KAYAK’s What the Future Report reveals hotspots, emerging destinations and 2026 trends

In its just-released What the Future (WTF) Report for 2026, KAYAK takes a look at the destinations and travel behaviours that will shape the year ahead.

Along with exclusive community data from TikTok, the report focuses on the places and patterns that matter before they become mainstream news.

In its second edition, the WTF report uses billions of KAYAK user queries to spotlight overlooked destinations offering lower prices, fewer crowds and more flexibility.

The 2026 edition adds results from a survey of 14,000 Gen‑Z and Millennial travellers, social and cultural research, and KAYAK executive interviews to deliver 10 trends shaping next‑gen travel.

Chief among them, the impact of AI on our travel planning, with 55% of those surveyed saying they’d change destinations if AI told them there’s somewhere better.

Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer, KAYAK, said that: “In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel, anticipating what travellers need before they ask and removing friction at every step. The future of travel isn’t just smarter; it’s more human and personalized, with technology enhancing the experience along the way.”

David Hoctor, Vertical Director of Travel, Global Business Solutions at TikTok, said that: “TikTok is reshaping how people explore the world, and is home to a vibrant culture of search and discovery when it comes to planning travel – from flights, to hotels, to destinations, and beyond.”

Hoctor continued: “KAYAK has identified a number of emerging travel behaviors that we are seeing play out in real-time on TikTok, from microtravel trips with friends, to “gasp-away” dream vacations with their loved ones. We’re thrilled to see these trends take shape in the year ahead as travellers plan their next trips.

Here’s some of the highlights of What the Future Report for 2026:

Not-yet-Tok’d – 2026 is the year of rewriting popular travel routines, by swapping trending places from all over the internet, with the next “gen of destinations” for Canadians not seen on social media so far.

• 74% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials say they want to visit places they’ve never been before
• Posts on TikTok including #hiddengems saw an over 50% increase
• Nearly 1 in 5 Canadian travellers surveyed are actively hunting for destinations that sit way outside the For You Feed comfort zone

Wellth Trips – “Well-th” is the new wealth for Canadian Gen Z and Millennial travellers.

• 67% say mental reset is their top reason for travelling
• 60% plan to spend more on luxury trips in the future
• 38% say spa or wellness treatments make a trip feel lavish, and 29% go for exclusive experiences

The main event – Whether a major sporting competition, a marathon, or a festival, Canadians are building their 2026 trips around big events.

• 95% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers say they plan to travel for a major event in 2026; iIn fact, KAYAK saw an over 150% increase in global flight interest to Canada for the world’s biggest soccer event compared to the same time last year
• 60% are inspired to go see natural wonders and immersive nature encounters (e.g. Northern Lights, waterfalls, eclipses, whale watching, stargazing, etc.)
• 36% are hitting the road for live shows, followed by 31% for sports and cultural festivals and 28% for unique performances in unexpected places

Your pal, AI – Seeking travel recommendations from family or friends? That is so last trip. AI is the new, trusted travel BFF for Canadian Gen Z and Millennials.

• 31% say they trust its picks because it pulls advice from millions of sources
• 25% say it feels more accurate and up to date than anything their friends send in a DM
• 30% use AI tools for inspiration or finding deals

Go to  https://www.ca.kayak.com/c/wtf-report-2026/ for more.

Photo/Image Credits – courtesy KAYAK