easyJet publishes 2026 travel trends which reveals almost half will 'try before they fly' using tech

Translation tech is breaking down barries for travellers

Brits are seeking longer short haul flights, chasing the stars with astronomy tourism and using AI to ‘try before they fly’, according to a new report by easyJet and easyJet holidays into how travellers will holiday in 2026. 

The latest travel trend report from the largest UK airline and its holidays arm, surveyed 2000 British holidaymakers, and has revealed what is shaping where British holidaymakers plan to go in 2026.

It found many (49%) will be taking the opportunity to ‘try before you fly’, planning trips via vlogs and VR experiences of destinations before booking. 

Technology is also removing language barriers, giving travelers the confidence to explore new destinations, with nearly a quarter of Brits (22%) now embracing translation technology abroad and over half (52%) are planning to visit a new destination in 2026.  

Rather than choosing destinations by price and proximity alone though, the research found travellers are now planning trips around defining moments such as following a historic pilgrimage route, travelling in the footsteps of a favourite TV show or to watch sport.

It seems for 2026, longer short haul flights of five to six hours are becoming the new norm, with Tunisia and its lesser-known island of Djerba continue to grow in popularity with the airline seeing 12% increase in flying to the country in 2026, while the Georgian capital of Tblisi is gaining traction for city breaks thanks to new direct routes from the UK. 

This year the airline is also seeing a 21% increase in flying to longer-leisure destinations like Morocco, Turkey and Cyprus compared to last year.  

The new trends identified by the British public and renowned travel writer Nigel Thompson, who co-authored the report, point to holidays now being shaped more by what people care about, not just where they go. 

Thompson said: “We’re seeing travellers plan around passions and purpose – whether that’s spirituality, culture, sport or nature. It looks like 2026 is about meaning as much as mobility, but value remains a key factor.” 

Another new trend for this year is astronomy with ‘Dark sky tourism’ emerging as one of the most distinctive trends of the year, driven by Gen Z, TikTok and a growing interest in astronomy and astrophotography. The total solar eclipse on August 12 will be visible from parts of Spain, including Valencia, Palma Mallorca and Ibiza. 

Building on the trend of travelling somewhere to do something specific and special Gen-P travellers are embracing pilgrimage routes across Europe such as Santiago de Compostela and Lourdes, blending spirituality, culture and connection. 

More cultural moments for travellers as The White Lotus returns to Europe, which is expected to drive a new wave of screen-led travel around the south of France, while ‘Canon Country tourism’ will see travellers visiting destinations made famous through classic literature and its modern retellings - from Shakespeare’s Verona to Hemingway’s Pamplona. Over a quarter (28%) would pick a destination based on TV, books or film.  

Popular for a while now, sporting preferences are driving travel habits too - the 2026 World Cup taking place across the Atlantic, sports fans will be looking to soak up the atmosphere closer to home to save both time and money, travelling to enjoy the games in local fan zones across Europe. 

Meanwhile, the padel phenomenon is driving new trend in sports holidays in European destinations like Spain where its popularity has outstripped tennis. One in 10 of holidaymakers are now giving padel or pickleball a go while away. 

Finally, differences in generations and life stages are influencing travel trends. Parents with pre-school children are said to be taking advantage of flexibility and travelling more before term-time restrictions begin, while ‘Home Alone’ parents – whose adult children stay behind to house or pet-sit – are rediscovering freedom to travel again. 

Kenton Jarvis, easyJet CEO, said: “We’re always looking at ways our customers plan book and holiday and can already see some shifts in customer behaviour, like longer short-haul routes growing in popularity and technology playing a greater role both in making unfamiliar destinations feel accessible and helping us operate efficiently to keep fares low and journeys seamless.  

“It is great to see more people exploring new destinations, using new technology in innovative ways and seeking out alternative experiences and I am proud of the part easyJet continues to play in helping to shape how each generation travels, while always aiming to make travel easy and accessible for all.” 

“In 2026, there’s a clear desire to make holidays count,” added Garry Wilson, CEO at easyJet Holidays. 

“We’re seeing customers become far more intentional about how and when they travel, whether that’s getting away before everyday routines take over, switching off from screens, or planning trips around meaningful moments you simply can’t recreate at home.  

“From community organised trips to experience-led breaks, people are prioritising connection, wellbeing and memories that last, not just time away. 

"At easyJet Holidays, we’re focused on supporting customers with flexible options and a wide choice of destinations, helping them plan holidays that fit around what matters most to them.”