AI is Your New Travel Agent: Inside the 2026 Travel Revolution

BOSTON, MA – January 15, 2026 – The days of flipping through guidebooks or endlessly scrolling social media for vacation ideas may be numbered. A new era of travel is dawning, one where artificial intelligence acts as a trusted co-pilot, mental well-being outweighs lavish displays of wealth, and the most coveted destinations are the ones you haven't seen on TikTok—yet.

These are the key takeaways from the 2026 ‘What the Future’ (WTF) Report released by travel search engine KAYAK. Drawing on billions of user searches, exclusive data from TikTok, and a comprehensive survey of over 14,000 Gen Z and Millennial travelers, the report paints a vivid picture of a travel landscape being fundamentally reshaped by technology and a new set of priorities.

"TikTok is reshaping how people explore the world, and is home to a vibrant culture of search and discovery when it comes to planning travel," said David Hoctor, Vertical Director of Travel at TikTok. The collaboration highlights a clear synergy between social media trends and real-world booking behavior, revealing a generation of travelers who are more intentional, experience-driven, and digitally fluent than ever before.

Your Pal, AI: The Rise of the Algorithmic Itinerary

Perhaps the most striking trend identified is the growing trust in artificial intelligence as a primary travel advisor. According to the report, a remarkable 41% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers now trust AI recommendations more than suggestions from friends, family, or social media influencers. The rationale is simple: 34% believe AI provides more accurate and up-to-date information by drawing from millions of data points, a feat no human can match.

This shift marks a significant evolution from passive inspiration to active, AI-guided discovery. "In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel, anticipating what travelers need before they ask and removing friction at every step," explained Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer at KAYAK. "The future of travel isn't just smarter; it's more human and personalized, with technology enhancing the experience along the way."

The practical applications are already widespread, from AI-powered chatbots handling customer service to sophisticated algorithms that craft personalized itineraries based on vague prompts. This technology is not just about convenience; it's empowering travelers to find the 'not-yet-Tok'd' destinations that align with their desire for authenticity, steering them away from over-saturated tourist traps.

Beyond the 'Gram: 'Wellth,' Authenticity, and the Art of Slowing Down

The definition of a luxury vacation is undergoing a profound transformation. For younger generations, the new wealth is 'wellth'—a portmanteau of wellness and wealth. More than 60% of next-gen travelers identified a 'mental reset' as their top travel priority. This sentiment is amplified on social platforms, where the hashtag #wellnesstravel saw a 150% increase on TikTok last year.

This pursuit of well-being is leading travelers away from bustling metropolises and toward serene, smaller locales. An overwhelming 84% of surveyed travelers said they would prefer a smaller town for their 2026 getaways, citing the appeal of lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic local experience. This is validated by TikTok trends, where one in five travelers reported being inspired by a social media post to visit a village.

This mindset also fuels the rise of 'slow travel,' a concept that prioritizes quality of experience over quantity of sights. With #slowtravel posts increasing nearly 330% on TikTok, more than half of travelers say a slower pace helps clear their heads. This dovetails with the popularity of 'nanocations'—short, frequent trips for an instant change of scenery—and 'soft adventures,' which blend light activity with relaxation, like a morning hike followed by an afternoon at the beach. It’s a clear move away from frantic, box-ticking tourism toward more restorative and immersive journeys.

New Horizons: Unearthing Hidden Gems and Traveling for the Main Event

The desire to escape the algorithmically-driven mainstream has created a powerful counter-trend: the hunt for the undiscovered. With 69% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials preferring places not yet trending on their social feeds, the report identifies a new generation of destinations poised for the spotlight. Topping KAYAK’s list of emerging hotspots for 2026 is Cork, Ireland, a city celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene, rich history, and authentic charm without the overwhelming crowds of other European capitals.

The list also features a diverse array of global destinations, including the futuristic urban landscapes of Chongqing and Shenzhen in China, the mythical beaches of Zakynthos, Greece, the mountainous backdrop of Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the lush nature of Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island. These locations appeal to travelers seeking 'gasp-aways'—trips centered on awe-inspiring natural wonders, a motivation for 63% of next-gen travelers.

At the same time, travel is becoming increasingly purpose-driven. An astounding 97% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers plan to journey for a major event in 2026. For this demographic, the event is the trip. Whether it's a major sporting competition, a sold-out concert tour, or a cultural festival, these large-scale gatherings are no longer just an activity on an itinerary; they are the primary reason for the entire journey, dictating both destination and timing.

The Economics of Experience: Funding the Modern Adventure

Underpinning all these trends is a pragmatic approach to financing. For many younger travelers operating on tight budgets, financial flexibility is not a luxury but a necessity. The report reveals that 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) options will be a deciding factor for how many trips can be taken in 2026 for 35% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials.

The integration of BNPL services from providers like Klarna and Affirm into travel booking platforms has migrated a popular retail payment method into a key travel facilitator. By allowing travelers to spread the cost of flights and hotels over several installments, these services make otherwise prohibitive trips accessible. This financial tool is critical in enabling travelers to invest in the experiences they value most, from a 'wellth' trip to a small town to securing a ticket and flight for a once-in-a-lifetime main event.