Travel interest remains high for 2026 even though affordability concerns persist

Travel on the Rise Despite Economic Concerns

Even with worries about rising costs and a challenging employment landscape, people are not letting these issues keep them from exploring the world.

The International Air Transport Association predicts that air travel will reach 5.2 billion passengers in the coming year, a 4.4% increase over this year's record numbers.

“Interest in travel is climbing, ticket prices are dropping, and more travelers are searching for destinations outside the US,” shared Sarah Kennedy, a travel trends analyst at Kayak, in an interview with Yahoo Finance.

For example, Sandra Warner Banker and her husband, Richard, will spend eight days in Malta this February, joining an educational trip organized by the nonprofit Road Scholar.

“We love venturing off the typical tourist path because it allows us to connect with local people and experience their traditions—something you often miss in crowded hotspots,” said Banker, who lives in Aylett, Virginia.

Destinations that were once overlooked are now attracting more attention from travelers.

According to Road Scholar, the most popular destinations for 2026 include Malta, Ecuador, Azerbaijan, and even Oklahoma—places that might not be top of mind for many. Since most participants are retirees (with an average age of 72), they can often travel during less busy, more affordable times of the year.

Further reading: Best travel credit cards for January 2026

More People Are Hitting the Road

What’s driving this surge in travel? One major factor is affordability.

“International flight prices for summer are down by at least 10%, domestic fares have dropped 3%, and long-haul flights to Europe and Asia for summer 2026 are especially affordable, making it an ideal year for international trips,” Kennedy explained. She also noted that flights to Europe are 14% cheaper than last summer.

Eastern Europe, in particular, is gaining popularity as travelers seek big adventures without hefty price tags. “People are expanding their searches and discovering new cities they might have previously overlooked,” Kennedy said.

Seven of Kayak’s ten fastest-growing destinations are in Eastern Europe, including Prague, Sofia, Krakow, Budapest, and Sarajevo, which has seen airfare drop by 36% compared to 2025.

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Traveling for Major Events

Are you a Phish fan planning a trip to Las Vegas for their residency at The Sphere?

“We’re noticing that travelers are organizing trips around special events, not just destinations,” Kennedy observed. “Big happenings create a sense of urgency—when airfare is affordable, that ‘now or never’ feeling becomes a strong motivator.”

Sports Tourism Is Booming

Sports enthusiasts are expected to flock to stadiums worldwide. Melanie Fish, a travel expert at Expedia Group, says this year will see a significant boost in sports-related travel, with a new wave of excitement among fans.

About 60% of travelers say they're likely to attend a local sporting event during their trip, and this rises to 70% among Gen Z and millennials.

Whether it’s watching sumo wrestling in Japan or catching a Banana Ball game in Savannah, Georgia, two major sporting events stand out: the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, and the men's World Cup, which will take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with 104 matches in 11 cities.

Fish recommends setting up price alerts for the best airfare, booking refundable tickets, and considering bundled air and hotel packages to save money. “To stretch your budget, try flying into a nearby city and traveling to the event from there,” she suggests.

Further reading: How to score Super Bowl 2026 tickets with credit card points

Travel Inspired by Books and Movies

Expedia’s research shows that more travelers are interested in visiting places featured in their favorite films or TV shows. Over half say they’re more likely to take a screen-inspired trip now than a year ago.

• Yorkshire, UK, where the latest “Wuthering Heights” and “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” were filmed
• Tuscany, Italy, the backdrop for Noah Baumbach’s new movie “Jay Kelly” starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler
• The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, seen in the Netflix film “People We Meet on Vacation”
• Dubrovnik, Croatia, which served as King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones”

Many travelers are also embracing the trend of “readaways”—renting private vacation homes to relax and enjoy books. “With #BookTok’s popularity on social media, literary-themed trips are on the rise,” Fish noted.

For example, you can even rent a three-bedroom apartment above Nantucket Bookworks, a unique bookstore in the heart of town.

Cruising Gains Popularity Among Americans

Cruises have become a favorite vacation choice for many in the US. Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, reports that nearly all American cruise passengers have taken more than one cruise.

“The cruise industry continues to grow as ships are upgraded and new ports are added,” Barber said. “There’s also a wider range of itineraries, especially for those interested in shorter trips.”

AAA estimates that 21.7 million Americans will take an ocean cruise in 2026, up from 20.7 million this year and 14.2 million in 2019.

Further reading: Best credit cards for cruises

The majority of cruise travelers are older adults: 65% are 55 or older, 27% are between 35 and 54, and 7% are 18 to 34. Nearly half travel as couples, 20% bring children, 7% go solo, and the rest join group trips.

The Caribbean remains the top cruise destination for Americans, according to AAA. Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida are the world’s busiest cruise ports. Next year, 7% of US cruise passengers are expected to visit Alaska, and 5% will cruise the Mediterranean.

Smart Travel Tips

• Set up fare alerts with apps like Expedia, Hopper, Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google Flights to get notified when prices change.
• Consider using Kayak’s best time to travel tool if your dates are flexible.
• Avoid booking too far in advance; prices are often higher more than six months before departure.
• Traveling midweek—especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays—can help you find cheaper domestic flights.
• Choose early morning flights to minimize delays.
• Use a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad, and request that purchases be charged in the local currency for better exchange rates.
• Don’t forget to bring a few good books for your trip.

Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance, specializing in career and retirement strategies. She has authored 14 books, including Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future, In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work, and "Never Too Old to Get Rich."

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