Top travel trends for 2026: How Germans are planning their holidays in the new year

Research from Booking.com is based on the experiences of over 29,000 travelers from 33 countries. It reveals that in Germany, the travel trend for 2026 is marked by increased individuality, a spirit of experimentation, and a desire for authentic experiences. The TUI travel survey from 2025 confirms this trend. More travelers are planning their breaks based on personal interests, focusing on nature, culture, and sustainability. Additionally, the global Hilton study by Ipsos in 2025 shows that German travelers increasingly prefer hotels, road trips, or tailor-made stays. They seek to combine relaxation, community, and personal experiences. Whether it’s nature-based retreats, independent indie trips, or communal road trips, 2026 is all about experiencing travel as an expression of one’s personality.

Back to Nature

In an increasingly hectic and digitalized world, more people are seeking peace, balance, and authentic experiences away from the hustle and bustle. Nature and landscapes play a central role. According to an Appinio survey by TUI in 2025, 34.9% of respondents particularly consider these aspects when choosing their travel destinations. Additionally, 28.7% most frequently share nature-related images on social media. The trend “Back to Nature” ranks first across all age groups, with women at 34%. Studies also show that stays in nature have proven positive effects on both body and mind.

The related travel trend “Hushed Hobbies – Re-root with Nature” shows how this growing need for tranquility and mindfulness is transforming into tangible travel experiences. Quiet, decelerating activities take center stage — hobbies that require patience, observation, and a keen sense of the environment. Whether it’s fishing, birdwatching, or collecting wild herbs and berries, the focus is on consciously reconnecting with the small wonders of nature. The strength of this trend is clear in the Booking.com study. It shows that 44% of German travelers intentionally travel to get closer to nature, with 29% of them belonging to Generation Z. There is particularly strong interest in nature-based experiences: 40% of travelers are interested in observing insects or butterflies, and 60% would like to try fishing or birdwatching. 51% prefer accommodations where they can collect ingredients from nature themselves.

Multistop Holidays – The Diversity of a Trip

Another trend from the TUI rankings of travel trends for 2026 is the “Multistop Holiday”. According to Statista, over 33% of Germans enjoy traveling to cities during their vacations. Multistop Holidays allow travelers to explore multiple destinations in one trip, combining urban hotspots, beaches, and nature without being tied to just one location. By using one destination as a base, nearby locations can be flexibly explored, often in a more cost-effective and varied way. Multistop Holidays perfectly align with trends like “Townsizing”, where even smaller cities off the beaten path are being discovered.

Full Service Holidays – Relaxation All Around

Ranked third in the TUI travel trends for 2026 is the “Full Service Holiday” trend. All-inclusive vacations are no longer an outdated concept, but are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free holiday. According to the global Hilton study by Ipsos in 2025, 58% of German travelers prefer hotels over vacation rentals. With 35% popularity, all-inclusive is the preferred meal plan for German travelers, especially among young adults and middle-aged groups, according to the TUI study. From booking to the stay itself, hotels take care of everything, offering cost control, comfort, and plenty of time to unwind. The Hilton study confirms that relaxation and rest are the primary motivations for travel (63%), followed by culinary experiences. Stylish resorts, regional cuisine, vegan options, and wellness offerings make these trips diverse and high-quality. Popular all-inclusive destinations for 2026, according to booking data from Urlaubsguru, include Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Egypt.

Indie Travel and Roadtrips – Freedom and Self-Determination

The Indie Travel trend caters to those who want to design their trips completely on their own terms — independently, flexibly, and with a curiosity for new experiences. Whether traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group, each traveler can plan their vacation based on personal needs, including solo adventures. Many travelers consciously avoid rigid schedules or comfort in favor of authentic experiences and personal discoveries. Traveling independently means a more intense experience, discovering new things about oneself, and enjoying the trip as a personal break.

In line with this, roadtrips are making a comeback, but in a modern, digitally connected way. According to the Hilton survey, 73% of German travelers prefer road trips over flying because they offer freedom and spontaneity. Instead of traveling alone, many now opt for shared experiences and a new “meet-up” culture. Modern technology plays a key role in this: According to the Booking study, 38% of travelers would use artificial intelligence to find suitable travel companions. The study also shows that travelers feel more comfortable when sharing their trip with people from similar backgrounds. 72% prefer companions of similar origins, 70% look for the same gender, and 66% seek similar sexual identities. This creates a sense of community on the road, blending a love for adventure with social connection.

Traveling Together

Travel is increasingly being used to test relationships, whether with partners, friends, or colleagues. More than two-thirds (69%) of global travelers are open to going on trips together to see how well they harmonize. These “turbulence tests” reflect a shift in vacation planning. Travel is increasingly seen as an opportunity to test compatibility, adaptability, and teamwork. Generation Z is the most active in these experimental trips. Eighty-one percent are open to customized itineraries that simulate real-life dynamics.

Another emerging trend is multigenerational travel. Families traveling together are increasingly finding that these trips not only strengthen bonds but also open new dimensions of collaboration and understanding across generations. This type of travel offers a chance to enjoy leisure time together. It also allows them to test and deepen relationships through a shared experience.

Taste Tourism – Culinary Discovery Journeys

Another personal experience is Taste Tourism, where culinary exploration becomes the centerpiece of the holiday. According to the TUI survey of 2025, almost 46% of German travelers spend the largest portion of their budget on food and drinks. Italy (33%) is the favorite destination for local cuisine. At the same time, Germans are becoming more adventurous in their culinary choices. Over half often or always try local specialties, and nearly half (49%) are even willing to deviate from their usual diet. Even 31% of vegetarians and 21% of vegans would try typical dishes while on vacation. Whether it’s pizza in Naples, street food in Bangkok, or tapas in Valencia, culinary travel intensifies the vacation experience. It allows travelers to discover countries through all of their senses. According to the Hilton Trend Report, 34% of travelers even plan their trips specifically around a particular restaurant or event.

Conclusion

The travel trends for 2026 show that Germans are increasingly shaping their vacation time around authenticity, individuality, and self-determination. Travel is becoming more about personal experiences. These experiences not only provide relaxation but also test relationships, immerse travelers in nature, and open up new perspectives.