Omio has released the third edition of its annual NowNext Travel Report, identifying six emerging travel trends set to shape journeys in 2026-2027. Developed in collaboration with YouGov, the report highlights shifting priorities among travelers around destinations, spending, weather, and planning methods, with a particular focus on Americans who demonstrate strong travel intentions despite economic pressures.
The survey polled 8,505 adults across the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the U.K., including 1,104 Americans. Analysis centered on 7,357 respondents likely to travel within 12 months, among them 851 Americans. Compared to the overall average, Americans show heightened interest in frequent travel and multi-stop holidays while demonstrating greater willingness to spend on personal passions, though they face challenges organizing complex trips.
Travel intentions remain robust. Sixty-two percent of Americans expect to take or have booked a leisure trip within the next year, up from 34% in 2025. Nearly half, 49%, express a desire to travel more often. Domestically, 73% plan to travel within the U.S., while 25% aim to visit another North American country. Europe leads as the top international destination for Americans at 28%, followed by Asia at 19%.
Behavioral adaptations are evident. Ten percent of Americans have altered their travel habits at destinations, slightly below the global average of 7%. However, fewer Americans avoid peak seasons, with only 16% doing so compared to 22% globally. Global events influence travel decisions, with 68% of Americans factoring disruptions into planning—lower than the 75% global figure. Thirty-one percent would select destinations perceived as safe and stable.
Cost management strategies are prevalent. Seventy-six percent of Americans expect to take action to control travel expenses. The most common measures include searching for better deals or flexible plans (36%), planning further ahead (28%), and traveling off-season (26%). Generational gaps emerge, with 38% of Gen Z travelers planning further in advance versus 24% of baby boomers. Additionally, 27% of Gen Z reduce other spending, compared to 19% of older generations.
Multi-Stop Holidays and Personalized Journeys
Multi-stop holidays, allowing travelers to combine destinations within one trip, are gaining traction. Fifty-two percent of Americans plan or seriously consider such trips, slightly above the 48% global average. Among these travelers, 37% cite better use of time or money as a key benefit, while 34% seek more varied and memorable experiences. Another 32% aim for a deeper understanding of regions, and 29% enjoy blending familiar and lesser-known spots.
For 34% of multi-stop travelers, the journey between stops enhances the overall experience. Yet not all prefer maximizing each holiday; 33% find returning to familiar destinations increasingly appealing, while 25% prioritize relaxation-focused trips. Ease of travel matters, with 25% favoring accessible and navigable locations, and 26% now open to single-location stays—a shift from previous preferences.
Heat increasingly influences travel decisions. Seventy-two percent of Americans would adjust plans during hot weather, with 39% opting to travel in different months or seasons. Twenty-one percent consider cooler or higher-altitude destinations, while 27% plan activities around cooler hours. Thirty percent would modify routes, transport modes, or timing to avoid extreme heat.
Passion-led travel can involve trade-offs. Sixty-eight percent of Americans would visit destinations they might otherwise overlook, and 67% would spend significantly more. Fifty-nine percent accept longer or less comfortable journeys, while 53% use most of their annual leave. Sixty percent would skip or postpone another holiday, and 51% rearrange significant personal commitments to accommodate these trips.
Complex travel arrangements, however, remain challenging. Seventy percent of travelers with multiple bookings, destinations, or transport connections reported at least one issue during trips taken in the past two years. Nineteen percent had one person managing most planning, while 16% juggled bookings across emails, apps, or websites. Despite this, 79% take precautions such as checking for disruptions, strikes, or severe weather (34%), allowing extra connection time (37%), or using travel apps for live updates (22%).
Naren Shaam on Travel Trends
Naren Shaam, CEO of Omio, said: “Travelers are increasingly looking to be proactive and shape journeys around their own priorities, from multi-stop trips to slower, familiar holidays, while being prepared to adapt when plans change. Our goal is to make increased complexity easier to manage, giving consumers more control, while leaving space for the spontaneous human connections that make journeys truly memorable. At Omio, we’re building an AI-native platform that helps travelers discover, compare and book the right journey for them, with less friction from inspiration to destination.”
Overall, the report points to varied travel priorities for the year ahead. Americans show interest in multi-stop itineraries, slower holidays and weather-conscious choices. At the same time, planning tools and greater flexibility remain important as journeys become more complex.
