Travel Trends 2026: Where Dreams Will Take Us, According to SiViaggia

2026 promises to be a turning point for tourism. Between new technologies, the desire for authentic experiences, and a growing focus on personal well-being, travelers are rewriting the story of travel.

SiViaggia has analyzed emerging trends and its readers' preferences, identifying seven major travel trends that will define the next twelve months. From dream escapes to fairytale castles and tours of literary locations, to holidays with experts and AI-driven trips, here's how the way we explore the world will change in 2026 .

DreamScape T rips

The first major trend of 2026 is DreamScape Trips , trips designed for those who dream of living—even if just for a day— in a fairytale . Enchanting castles, historic homes surrounded by greenery, and landscapes straight out of a fantasy novel are captivating more and more Italian travelers.

Following the boom in “romantasy”—the genre that combines romance and fantasy—the desire to immerse oneself in magical atmospheres has become a true travel trend.

Readers' favorite places include Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany , the inspiration for Disney's “Cinderella” castle, Chambord Castle in the Loire Valley, and the evocative Dunnottar Castle in Scotland.

In Italy, Miramare Castle in Trieste and Castel del Monte in Puglia stand out, icons of mystery and architectural harmony.

Literary Escapes

The second trend, called Literary Escapes , is dedicated to those who find their compass in books. Literary trips and book retreats will be among the most requested experiences of 2026. They're not just about visiting the places described in novels, but about completely immersing yourself in the world of literature : from stays in authorial homes to creative writing workshops immersed in nature.

In England , tours dedicated to Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters are already sold out. In Italy, itineraries inspired by Dante, Elena Ferrante, and Andrea Camilleri are growing, with itineraries that combine the settings of their works with culture, gastronomy, and local exploration.

Many book retreats also offer digital detox experiences: days dedicated to reading, meetings with authors, meditation, and silence surrounded by nature.

AI Tailored Trips

The third trend is technological and highly personal: personalized trips with AI, which SiViaggia calls AI Tailored Trips . Artificial intelligence platforms are radically transforming the way we plan vacations. By 2026, more and more travelers will rely on systems capable of creating tailor-made itineraries based on their interests, budget, dietary preferences, and even mood.

These new "travel AIs" will analyze reviews, maps, weather conditions, and availability in real time, suggesting unmissable, personalized experiences. What's more, thanks to integrated chatbots, it will be possible to modify plans during the trip, book instantly, and receive up-to-date recommendations on the spot.

Technology becomes an ally in creating tailor-made trips that evolve with the tourist. A dynamic and increasingly "human" way of traveling, paradoxically thanks to technology.

Travel with the experts

2026 will also be the year of the rediscovery of shared travel and expert travel . After years of individualism, travelers are seeking real connections, authentic experiences, and new friendships.

This is how the trend of Expert Trips began, group trips ranging from participatory science tourism to experiences among complete strangers. More and more people are interested in traveling with experts, for example, becoming scientists for a day in the jungle or participating in park monitoring programs.

Part of this phenomenon is also linked to the success of travel influencers who organize group tours to stunning destinations, offering immersive and communal experiences. Young people between the ages of 20 and 35 are booking trips to Morocco, Iceland, or Southeast Asia specifically to travel with people they've met online, sharing authentic moments and unforgettable adventures.

Wellbeing Travel

In 2026, the trend for Wellbeing trips , designed for profound psychophysical well-being, is growing. These trips involve stays in wellness clinics where guests follow a personalized diet, practice sports, and learn to manage stress with holistic techniques.

A popular trend, for those who can afford it, combining preventative medicine, mindfulness, and mental regeneration. The most popular destinations are Switzerland, the French Riviera, Trentino, Bali, and Thailand, where true wellness sanctuaries are emerging. A luxury that looks to the future: not just a vacation, but a significant investment in one's longevity.

Urbex Adventures

Among the most surprising trends of 2026 is the rise of Urbex , short for "urban exploration." A phenomenon born from the desire to discover forgotten places: abandoned castles , disused hospitals, ghost stations , deserted villages.

Photography and adventure enthusiasts define it as a way to "give voice to the silences" of cities. Countries like Italy , with their abundance of abandoned villages and crumbling industrial architecture, are among the favorite destinations for urban explorers. There are many Urbex experiences that can transform a hobby into a fascinating and alternative form of tourism.

Archaeological trips

Interest in archaeological heritage has been growing rapidly in recent years, and this type of travel is expected to remain a significant trend for 2026. Travelers are no longer just looking for beaches or famous cities: they want to immerse themselves in time, explore forgotten sites, experience excavations, and experience history firsthand.

Egypt , in particular, continues to surprise with its latest discoveries, such as the tomb of a pharaonic physician discovered in the Saqqara necropolis: a tomb dating back approximately 4,000 years, testifying to the role of a high-ranking figure in the Ancient Egyptian court. Another discovery concerns an archaeological mission in the Luxor area, where the valley temple of Queen Hatshepsut was discovered, along with over 1,500 decorated blocks that rewrite the history of ancient Egypt.

These discoveries become reasons to leave. This is why archaeological tours are developing into truly active experiences , where travelers participate in workshops, guided tours with archaeologists, and off-the-beaten-path itineraries.

In 2026, archaeological travel will be a mix of culture, adventure, and discovery: from Egyptian necropolises to the lesser-known sites of Eastern Europe, to the lost cities of Latin America.