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New research from Booking.com suggests 2026 will be defined by travellers seeking highly personal experiences, with New Zealanders among those embracing travel that reflects their individuality.
The company’s 10th annual Travel Predictions report, based on insights from 29,000 travellers across 33 countries, identifies ten trends shaping travel in the year ahead.
Personal connections and purposeful travel
Two-thirds of Kiwi respondents say travel will test compatibility and connection, with many open to “turbulence test” trips designed to reveal how companions cope in unfamiliar or challenging settings.
Romantic fantasy travel is also on the rise. Inspired by popular fiction and film, 58 per cent of New Zealanders say they are interested in visiting “romantasy” destinations, with many drawn to Aotearoa’s Middle-earth landscapes.
Technology and transformation
Travellers are showing growing acceptance of technology as part of the journey. Nearly seven in 10 New Zealanders say they would stay in technology-enhanced accommodation featuring robotic assistance or smart systems that manage energy and sustainability.
AI is increasingly shaping decision-making, from mapping scenic road trips to suggesting destinations aligned with wellness, skincare or even astrological preferences.
Wellness, nostalgia and slower travel
Wellbeing remains central, with 70 per cent of respondents open to booking a dedicated wellness or “glow-cation” experience. Others are embracing slower, quieter hobbies such as birdwatching and foraging, while many are planning trips to revisit meaningful locations or mark personal milestones.
A new mindset
Melissa Ellison, Booking.com’s area manager for New Zealand, says the findings highlight a shift towards intentional and self-expressive travel.
“In 2026, travel becomes a reflection of who people truly are,” she says. “Kiwi travellers are blending technology and curiosity with a desire for authenticity — from road trips through Te Waipounamu to slower, more introspective getaways closer to home.”
The Travel Predictions 2026 report reflects an evolution in travel habits that are more personalised, tech-enabled and purpose-driven.
For the full findings, visit: booking.com/articles/2026-travel-predictions
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