British holidaymakers are about to get a lot more adventurous with their travel plans, according to new research. Booking.com has unveiled its predictions for 2026 and suggested there will be some unconventional trips.
Forget traditional beach breaks and city tours - next year, Britons will be planning holidays based on their horoscopes, testing their relationships through travel challenges, and even booking fantasy-themed retreats.
The travel giant's research shows people want their trips to reflect who they really are. It's all about personal meaning now, with travellers keen to let their quirks shine through their holiday choices.
From robotic holiday homes to mystical detours guided by the stars, these predictions paint a picture of travel that's more individualised than ever before.
Britons are using holidays to test relationships
|GETTY
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- Romantasy Retreats: Travellers inspired by mythical creatures and enchanted worlds
- Turbulence Test: Travel to put love and friendship on trial in 2026
- Hushed Hobbies: Travellers pursuing peaceful pastimes and a connection with nature
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- Glow-cations: Skin care specific travel set to surge, driven by the latest tech
- Modern Milestone Missions: Travellers embracing trips that celebrate them – no matter the occasion
- Roadtrip Rewired: The journey will be as important as the destination
- Shelf-ie Souvenirs: Brits will look to turn kitchen shelves into cultural showcases
- Humanoid Homes: Travellers embrace smart homes and humanoid helpers
The research showed nearly half would actually change or cancel their trips if a spiritual adviser suggested the timing wasn't right. Almost as many would reconsider their plans based on a horoscope warning.
It's not just about avoiding bad omens either. Four in 10 Britons now consider mystical influences when planning holidays, from timing trips with moon phases to visiting energy-rich sites.
Fantasy worlds are also becoming real destinations. Two-thirds of holidaymakers fancy visiting places inspired by romantasy stories, complete with enchanted castles and medieval banquets. Over half would even join roleplay retreats based on their favourite fantasy books or films.
Travel is becoming the ultimate relationship test. Two-thirds of people are open to taking trips specifically to see how well they click with a potential partner, colleague or new friend. Many would even head to remote locations to watch how their companion handles discomfort and uncertainty.
Some travellers want to try role-reversal retreats where the usual planner hands over control. Others are interested in trips with severe constraints like budget limits or no internet connection. Nearly seven in 10 would happily take the backseat to see if their travel partner steps up to plan everything.
Technology is transforming fantasy travel, too. Three-quarters of travellers are open to AI-powered suggestions that match fantasy aesthetics or pinpoint real-world filming locations from their favourite stories.
Holiday homes are getting a futuristic makeover. Three-quarters of travellers are keen on booking robotic-enhanced accommodation, with nearly half saying cleaning bots would seal the deal. A third are most excited about having a robotic chef, while others want robots managing the home's sustainability behind the scenes.
Nostalgia is driving a new travel trend where people use AI-powered photo mapping to recreate cherished holiday memories. Two-thirds of Brits would use technology to find the exact spot where an old photo was taken and travel there. Many want to revisit memories with family or reconnect with people from their past.
Nostalgia is also swaying decisions when booking a holiday
| GETTYRoad trips are getting more social, too. Nearly eight in 10 travellers would like to car-share on holiday, with over half willing to use apps to find fellow travellers on similar routes. It's about spontaneity and meeting new people along the way.
Even souvenirs are changing. Two-thirds would buy design-led kitchenware or pantry items on holiday, turning their kitchen shelves into cultural showcases. These edible treasures help travellers relive destinations every time they cook.
Chief business officer at Booking.com, James Waters, said: “In 2026, travel is becoming a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or bold to explore.
"Travellers are stress-testing relationships, stepping into fantasy worlds, turning their kitchens into reflections of their journeys, and looking at new ways to experience road trips and holiday rentals with enhanced technology features.
"At Booking.com, we’re continuously evolving to make it easier for everyone to experience the world and fully lean into their dream trips by offering more choice, flexibility, and convenience than ever before."