The big takeaway for groups from Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions? It’s “no” to the same old, same old. Today’s travelers want experiences that are “more individual, more experimental and more unapologetically true” to who they really are, says the trend report, declaring: “Every trip becomes a bold expression of individuality and identity: This is who I am, this is what I want and this is what I love.”
In its 10th year of trend spotting, the online booking platform gleaned insights from more than 29,000 travelers (2,010 from the United States) across 33 countries and territories. Though these were individual travelers who were not necessarily on the road for business or events, their attitudes and inclinations can inform meeting profs in designing gatherings that will attract and resonate with attendees.
The predictions are grouped into 10 “defining trends.” See our takeaways for meeting profs for each of them.
1. Romantasy Retreats
“With genres like romantasy exploding in popularity, the relationship between stories and journeys enters a new chapter as travelers step not just into novels, but into the fantasy worlds of dragons, fairies and other mythical creatures,” says the report, with more than 70% of global travelers surveyed saying they’d potentially be interested in visiting a destination inspired by romantasy. Over half indicated openness to a role-play retreat based on a favorite fantasy game, book or film.
Takeaway for meeting profs: Consider “storybook” destinations or real-world filming locations where fantasy can become an event blueprint. Theme F&B and social time to a fantasy escape, with role-playing as an option.
2. Humanoid Homes
2026 will see more vacation-rental homes enhanced by “humanoid helpers [where] a cleaning bot takes care of the mess, a robotic chef whips up dinner (and does the dishes) and smart systems quietly optimize water, energy and waste in the background.”
Nearly eight in 10 travelers say they are open to booking a robotic-enhanced venue.
Takeaway for meeting profs: Classic style isn’t off the table, but don’t be afraid to lean into the futuristic if it suits your group demographics and psychographics. Attendees will be intrigued by AI-enhanced or other advanced tech they may not yet have in their own homes and offices.
3. Teamwork Testing
Venturing out of the familiar will become “the ultimate compatibility check as many travelers plan to use time away to test the strength of their relationships,” including professional. “More than two-thirds (69%) of global travelers are open to taking a trip with a potential partner, colleague or new friend specifically to see how well they click…. Nearly two-thirds (62%) would consider traveling to a remote location to see how their companion handles ambiguity and discomfort…. Gen Z travelers are the most experimental of all, with 81% open to custom itineraries designed to simulate real-life dynamics and test connections in ways that will either soar or stall.”
Read More: The List: Warm Up and Team Build
Takeaway for meeting profs: There is more than ever at stake for well-designed team building. As the report puts it: “These turbulence tests [are] immersive ways to understand compatibility, adaptability and teamwork.”
4. Shelf-ie Souvenirs
“In 2026, the humble kitchen cupboard is becoming a cultural canvas, filled with travel souvenirs that reflect personal taste, design flair and a story of place. These shelf-ie souvenirs are moving from fridge magnets to pantry shelves, with travelers increasingly seeking edible and design-led treasures that turn everyday kitchens into showcases of global culture.”
Takeaway for meeting profs: Consider choosing destinations for “rare souvenirs, limited-edition cookware or packaging that looks as good on a shelf as it does on social media.” Rethink the typical branded swag in favor of keepsakes that encourage attendees to “relive a destination each time they cook” and “showcase local craft, sustainability and traditional methods.”
5. Roadtrip Rewired
The classic road trip is “shifting gears…to embrace spontaneity and discovery.” It’s no longer just about the drive. Instead, “the combination of technology and social opportunity is redefining what a road trip can be: part exploration, part community and entirely personal.” Using AI to map off-the-beaten-track routes tailored to trip desires is becoming the norm.
Takeaway for meeting profs: Off-site explorations can be more memorable and inventive when attendees are divided into small teams and given a goal that allows for ingenuity and cooperation.
6. Destined-ations
“Many travelers actively seek experiences that align with mystical or astrological cues,” says the report, “turning vacations into journeys that feel spiritually aligned and cosmically approved.”
Takeaway for meeting profs: Stargazing can instill awe and wonder, and if your meeting place is Dark Sky-compliant, take advantage of the opportunity to let attendees feast their eyes and elevate their spirits with an astrological activation. Some locations, like Primland Resort, an Auberge Collection property in Virginia, have their own observatory.
7. Glow-cations
Nearly 80% of travelers surveyed were open to booking a dedicated glow-cation featuring multiple skin-specific treatments tailored to their personal skincare needs, from “ancient thermal rituals to cutting-edge DNA and microbiome testing.”
Takeaway for meeting profs: Incorporating wellness into your meeting has a new goal: not just to recharge, but also to send attendees home visibly renewed.
8. A Louder Sense of Calm
“Silence will be golden in 2026, as travelers look to swap the noise of daily life and distractions of an overstimulating world for the soothing stillness of nature to restore their sense of calm,” Booking.com predicts. “From insect spotting and birdwatching to fishing and foraging, travelers are increasingly interested in pastimes that invite a deeper connection and close observation with an outdoor space.”
Takeaway for meeting profs: Offer opportunities for “restorative rituals that prioritize patience, reflection and stress relief,” especially in the natural world.
9. Memories Become Destinations
“With AI-powered photo mapping and heritage-tracing platforms, memories can transform into maps and old snapshots into future trip itineraries as travelers pinpoint the exact spot where a moment once happened, and stand in it,” the report says. “Two-thirds of global travelers (66%) say they would consider recreating a memory or photo by using technology to identify the exact location it was taken and then traveling there.”
Takeaway for meeting profs: For gatherings of legacy organizations, especially, look for ways to tap into important milestones or events that can bond attendees to their shared history and mission. Even recent startups have “ah-ha moments” that can be remembered and celebrated through storytelling and activations.
10. Modern Milestone Missions
Travelers in 2026 will “rewrite the rulebook on when and why” to go to a dream destination. “No longer reserved for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries or having a baby, today’s milestones are deeply personal as societal norms continue to shift and evolve…. Travelers are embracing personal achievements on their own terms and using travel as a way of celebrating their individuality.”
Takeaway for meeting profs: In pre-event communication and marketing, highlight bucket-list attractions of the destination and promote bleisure stays.
