Stepping into a new year offers renewed opportunity for exploration, fresh adventures, and vibrant vacation getaways. On this journey of revival, how people are planning travel in 2026 is changing. Platforms tracking travel trends, such as Vrbo, Hotels.com and Expedia, see an emerging rise in vacationers planning trips that are more intentional, emotional, and focused on unique experiences.

Whether traveling to catch a popular event with friends, enjoying fresh air and starlit skies away from urban spreads, or finding inspiration from movies, tv shows, and books, travel in 2026 is all about the senses. Planning your next getaway to a Casago vacation rental destination with these trends in mind will surely create lasting memories.

Event-Driven travel: Fan Voyage

Major events are a growing force for travel as fans head-out to follow their favorite sports team, music festival, or immerse themselves in local fandom. From the par-3 “Coliseum” at the Waste Management Open in Phoenix to catching Banana Ball in Savannah, travelers are looking for a front-row seat to sporting thrills. Formula 1 fans can be sure to rev up their engines for Miami, the renowned US Grand Prix in Austin, TX, or down the Las Vegas strip.

For 2026, the FIFA World Cup will take place in select cities across North America, drawing sports fans from across the globe. Along with nearly a dozen sites in the U.S., matches will take place in Vancouver and Toronto in Canada, as well as group stage and knock-out games in Mexico City and Guadalajara. Get the best of relaxation mixed with soccer fanaticism by choosing a Casago destination that offers day-drive adventures to stadiums paired with coming back to the comforts of home.

Charm under starlit skies

There is a rising demand among travelers for peaceful, restorative getaways beyond busy cities. Rural destinations continue to gain momentum, with Vrbo finding a growing number of Gen Z travelers seeking out what they dub “farm-charm.”

This charm extends to increased interest in hiking trails, national parks, and small towns. From the wealth of hiking trails surrounding Coeur d’Alene, ID to Harvest Markets in Mendocino, CA, there are so many Casago destinations where travelers can truly get grounded.

In addition, dark sky communities such as Sedona in Arizona as well as Dripping Springs and Fredericksburg, TX, provide direct access to outdoor wonder at night.

Screen inspired travel

“Set-jetting”, first coined by Expedia in 2008, continues to grow as travelers pull inspiration from popular movies and shows. Don’t forget to pull up another screen with the allure of Instagrammable getaways and high-energy TikTok travel itineraries. Vrbo estimates 81% of Gen Z and Millennials are planning travel getaways in 2026 based on what they’ve seen on screen. In addition, over half of travelers (53%) report an increase in the desire to take a set-jetting trip.

Destinations like the scenic redwoods along the northern California coast offer cinematic ocean views while conjuring up scenes from Star Wars. Speaking of fantasy worlds, the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary served as backdrop for the second installation of Avatar. On the east coast, Wilmington, NC bears the nickname “Hollywood East” as more than 300 films and tv-series have been filmed in the area.

Literally Inspired: Readaways

In addition to screen-inspired getaways, the appeal of relaxing with a good book is turning a new page on a time-honored vacation tradition. This next chapter of travel points to 91% of travelers indicating interest in taking a trip focused on reading, relaxing, and time with others. Add a book club outing to that Table of Contents, and you’ve got the next plot to a mountain escape or a cozy coastal crusade. What a novel idea.

Top Travel Trends Help Shape your Travel Experience

In planning for travel in 2026, consider how these trends can shape your travel plans at a premier Casago destination. Whether searching for cinematic landscape, the brightly lit streets of Las Vegas stripped right from a movie set, a front-row to a bucket-list event, or a peaceful nook where you can cozy up with your favorite tale, there are unforgettable memories waiting to be made.

A Casago vacation rental offers the flexibility, space, and value to create opportunities for the entire family that are experientially rewarding and truly memorable.

Where will your 2026 adventures take you? Book direct and save!

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