The seven trends shaping travel for 2026 reveal how personal passions, lifestyle choices, and social connections are redefining why and where people travel. Destination Check-in shows that in 2026, accommodation will increasingly shape where and why people travel, with hotels themselves becoming the destination — 76% of travellers have chosen a destination purely based on accommodation. Glowmads highlights the growing influence of beauty on travel habits — 55% of UAE adults have bought skincare or beauty products during past trips, and 45% plan to visit beauty stores or get treatments in 2026, with 37% finding beauty activities cheaper abroad. Shelf Discovery uncovers a hunger for authenticity, as 83% of travellers explore local supermarkets or grocery stores when abroad, 57% say they learn about local culture through food aisles, and 44% are eager to try local food while on holiday. Altitude Shift points to the rising allure of mountain escapes, with 92% already looking into summer or autumn trips to alpine destinations and 31% planning hiking holidays, while 59% say the fresh air and cooler weather make mountains more appealing. Bookbound focuses on literary travel, with 78% of people considering trips inspired by books or literary content, and more than 70% valuing reading time as an essential part of travel. Catching Flights and Feelings marks the social dimension of travel, as 82% of UAE travellers have considered international trips to meet new people and 32% are open to connecting with different cultures. Finally, Family Miles underscores the growing trend of multi-generational travel, with 41% planning family trips and 31% having travelled with parents or grandparents in the past two years. Commenting on these findings, Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “As 2025 comes to a close, people are already exploring where to visit next year. Our findings from Skyscanner’s annual Travel Trends Report show that travellers are seeking experiences aligned with their personal interests and hobbies. From shopping for beauty products and reading books to spending quality time with family, travellers in the UAE are now planning holidays with greater meaning and purpose.”