Travellers rethink holiday plans in 2026
Rising fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainty and disruption across major travel routes are reshaping how people plan their holidays this year.
Despite the challenges, demand for travel remains strong. According to Kayak’s Summer Travel Check-In report, flight searches are up 4% compared with last summer, while interest in domestic travel within the United States has risen by 7%.
Rather than cancelling trips altogether, travellers are adjusting their plans. Many are shortening holidays, choosing alternative destinations and prioritising flexibility as they navigate an increasingly unpredictable travel landscape.
Here are five summer travel tips experts say could help holidaymakers make smarter decisions this year.
Book flights before planning the rest of the trip
One of the most important summer travel tips is to secure flights before making other arrangements.
With airfares highly sensitive to fuel prices, route changes and demand fluctuations, many travellers are locking in attractive flight deals first and building the rest of their itinerary around them.
Graham Carter, CEO of Unforgettable Travel, said more clients are booking flights as soon as they spot good value fares and then seeking tailored holiday packages to match their travel dates.
“We see a trend of clients booking flights to avoid the rising prices, and then coming to us with flights already in place and asking us to design bespoke trips around their fixed flight date,” Carter said.
Travel advisors also report that booking windows are becoming increasingly short as travellers monitor global events before committing to plans.
Consider destinations closer to home
As long-haul travel becomes more expensive, many holidaymakers are opting for shorter trips and regional destinations.
According to travel advisor Cayce Callaway, many American travellers are choosing Caribbean destinations instead of Europe, shortening the length of their holidays and selecting more affordable flight options.
Alaska is also attracting increased interest from travellers who previously prioritised more distant international destinations.
Road trips remain another popular choice. A recent Hertz survey found that 64% of Americans plan to take a road trip this summer, while interest in recreational vehicle holidays continues to grow.
Industry representatives say travellers are adapting their plans rather than abandoning them.
“Americans are determined to get away,” said Monika Geraci of the RV Industry Association. “Instead of cancelling vacations due to high flight or hotel costs, travellers are choosing to adjust.”
Similar trends are emerging in the UK, where domestic camping bookings have increased significantly and more travellers are seeking destinations accessible by public transport.
Look beyond traditional European hotspots
For those planning long-haul holidays, experts say Latin America is becoming one of the biggest winners of the 2026 travel season.
Luxury travel operator Blue Parallel reports that bookings have shifted dramatically towards destinations in Central and South America.
Kayak data shows flight searches from the UK to Central America are up 34% compared with last year, while searches for South America have increased by 27%.
Countries including Costa Rica and Guatemala are seeing particularly strong growth.
According to Blue Parallel CEO Emmanuel Burgio, travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that feel more predictable and less affected by current global uncertainties.
Rather than traditional beach holidays, many travellers are choosing itineraries that combine nature, wildlife and cultural experiences.
Seek cooler and less crowded destinations
Another of the key summer travel tips emerging this year is to consider cooler destinations and avoid areas experiencing extreme heat or overtourism.
Travel experts report growing interest in northern European cities such as Reykjavik, Dublin, Stockholm and Copenhagen, where summer temperatures tend to be milder and airfares more competitive.
Norway’s fjord regions are also seeing a surge in bookings.
Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel, said many travellers are moving away from traditional tropical beach holidays and embracing nature-focused experiences instead.
“The Nordic islands are capturing people’s imagination, as they offer the chance to slow down and reconnect with nature,” he said.
The broader trend towards “slow travel” is also gaining momentum, with travellers increasingly choosing longer stays focused on wellbeing and meaningful experiences rather than packed itineraries.
Prioritise flexibility and protection
Experts say travellers should carefully review cancellation policies, insurance options and booking conditions before finalising plans.
While many holidaymakers are trying to reduce costs, advisors argue that flexibility can provide significant value when travel disruptions occur.
This includes selecting refundable bookings where possible, purchasing travel insurance early and considering destinations where softer demand may create attractive deals.
Callaway noted that although she is handling fewer bookings than last year, the value of each booking has increased significantly as travellers seek additional reassurance and support.
For less experienced travellers, professional advice can also help ease concerns about international travel and provide assistance if plans change unexpectedly.
Adaptability is becoming the new travel essential
The traditional rules of holiday planning are evolving as travellers respond to higher costs, changing travel patterns and global uncertainty.
While demand for travel remains resilient, flexibility, careful planning and openness to alternative destinations are increasingly shaping how people choose to explore the world.
For many travellers, the key to a successful holiday in 2026 may be less about where they go and more about how prepared they are to adapt.
Also read: Cyprus summer temperatures set to rise above average
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
