Here’s what you’ll learn after reading this article:
- The travel industry forecast shows expected continuous growth, having already grown 3% from 2017 to 2024. Vacations are important to 72% of consumers, with 88% planning to take a vacation in the next 12 months. Family travel is a major driver in the U.S., making up 44% of leisure travel.
- Popular 2026 travel trends include “go-ccasions” and “destination dupes.” Tour tourism is also expected to boom, allowing fans to combine travel with seeing concerts. Top destinations will include North America (due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup) and the Dolomites/Milan, Italy (for the Winter Olympics). The Caribbean remains the top cruise destination for Americans.
- With the travel sector engaging so many interesting elements, 2026 is presented as an incredible time to explore getting into the travel business. Dream Vacations, recognized as the #1 travel agency franchise on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, is suggested as an option for starting a home-based travel agency.
Each year, travel amps up more and more. Whether traveling for a quick escape or once-in-a-lifetime journey, with family and friends or solo, tourists delve into nearby locales and far-off destinations to relax, learn something new, make new memories or enjoy varied experiences.
So, how often will travelers adventure this year, and which experiences will appeal to them the most? Find out as we deliver this 2026 travel industry forecast. This is the year to take that trip you’ve been waiting on—and it’s also an incredible time to explore how to get into the travel business yourself.
Now’s your chance to explore everything the industry has to offer with these tips and trends.
The 2026 Travel Industry Forecast at a Glance
Globetrotters set out to experience the food, history, arts and culture of destinations around the world, and that is slated to continue this year – as GWI reports that 88% of consumers plan to take a vacation in the next 12 months, with 72% of consumers stating that vacations are important to them.
McKinsey backs this up with their own vacation industry statistics, reporting that the travel industry has grown 3% from 2017 to 2024, and is expected to continue to grow. Family travel is a large driver in the United States, with 44% of leisure travel being a family vacation.
As for specific sectors, the future of the cruise industry is bright, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reporting that 82% of those who cruised plan to cruise again. Even better, 31% of all passengers were new to cruising, indicating an increased demand for cruise vacations even amongst those who have never cruised before.
The airline industry is expecting significant advances as well, according to McKinsey. New technology will help to streamline all assets, from biometric security to AI ticketing, streamlining long airport lines. New developments in robotics will transform what happens behind the scenes, making commercial aviation more efficient. Indeed, 2026 is likely to be a year where air travelers experience reduced friction.
2026 Travel Trends: What to Expect From This Year’s Travelers
As social media influencers showcase what the corners of the world have to offer—and more people open themselves up to exploring—the travel industry continues to expand. And with our ever-changing world exerting an influence, it’s no surprise that the 2026 and current 2025 travel trends are more varied than ever.
One popular trend this year is called “go-ccasions,” or tailoring group trips to a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary or other celebratory milestone. Also favored are “destination dupes,” which are cities that cost less but may offer similar atmospheres and experiences as more distant or expensive locales. Other trends are outdoor amenities like rooftop lounges, late-night gatherings around fire pits, plunge pools and more.
With musical artists like Ariana Grande, Zach Bryan, Ed Sheeran and Guns N’ Roses all setting off on world tours this year, “tour tourism” may also boom, allowing fans to combine seeing an epic concert with all the benefits of traveling. Music tourism is expected to be worth $15.5 billion within the next decade.
While still other trends are expected in the travel industry forecast, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year filled with exciting travel experiences.
Top Travel Destinations for 2026
Thanks to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer enthusiasts will be traveling from all corners of the world to see the games live in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Even for Americans, the event will be a great opportunity to visit new cities – both domestically and in Mexico or Canada.
Likewise, the Winter Olympics will be taking place across the Dolomites and Milan during February, with Forbes reporting that bookings to this region are up 160% from last year. Most international visitors are coming from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.
The Caribbean remains the top cruise destination for Americans, and the largest cruising region in the world according to CLIA. There’s a reason why Florida’s Port of Miami and Port Canaveral are the busiest cruise ports in the world. Plus, private islands are growing, as cruise lines aim to offer exclusive access to Caribbean land.
Europe is seeing a surge in the “shoulder season” as tourists seek to avoid the heat of the summer and the overcrowding of popular destinations and landmarks. CNN reported that fall travel from the US to Europe is up by 25%, and up 28% for travelers coming from the UK to continental Europe.
Why Consider Tourism Franchise Opportunities
With so many dynamic elements engaging the travel sector—from the ways we explore the world to the experiences we have while traveling—now is the best time to explore becoming a Dream Vacations home-based travel agency franchise owner.
Dream Vacations is regarded as the best franchise in the industry, with more than 30 years in the travel industry and more than 2,300 Franchise Owners. In addition, the company was recognized as the #1 travel agency franchise on Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500 list. It also ranked as #11 in the fast growing franchises, proving that the demand for travel continues to climb.
Starting your own travel business through Dream Vacations allows you to join the most highly regarded tourism franchise opportunities around. Along with being your own boss and working on your own terms, you’ll be able to take advantage of the powerful resources that this established brand offers. Plus, with the knowledge from 2026’s travel industry forecast, you’re joining an exciting, fast-paced industry.
To establish your own travel agency, turn to Dream Vacations, a brand and community that will be by your side every step of the way. To get started on your journey, sign up to watch our video tour and learn more about what Dream Vacations has to offer you as a potential Franchise Owner.
