The Skyscanner Travel Trends report for 2026 has unveiled the seven biggest trends in travel, showing that the year will become “personal” for travellers in the UAE. From literature escapes to supermarket tourism and skincare-fuelled itineraries, travellers are planning to curate trips based on their hobbies and passions for 2026, according to Skyscanner data and global consumer research.
Destination Check-in – In 2026, accommodation will increasingly hot shaping where and why people travel, with where hotels they stay becoming the destination Data shows that 76% of travellers have picked a destination based purely on accommodation.
Glowmads – Statistics show more than half (55%) of adults in the UAE have bought beauty or skincare products on previous international trips while 45% plan to visit beauty stores and get skincare/beauty treatments in 2026. Therefore, beauty rituals have the potential to shape how, not just where, beauty lovers travel. Furthermore, 37% said beauty-related activities are cheaper abroad than home.
Shelf Discovery – Travellers are searching for the most authentic bites in the food aisles with 83% saying they often or always explore the local supermarkets or grocery stores on their trips, while 57% say they learn more about local culture in food aisles. Furthermore, 44% are keen to try local food on holiday.
Altitude Shift – Travellers are chasing year-round alpine escapes from snow to stillness. Skyscanner data shows more than three-quarters (92%) are already looking into booking a summer or autumn trip to a mountain destination next year and 31% are planning a hiking trip with 59% saying the clean air and cooler weather makes mountain trips more appealing.
Bookbound – Individuals are looking to write new chapters on how to escape and reconnect through literary travel. More than 7 people out of 10 consider reading time important while they travel while 78% have thought about booking a trip inspired by literacy content.
Catching Flights and Feelings – There is a rise in travellers seeking connections through travel – meeting matches and friends on the move. Data shows 82% of individuals in UAE have considered to travel internationally to meet new people while 32% are open to meet people with different cultures
Family Miles – Multi-generational trips are also popular with travellers preferring to spend more time together as a family, bringing different generations together. As such a total of 41% said they plan to travel with their family, building on the trend where 31% said they travelled with their parents and grandparents on trips within the last two years.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “As 2025 comes to a close, people are already exploring where to visit next year. Our findings from Skyscanner’s annual Travel Trends Report have shown people are opting for different experiences based on their personal interests and hobbies, doing tasks that appeal to them or their families. From shopping for beauty products, reading a book or enjoying time with your family, there are different ways that travellers in the UAE are enjoying holidays, and they can now plan their trips with greater purpose.” -TradeArabia News Service
