As travel planning for 2026 begins, safety is becoming a primary consideration for tourists. Concerns around terrorism, climate-related disruptions, and overcrowded destinations are influencing where people choose to travel.
According to CNBC, these risks are now among the biggest deal-breakers for travellers, prompting a shift toward quieter, safer, and less congested cities.
Instead of well-known tourist hotspots, travellers are increasingly prioritising destinations perceived as safer and more stable. Cities with lower security risks and manageable tourist inflows are gaining attention over traditionally crowded locations.
This shift reflects a broader change in travel behaviour, where predictability and risk reduction are becoming as important as sightseeing.
One of the most visible changes is the move away from peak-season travel. Tourists are actively avoiding overcrowded destinations and opting for shoulder-season travel.
Secondary cities are benefiting the most from this trend. In Asia, search interest for lesser-known destinations is growing faster than for major tourist hubs. Countries such as Indonesia and Japan are encouraging travel beyond cities like Bali and Tokyo to distribute tourism more evenly.
Another emerging trend is what industry experts call “decision-detox” travel. With daily life already demanding constant decision-making, many travellers now prefer fully planned, all-inclusive holidays.
These trips minimise choices around meals, transport, and activities, allowing travellers to disengage from planning and focus solely on the experience.
Wellness tourism is no longer limited to luxury spa retreats. Travellers are increasingly choosing experiences focused on long-term physical and mental well-being.
Popular options now include Ayurveda programmes, yoga retreats, silent stays, hiking, and cycling-focused trips. Wellness is being treated less as indulgence and more as preventive health care.
Nostalgia is also shaping travel decisions. Younger travellers are recreating childhood vacations, while older travellers and retirees are undertaking long journeys they postponed earlier due to work or family responsibilities.
This trend is driving interest in slower travel and longer stays rather than fast-paced sightseeing.
Hotels are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to personalise guest experiences. By 2026, AI systems are being used to predict guest preferences before check-in, from room settings to service recommendations.
The focus is on efficiency and personalisation rather than luxury add-ons.
The overall shift suggests that travel is becoming slower, safer, and more deliberate. Travellers are making choices based on risk awareness, personal well-being, and meaningful experiences rather than popularity alone.
