Travel has always been personal, but in 2026 it will move far beyond one-size-fits-all itineraries. In 2026, Vietnamese travelers will reject conventions and lean into passions that feel distinctive and truly their own. From adrenaline-fueled compatibility tests to mystical detours and stays in futuristic homes, every trip becomes a bold expression of individuality and identity. 

In its tenth year, Booking.com’s Travel Predictions spotlights how people want to experience the world. Over the years, these insights have revealed shifts in travel, from Cool-cationers chasing cooler climates given extreme heat to Conscious Travelers reshaping destination choices through social and environmental awareness. Looking ahead to 2026, the research shows travelers are eager to let their true selves shine, quirks and all, with technology playing a major role in making it possible for travelers to experience ultra-personalized trips with the people who understand them best.

Based on insights from more than 29,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories including Vietnam, Booking.com is using this research alongside its unique position as an industry leader in travel and technology to uncover ten defining trends for 2026. The findings reveal that vacations are becoming more individual, more experimental, and more unapologetically true to who travelers really are.

Branavan Aruljothi, Country Head, Vietnam at Booking.com said: “As we step into 2026, travel is shifting from a simple getaway and to a form of self-expression. Journeys are now intimately built around interests that were once considered too niche or personal to explore. Travelers are using trips to test their relationships, step into fantasy worlds, transform their homes through culinary souvenirs, and reimagine familiar experiences like road trips and vacation rentals with cutting-edge technology. At Booking.com, we’re continuously evolving to meet this demand, ensuring every traveler can easily find the choice, flexibility and convenience needed to turn their dream trip into reality.”

1. Romantasy retreats: Escaping into enchanted worldsIn 2026, romantasy travel turns fiction into real-life escapes. Ninety-four percent of Vietnamese travelers are open to fantasy-inspired destinations, and 81% would join role-play retreats. Technology boosts this trend, with 89% open to AI-curated storybook stays and filming-location suggestions.

2. Humanoid homes: The future of vacation rentalsVacation rentals are entering a robotic era. Ninety-eight percent of Vietnamese travelers would book tech-enhanced homes, driven by cleaning bots (53%), robotic chefs (41%), and sustainability systems (35%). Many also seek novelty (39%) or the futuristic appeal (35%) of these “humanoid homes.”

3. Glow-cations: Skincare-specific travel powered by techSkincare-focused travel is rising, with 92% open to glow-cations offering tailored treatments. AI guidance appeals to 86%, while personalized hydration stations (90%), smart mirrors (81%), and sleep-optimization suites (95%) redefine wellness travel.

4. Turbulence test: Love, friendship, and teamwork on trialTravel is becoming a compatibility check. Eighty-five percent would take a trip to test a relationship, and many are open to remote destinations (69%), role-reversal retreats (80%), or constraint-heavy trips (68%). Gen Z leads the trend, with 88% open to itineraries that simulate real-life dynamics.

5. Shelf-ie souvenirs: Turning kitchen shelves into cultural showcasesKitchen shelves are becoming cultural displays as 90% of Vietnamese travelers consider buying design-led pantry items or cookware, and 84% would visit destinations known for them. Souvenirs offer emotional value (33%), highlight craftsmanship (52%), and appeal through exclusivity or aesthetics (34%).

6. Roadtrip rewired: Embracing shared journeys on the open roadRoad trips are becoming more social and flexible. Ninety-two percent are open to carpooling, 84% to using matching apps, and 93% value the spontaneity road trips offer. Shared driving appeals to 87%, while Gen Z embraces self-drive and AI-guided routes (82%). Eighty-one percent would use AI to map scenic routes.

7. Destined-ations: Travel written in the starsAstrology is shaping travel choices. Seventy-eight percent would change plans based on spiritual advice, 73% based on horoscope warnings, and 61% if Mercury is in retrograde. Sixty-five percent consider celestial cues when planning, especially Gen Z (71%) and millennials (62%).

8. Hushed hobbies: Quiet pursuits for a deeper sense of calmTravelers are seeking quieter, nature-led experiences. Forty-five percent want to feel closer to nature and 37% pursue quieter hobbies on vacation. Many are open to insect spotting (85%), birdwatching or fishing (93%), and foraging (91%). Tech supports this trend with wildlife-ID apps and AI trail suggestions.

9. PastPorts: Where memories become destinationsNostalgia-driven travel is rising as AI helps identify old photo locations. Eighty-nine percent would recreate memories this way. Motivations include reconnecting with loved ones (57%), feeling youthful or grounded (46%), and marking personal milestones (41%). Tech also supports heritage tracing and storytelling across generations.

10. Modern milestone missions: T

ravel that celebrates youPersonal milestones now shape travel. Seventy-one percent say they don't need a traditional reason to book a trip, and 21% would visit a dream destination without waiting for a major event. Many travel to reward hard work (84%) or celebrate promotions (33%), breakups (17%), tax refunds (7%), or health achievements such as sobriety and fitness (33%).