Skyscanner Announces 2026 Travel Trends
Personalized Trips Tailored to Individual Tastes and Interests Lead the Way
Top Destinations: Asahikawa and Miyakojima in Japan
It has been found that 8 out of 10 Koreans are planning to travel abroad next year. The most popular destinations among Koreans are Asahikawa and Miyakojima in Japan.
On October 14, the global travel platform Skyscanner held a media day at the L’Escape Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, and announced the seven leading travel trends and popular destinations for 2026.
According to a survey conducted by Skyscanner with 1,000 Korean travelers, 44% of respondents said they would travel abroad at a similar frequency as this year. Another 36% said they would travel even more than this year. In total, about 80% of respondents revealed plans for overseas travel.
Next year, 31% of respondents said they would spend more on airfare and accommodation rather than focusing on cost-effective travel. Forty percent said they would spend a similar amount as this year, meaning that more than 70% have budgeted the same or more than this year.
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The destinations Koreans are expected to visit most next year are small cities in Japan. Analysis of search volume from January to June this year showed that searches for Asahikawa, famous for its autumn foliage, increased by 476% compared to the same period last year, while searches for Miyakojima rose by 247%.
Other notable destinations include Chongqing in China (245%), Port Louis in Mauritius (148%), as well as unique destinations such as Bari in Italy (87%) and Cairo in Egypt (79%).
Next Year’s Travel Trend: Personalized Trips
The core keyword for next year’s trend is personalized travel. Instead of following the crowds to popular tourist attractions, trips tailored to individual tastes and interests are becoming the norm. The first trend Skyscanner identified among Koreans is the “Mart Attack.” The focus of culinary travel is shifting from restaurant hopping to exploring supermarkets. Thirty-six percent of Korean travelers said they often visit supermarkets, while 19% said they always do so.
Another trend is “Ye-Man-Chu” (seeking connections while traveling). The trend of interacting with locals or forming new relationships, rather than just sightseeing, is spreading among Millennials & Gen Z. In fact, 41% of Korean travelers-4 out of 10-said that they have traveled abroad or are considering it to make friends or find romantic connections.
“Bookscape” is also attracting attention. This refers to trips where travelers visit locations featured in literary works or explore local bookstores. Sixty-three percent of Korean respondents said they have planned or booked a trip inspired by literature. Other emerging trends include “Glow-Up Travel” (beauty product-centered trips), “Unique Check-Ins,” “Mountain Vibes,” and multigenerational family trips.
Jessica Min, a travel expert at Skyscanner, said, “Popular and cost-effective destinations for 2026 are expanding beyond traditional favorites to lesser-known places, such as Bari in Italy, where you can taste unique local ingredients, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, which offers accommodations so attractive they become the purpose of the trip itself.”
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