As the holiday travel season unfolds, many are already contemplating their adventures for 2026. Katy Nastro from Going.com shared insights with LiveNOW’s Josh Breslow on the emerging travel trends and the current state of travel during the holiday season.
Key Insights
Travelers are becoming more intentional about their trips, focusing on the "why" behind their travel choices. With major cultural celebrations and sporting events on the horizon, tourism in 2026 is expected to flourish. Among notable events is the Winter Olympics in Italy scheduled for February and the FIFA World Cup to occur in various U.S. cities over the summer.
Trends in Travel
Nastro noted, "For the first time since 2023, people are not looking to clutter their calendars with multiple trips. Instead, they’re prioritizing where they want to go and why." This intentional approach is reflected in a significant portion of travel searches aligning with major global events such as Carnival, Coachella, and the Olympics.
Sports Travel
Major sporting events are anticipated to heavily drive tourism. The Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milan-Cortina, Italy, and the World Cup is set for June 11 to July 19 across North America. Notably, the U.S. last hosted World Cup matches in 1994, making this an exciting opportunity for American cities to attract visitors from around the globe. Teams from the U.S. are scheduled to play in cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, and New York, among others.
Travel platforms are already noticing a surge in interest related to these events, with Kayak reporting a 14% increase in flight searches to Kansas City, likely influenced by the World Cup and the city’s connection to popular culture.
Cultural Celebrations
In addition to sporting events, 2026 marks a significant milestone with America celebrating its 250th anniversary. Various events and activities will be organized nationwide, providing ample opportunities for travel. This celebration includes initiatives like a planned Great American Road Trip, focusing on key attractions throughout the country.
Interest in national parks is also rising, with travelers moving towards outdoor experiences. Airbnb indicates a 35% increase in searches for national parks, with potential visitors keen on exploring places like Acadia, Shenandoah, and Yosemite.
International Destinations
Asian destinations, particularly Okinawa, Japan, are trending among American travelers. Kayak also reported extraordinary interest in Christchurch, New Zealand, with a 194% year-over-year increase in searches. Moreover, younger generations are embracing compact, culture-rich international getaways, reflecting new travel habits shaped by social media trends.
This shift toward experiential travel suggests that 2026 will be a year of meaningful adventures for many Americans, defined by significant events, cultural celebratory experiences, and an inclination towards both sports and nature-focused travel.