The way Brits holiday is fundamentally shifting. According to the newly released Great British Holiday Audit 2026 from easyJet and easyJet holidays, travelers are no longer just looking for a beach; they are planning trips around "purpose, passion, and participation".

With over half (52%) of Brits planning to visit a new country this year, here is the definitive guide to the 15 trends that will shape travel in 2026.

1. Longer Short-Haul: The New 5-Hour Rule

Travelers are redefining "short-haul" by embracing flights of five to six hours to unlock better value and warmer climates.

• The Trend: "An extra hour in the air can now feel like an upgrade," opening up destinations without jet lag.

• Where to Go: The audit reports a 12% increase in bookings to Tunisia (specifically Djerba) and a 21% increase for longer-leisure spots like Morocco, Turkey, and Cyprus.

• City Break to Watch: Tbilisi, Georgia, is gaining traction thanks to new direct routes.

2. Dark Sky Tourism (The 2026 Eclipse)

While 2025 was the year of astrology, 2026 is the year of astronomy.

• The Event: A total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.

• Where to Watch: Travelers are booking trips to Northern Spain, the Balearics (Mallorca/Ibiza), and Iceland for the best views.

• Year-Round Spots: The Black Forest (Germany), Thingvellir National Park (Iceland), and Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve (Portugal) are seeing rising interest for stargazing.

3. The "White Lotus" Effect

Screen tourism continues to dominate, with 28% of Brits picking destinations based on TV or film.

• The Trend: With The White Lotus returning to Europe in 2026, fans are looking to replicate the luxury seen on screen.

• The "Dupe": Instead of the expensive Saint-Tropez, travelers are looking at nearby Toulon or Villefranche-sur-Mer for Riviera glamour at a lower price.

4. "Canon Country" Tourism

Travelers are visiting historic towns rediscovered through classic literature or their modern retellings.

• Top Spots: Verona (Shakespeare) and Pamplona (Hemingway).

• Why: People are seeking depth and narrative meaning rather than just "chasing novelty".

5. Active Holidays: Pickleball & Padel

Golf holidays are no longer the only game in town. One in 10 Brits is now playing pickleball or padel while away.

• The Hotspot: Spain is the global center of Padel, with over 20,000 courts and higher participation than tennis.

• Convenience: Padel racquets are small enough to fit in hand luggage, making it an easy addition to a trip.

6. "Try Before You Fly" with AI & VR

The planning phase is now part of the escape. 49% of holidaymakers are exploring destinations virtually before they book.

• The Tech: Travelers are using VR hotel tours, street-view maps, and short-form video to "preview" their trip.

• The Goal: To reduce anxiety and ensure the hotel or restaurant matches reality.

7. Wardrobe Wanderlust

In a "not-so-material world," 57% of holidaymakers value experiences over assets.

• The Hack: Travelers are selling clothes on Vinted, Depop, or eBay to fund their holidays.

• Who is doing it: 20% of Gen Z say resale platforms contribute directly to their holiday funds.

8. The "Home Alone" Parent

A new trend for empty nesters.

• The Strategy: Parents of adult children are taking more holidays while leaving their kids at home to act as live-in house or pet sitters.

• The Freedom: 19% of parents are using this strategy to travel more frequently.

9. Gen-P (Pilgrimage Travel)

Younger generations are driving a spiritual revival.

• The Route: The Camino de Santiago (Santiago de Compostela) in Spain is the top draw.

• Other Sites: Lourdes (France) and the Seven Churches of the Revelation (Turkey) are also seeing renewed interest from Gen Z.

10. Putting the World in Cup (World Cup 2026)

With the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, costs for fans will be high.

• The Alternative: British fans are traveling to the home nations of qualifying teams (like Spain or France) to watch matches in local fan zones for a fraction of the price.

The Final 5 Niche Travel Trends

Round out your knowledge with these emerging micro-trends from the report:

Data sourced from the easyJet & easyJet holidays "Great British Holiday Audit 2026".