"It's the start of a new year and, with that, 12 new months of adventures to plan for - and vacations to book. So how are people looking to travel in 2026? Hilton Hotels & Resorts surveyed more than 14,000 travelers from 14 countries to understand travel trends in 2026 and coined the term "whycation," which aims to encapsulate the current traveler's search for meaningful experiences, whether for feelings of deep relaxation, experiences of awe, learning something new, building deeper connections or something else."
"Chase Travel put out a list of " 26 Trips to Take in 2026," which includes an August 2025 survey that identified some current travel trends. For instance, 87% of respondents want to travel to "chase natural phenomena," such as watching a whale migration, pursuing the path of totality for a solar eclipse, witnessing the Aurora Borealis and seeking other fleeting moments of magic."
Hilton Hotels & Resorts surveyed more than 14,000 travelers from 14 countries and coined "whycation" to describe intentional, purpose-driven travel that prioritizes the reasons for travel over destinations. Travelers seek meaningful experiences such as deep relaxation, awe, learning, and stronger connections. Many respondents want to chase natural phenomena—87% indicated interest in events like whale migrations, solar eclipses, and the Aurora Borealis. The Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Russia, Greenland, Iceland and Spain. Astrotourism appeals to travelers who seek low-light locations for celestial viewing. Northern California options include natural-wonder sightings, digital-detox retreats, sustainable travel, and soul-searching road trips.
Read at The Mercury News
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