11 Travel Trends to Watch in 2026: Odysseys Unlimited Insights

Quick Answer

In 2026, travel is being reshaped by a desire for deeper meaning, personal discovery, and stories that leap off the page or screen. According to Odysseys Unlimited, literary travel and set-jetting are on the rise, fueled by pandemic-era reading and binge-watching. Meanwhile, the American Express 2026 Global Travel Trends Report highlights a quest for 'lore' and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, while Expedia's Unpack '26 Summer report shows 63% of U.S. travelers plan domestic trips. The U.S. Travel Association projects modest spending growth, buoyed by domestic travel. Together, these trends paint a picture of travelers seeking connection, adventure, and narrative in 2026.

Key Facts

• Literary travel and set-jetting surge: Odysseys Unlimited reports a rise in trips inspired by books and movies, driven by pandemic-era habits.
• American Express: Travelers in 2026 are embracing discovery and adventure, seeking 'lore' and spontaneous experiences.
• Expedia: 63% of U.S. travelers plan a domestic trip in summer 2026, with California and Florida beaches among top searches.
• U.S. Travel Association: Travel spending growth is projected at low but positive rates, continuing late 2025 and early 2026 trends, bolstered by domestic travel.
• Overall: The year ahead favors meaningful, story-driven journeys over traditional sightseeing.

Literary Travel and Set-Jetting Take Center Stage

If you've ever dreamed of walking the streets of Jane Austen's Bath or sipping espresso in the Roman café from Eat, Pray, Love, you're part of a growing movement. Odysseys Unlimited, a small-group travel company, has identified literary travel and set-jetting as two of the hottest trends for 2026. The pandemic years, when many of us escaped into books and streaming series, planted seeds that are now blooming into full-fledged itineraries.

Literary travel goes beyond visiting a famous author's birthplace. It's about immersing yourself in the landscapes that shaped beloved stories. Odysseys Unlimited has seen increased interest in tours that trace the steps of characters from novels like The Da Vinci Code or Outlander. Set-jetting, similarly, involves visiting filming locations for movies and TV shows—think the castles of Game of Thrones or the Italian villa from Call Me by Your Name.

This trend isn't just about nostalgia; it's about connection. Travelers want to feel part of the narrative, to stand where their favorite heroes stood. Odysseys Unlimited reports that many of its 2026 departures include special literary and film-themed excursions, from guided walks with local experts to private screenings in historic venues.

The Pursuit of 'Lore' and Spontaneous Adventure

The American Express 2026 Global Travel Trends Report echoes this desire for deeper engagement, but frames it as a search for 'lore'—the stories, myths, and local knowledge that give a destination its soul. Travelers are no longer satisfied with checking off landmarks; they want to uncover hidden histories, learn folk traditions, and collect experiences that feel like secrets.

This quest for lore often goes hand-in-hand with spontaneity. Rather than packing every hour with scheduled activities, many travelers are leaving room for unplanned discoveries. They might stumble upon a village festival in Portugal, join a impromptu cooking class in Thailand, or follow a local's recommendation to a tucked-away jazz bar in New Orleans. American Express notes that this shift is especially pronounced among younger travelers, but it spans generations.

Odysseys Unlimited has adapted by building more free time into its itineraries, allowing travelers to pursue their own interests. The company also offers optional excursions that delve into local culture, from artisan workshops to archaeological digs.

Domestic Travel Dominates Summer 2026

While international travel continues to rebound, domestic trips are the story of summer 2026. Expedia Group's Unpack '26 Summer report found that 63% of U.S. travelers are planning a domestic trip this summer. Beach destinations in California and Florida are topping search lists, but so are national parks, mountain towns, and cultural cities like Charleston and Santa Fe.

This domestic focus is partly practical—rising airfares and economic uncertainty have made overseas travel less accessible for some—but it's also about rediscovering what's close to home. Many travelers are opting for road trips that allow them to explore multiple states, or they're booking longer stays in one region to truly immerse themselves.

Odysseys Unlimited, known for its international small-group tours, has seen a parallel trend: more travelers are combining a domestic trip with a shorter international journey, or they're choosing destinations closer to home, such as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

U.S. Travel Spending Growth Remains Modest but Positive

The U.S. Travel Association's Spring 2026 update projects travel spending growth at low but positive rates, continuing the trend seen in late 2025 and early 2026. Bolstered by domestic travel, the industry is stable, though not booming. This aligns with a broader sense of cautious optimism: travelers are still spending, but they're prioritizing value and meaningful experiences over sheer luxury.

For Odysseys Unlimited, this means focusing on all-inclusive pricing and small-group sizes that offer both intimacy and affordability. The company's 2026 tours are designed to appeal to travelers who want a seamless experience without hidden costs.

What This Means for Travelers

If you're planning a trip in 2026, consider these takeaways:

• Follow your favorite stories: Whether it's a novel, a movie, or a family legend, let it guide your destination choice.
• Leave room for surprise: Don't over-schedule. The best moments often happen when you least expect them.
• Look close to home: Domestic travel offers incredible diversity and value. Explore a region you've never visited before.
• Seek lore: Talk to locals, take a walking tour, visit a museum off the beaten path. The stories you collect will be your best souvenirs.
• Book with experts: Companies like Odysseys Unlimited can handle logistics while giving you insider access to literary and film locations.

As 2026 unfolds, the travel landscape is less about where you go and more about why you go. Whether you're chasing a fictional character's footsteps or discovering a new favorite beach, the year promises rich rewards for the curious traveler.