Travel trends in 2026 point towards a shift in how people want to spend their holidays. Many prefer deeper, slower experiences rather than racing between landmarks and destinations. Research from Booking.com found growing interest in nature-focused trips, while ABTA’s latest report puts alternative transport methods on the rise.

So, why has taking your time become one of the most desirable travel experiences available?

Closer Connection to Local Culture

Taking things slow gives you the opportunity to experience a destination as more than a visitor. Several days or weeks in one place will show you details many tourists miss, like where locals drink their morning coffee or pick up fresh ingredients.

Instead of filling every day with organised excursions, leave space to explore neighbourhoods on foot and return to places that interest you. Staying in locally owned accommodation can also help you learn more about the area and support the community directly.

These experiences create stronger memories because you begin to actively participate in local life.

Less Stress, More Freedom

It’s easy to return home from a trip feeling as though you need another break. Longer stays remove some of the pressure of tight schedules and constant planning, like packing and navigating unfamiliar transport systems. You gain flexibility because a travel delay or change of weather no longer disrupts an entire itinerary.

To make the most of this style of travel, choose a primary destination and limit the number of day trips you plan before departure. This gives you the freedom to react to local recommendations and unexpected discoveries, like a countryside walk or a lazy lunch spot.

Enjoying the Journey Between Destinations

Slow travel makes your journeys part of the holiday itself, instead of something to endure.

A train journey through the Scottish Highlands or the Alps lets you enjoy scenery that you’d never see from an airport terminal. Cycling is another challenging but rewarding option, allowing you to experience landscapes and local culture at your own pace.

Cruising is also having a moment, according to ABTA, in part for its diversity. For example, Oceania Cruises attracts travellers with exceptional onboard options including fine dining, packed entertainment programmes and comfortable wellness spaces. The voyage is part of the reward, not just a way to reach the next port.

The Luxury of Time

Slow travel shows the luxury of time itself as more travellers look for meaningful experiences over busy, one-size-fits-all itineraries. The indulgence comes from giving yourself enough time to enjoy where you are, not ticking every box.