From Ancestry Trips to Grocery Store Tourism
Leisure travel has always been viewed largely as an alternative to whatever’s happening in our everyday lives; an opportunity to experience something special, escape responsibilities or focus exclusively on special interests. But the travel trends emerging this year are particularly interesting.
There’s a kind of “travel renaissance” taking place as consumers seek a little relief from their always-on, ever-connected digital existence through experiences that help them reconnect with the environment, their heritage, themselves and others. Classic checklist destinations and sightseeing vacations are being replaced by more personal, intentional, experiential options.
If that sounds like the kind of getaway you could get into, then read on. The team at WallyPark has identified six interesting trends that could change the way you feel about travel – and everything else.
Although it may be the most well-known New Year’s Eve celebration in the world, Times Square is not the only location to greet the year with style. Check out these exciting alternatives if you’re searching for something a little different, like warmer weather, different traditions, or a change of scenery.
Adventures & Darecations
Adventure travel is nothing new. African safaris and Australian scuba diving have been on the bucket lists of active travelers for generations. But Millennials and Gen Zers have cranked things up a notch (or three) by seeking out more extreme, adrenaline-fueled experiences that add a little more risk into the equation and often require a little more training before making the trip. From whitewater rafting and dogsled touring to high-altitude trekking and polar camping, today’s adventure travels are adding “I’m not sure I could do it” to their list of favorite postcard inscriptions.
Family Pilgrimages
The popularity of services like Ancestry.com and TV shows like “Who Do You Think You Are?” is compelling many of us to explore our heritage and turn our family vacations into a different kind of family reunion. There’s a newfound desire to reconnect with our roots, rediscover the lands of our ancestors and experience a little of what they experienced ages ago. From custom-planned pilgrimages to locally-owned tours, the resources available for plotting a course through your personal history and gaining a greater understanding of your heritage are virtually limitless. Want to add another dimension to the experience? Grandparent Getaways are also becoming an increasingly popular trend with Gen Z travelers.
Alcohol-Free Options
On average, Americans are drinking far less alcohol than we used to, and our sobriety is having an influence on our vacation habits. A report from travel company, BYOjet for Students, indicates more than three-quarters (77%) of Gen Z travelers opt for trips with no drinking involved and 69% worry about their safety abroad if they drink. At the same time, roughly half (49%) of all Expedia travelers and two-thirds (66%) of those aged 25-35 are specifically searching for hotels that offer and promote the availability of numerous non-alcoholic beverages in their restaurants, bars and in-room mini-bars.
Grocery Store Tourism
Dining at a special restaurant is one of the true joys of travel – and we wrote about the best cities for favorite foods last year. But one of the new trends for 2026 is grocery store tourism. (We’re not kidding). Travelers are visiting local grocery stores and corner delis to gain a glimpse of authentic day-to-day life and cultural customs. In fact, Hilton’s latest trend report indicates 77% of travelers already enjoy grocery store tourism and Skyscanner’s recent survey revealed 35% of travelers plan to explore a local grocery store during their next trip. Even more revealing is the screen time this trend is getting on TikTok, where you’ll find over 50 million posts dedicated to grocery store tourism.
Bathhouse Social Spaces
When we say “bathhouse” you probably think of dimly lit, steam filled rooms where movie mobsters meet to discuss their secret plans. But today’s sophisticated bathhouse spas are becoming alternative community centers – and popular travel destinations – with holistic wellness programs and inviting social spaces. These metropolitan, multi-level venues are thoughtfully designed to foster conversation and connection, with membership models that cultivate camaraderie and a club-like vibe. With everything from private soaking tubs and plant-filled conservatories to rooftop pools and premium restaurants, these new wellness centers are well worth the trip.
Travel Butlers
Most of us have only seen butlers in the movies. Haughty old men in tuxedos who answer the door and tell you to wait in the foyer while Madam finishes her tea. But now, thanks to AI, you can have a “travel butler” of your own. These aren’t robots, they’re people. But their use of artificial intelligence makes them seem more like wizards – handling everything from itinerary planning to on-trip support to ensure a seamless experience. Gone are the days of ringing the valet for your car, dialing room service for breakfast or calling the concierge for hard-to-get show tickets. Now, a simple text to your ever-ready butler sets everything in motion.
Bonus Trend
Looking for a trend you can enjoy every time you fly? Join the thousands of other travelers who start their trips with WallyPark. It’s simple and affordable than parking at the airport. Just reserve your space with WallyPark at the same time you book your flights. We fill up fast during peak travel periods, so we suggest you book now.
