country. As a consequence, she was denied boarding. In another incident, travelers were led on a wild goose chase in Peru to an attraction that does not exist. AI often hallucinates and provides travelers with false or outdated information, leading them into dangerous situations. 

Digital scams are also getting sophisticated with the help of technology. AI tools can mimic official language and draft emails in a similar tone, making it harder to tell if it’s a scam. McAfee warns that voice cloning is also a common way people are getting tricked; scammers can also use deepfake videos, generate fake pictures or reviews, and create fake websites and listings using AI.

Here’s How You Can Plan

Falling victim to outdated info or a scam, like booking a fake rental property or tickets, is an area where travel insurance may not be able to provide reimbursement .“In most cases, travel insurance doesn’t protect you from scammers,” says Faye’s Gumport. “That said, if this is a scam on a rental booking platform, they will likely be able to assist you and offer some sort of reimbursement and/or alternative accommodation.”

Pop culture will be a major factor in travelers’ choice of next destination next year. Earlier this year, The White Lotus effect was all the rage. Fans of the show traveled far and wide, all inspired by the hit TV drama, which filed season three in Thailand  (HBO has confirmed season four will be filmed in France, and it may be released either late 2026 or early 2027). Set-jetting, popularized in 2022, is back, and it is influencing the trips of 81% millennials and Gen Z, per Expedia. 

Film- and TV-inspired travel is set to become an $8 billion industry in the U.S., and 2026 will have an accelerated interest in destinations that pop up on the screen.

The U.S. is celebrating 250 years of independence next year, so July 4th celebrations will be extra special in 2026. For many, the exploration will steer them back to the wheels. 

Travelers are seeking spontaneity and opportunities to save money amid a shaky economy throughout 2025. So, just as they did during the pandemic, road trips will gain popularity in 2026. 

Non-drivers, too, will find opportunities through carpool apps to bring another kind of freedom to their trips. About 71% of Americans said in a survey by Hilton Hotels that they are planning to drive on their next vacation. Globally, 76% of travelers said that they prefer road trips because they can go where they want and do what they want.

But road trips can come with troubles–car accidents, theft, and mishaps are common. A variety of providers may be able to protect your car rental. Faye Travel Insurance, for example, sells Rental Car Care as an add-on to their base policies. This type of supplemental protection can cover up to $50,000 in the event of accidental damage to your rental car, like collision, vandalism, natural disaster, or theft.

From running marathons to watching football (or soccer), travel in 2026 will converge on grounds and fields. The FIFA World Cup is being split across three host countries for the first time: Canada, the U.S., and Mexico will all host huge crowds next year. 

On top of that, marathons will also dominate the calendar for travelers looking to cross finish lines in different countries (find the full list of marathons next year here). According to Google, there is also a growing desire to participate in Hyrox (an endurance sport).

Gumport tips for those traveling to race: “Stay close to the course, arrive early to shake off travel fatigue, and accommodate for any delays, and always budget a full day post-race to rest and explore. And of course, insure yourself in case of accidental injuries–Faye can cover up to $250,000 in emergency medical expenses when you head abroad, and our app enables travelers abroad to speak to doctors virtually–first appointment is on us.”

Meanwhile, the Why Travel? report observed that travelers want to combine sports events with cultural exploration, and hotels are also offering front-row seats to these. With tennis Grand Slams, FIFA, Winter Olympics, and other sports events on the cards, travelers will set off to different destinations to indulge in their passions.

On the financial side, travel might cost more in some destinations. With geopolitical tensions, airspace can be restricted for commercial aviation, which means longer flight routes and higher fuel costs. Meanwhile, low-cost airlines are losing steam, partly due to rising labor costs amid shortages, and airlines are becoming more premium. 

In addition, destinations are increasing taxes for tourists in a bid to fight overtourism. Venice is expected to bring back the day-tourist tax next year. The day-trippers’ fee was first introduced in 2024 as an experiment. Meanwhile, Edinburgh approved a tourist tax of up to 5% on accommodations, which will be implemented from July 2026. Norwegian municipalities can also impose a 3% levy on cruise passengers and overnight visitors. Cruise passengers will also pay disembarkation fees at some ports in Greece, depending on the season, with Santorini and Mykonos charging up to €20 ($23.19).

Next year, Singapore will charge fliers a green aviation fuel fee of SDG 41.60 ($32.08) per passenger. Meanwhile, Japan has approved a progressive tax hike (up to 900%) on accommodations in Kyoto, and it will go into effect in March. 

Here’s How You Can Plan

Faye Travel Insurance has a few tips on how to be more cost-effective when you travel, including being flexible with your destination by choosing a trip type—like “ski” or “beach”—and picking the spot that fits your budget. Stay with friends or family when possible, travel during shoulder season, cook at your accommodation, and try to pack light to avoid baggage fees.

This article was produced in collaboration with an advertiser. Nevertheless, we retained full editorial control throughout the process and affirm that all opinions and statements expressed are our own.

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