Travel Predictions 2026: Ultra-personalized journeys take center stage

By 2026, travelers will turn away from conventional experiences to follow their own distinctive passions. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Travel has always been personal, but in 2026, it will move far beyond one-size-fits-all itineraries. Vietnamese travelers, in particular, are rejecting conventions and seeking trips that feel distinctive and self-expressive, from adrenaline-fueled tests of compatibility to mystical detours and stays in futuristic homes.

Below are ten defining trends for 2026, showing vacations are becoming more individual, experimental and unapologetically authentic.

Romantasy retreats: Escaping into enchanted worlds
Travelers are stepping into the fantasy worlds of dragons, fairies, and mystical forests. In Vietnam, 94% are open to romantic-inspired destinations, and 81% would try role-play retreats based on favorite books, games, or films. Technology amplifies this trend, with 89% open to AI-powered suggestions for storybook stays or filming locations, transforming imagination into real-world adventure.

Humanoid homes: The future of vacation rentals
Futuristic vacation homes will feature robotic helpers, from cleaning bots to robotic chefs. In Vietnam, 98% are open to robotic-enhanced stays, with 53% swayed by cleaning bots and 41% excited by robotic chefs. Beyond convenience, novelty and bringing rights draw travelers, redefining vacation rentals as futuristic and unforgettable experiences.

Glow-cations: Skincare- specific travel
Wellness trips are evolving into high-tech, skin-focused journeys. In Vietnam, 92% are open to glow-cations with personalized treatments, while 86% would use AI to match destinations to skin needs. Personalized hydration, smart mirrors, and sleep-optimized suites make skin renewal the centerpiece of travel.

Turbulence test: Travel as a compatibility check
Vacations are becoming tests of relationships, teamwork, and adaptability. Eighty-five percent of Vietnamese travelers would take trips to assess compatibility, with 69% exploring remote locations, 80% trying role-reversal retreats, and 68% embracing strict constraints. Gen Z leads the way, with 88% open to custom itineraries that test real-life dynamics.

Shelf-ie souvenirs: Culinary and design- led keepsakes
Travelers are turning kitchens into cultural showcases, with 90% open to bringing home edible or design-led souvenirs. One-third uses these items to live trips, while others value craftsmanship, sustainability and social-media-worthy designs.

Roadtrip rewired: Shared, spontaneous journeys
The classic road trip evolves into social, flexible adventures. In Vietnam, 92% are open to carpooling and 84% to apps connecting travelers on similar routes. Younger generations embrace AI to plan scenic, offbeat routes, making road trips both personal and communal.

Destined-ations: Travel guided by the stars
Astrology and mystical cues influence trips, with 78% willing to adjust plans based on spiritual advice and 65% considering cosmic factors in travel decisions. Gen Z is particularly atuned, reflecting a desire for spiritually aligned journeys.

Hushed hobbies: Quiet pursuits for calm
Travelers seek stillness, connecting with nature through birdwatching, fishing, foraging, and similar hobbies. Apps and AI enhance these experiences, helping identify species, trails, and seasonal patterns, emphasizing restorative, mindful travel.

PastPorts: Reliving Memories
Technology allows travelers to retrace old snapshots or heritage paths. In Vietnam, 89% would recreate memories using AI-powered mapping, making nostalgia and personal milestones central to travel experiences.

Modern milestone missions: Celebrating YOU
Travel is increasingly a personal celebration. Seventy-one percent of travelers don't wait for traditional milestones, while 84% justify trips for hard work or achievements. Modern milestones include career wins, fitness goals, or life transitions, letting travelers define their own reasons to journey.

In 2026, travel is no longer just a getaway- it's an expression of identity, creativity, and personal fulfillment. From fantastical retreats to robot-assisted homes, the future of travel is unapologetically personalized.

By Jenna Duong

Source: http://sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn/travel-predictions-2026-ultra-personalized-journeys-take-center-stage.html