Travel trends 2026 are shaping a new era of immersive experiences, from movie-inspired trips to book retreats and sports tourism. As travelers plan ahead, these Travel Trends 2026 are becoming some of the most talked-about experiences in the U.S. travel world.
This guide breaks down the three biggest travel trends shaping 2026 and how travelers are embracing them across the United States.
1. Set-Jetting: Travel Inspired by Movies & TV Shows
What Is Set-Jetting?
These travel trends 2026 show how travelers are choosing more meaningful and experience-driven trips.
Set-jetting is when travelers visit destinations made famous by TV shows and movies. The trend has exploded into a potential $8 billion industry in the United States, driven by social media hype, studio productions, and fans seeking real-life versions of their favorite fictional worlds.
Why Set-Jetting Is Booming
- Streaming platforms release hundreds of new shows yearly.
- Travelers want immersive, Instagrammable experiences.
- Locations gain instant fame after going viral on TikTok or Instagram Reels.
- It blends sightseeing + emotional connection.
Popular US Set-Jetting Destinations (2026)
- Albuquerque, New Mexico – “Breaking Bad” & “Better Call Saul”
- Atlanta, Georgia – Marvel Cinematic Universe filming sets
- New York City – “Gossip Girl,” “Home Alone,” “And Just Like That”
- Hawaii – “Jurassic Park,” “Lost,” and major Hollywood franchises
- Utah & Arizona – dramatic landscapes seen in Westerns & sci-fi films
Who Will Love This Trend
Travelers who want cinematic landscapes, iconic locations, and the thrill of stepping into scenes from their favorite shows.
According to Expedia’s 2026 travel report, set-jetting has grown into a major US trend.
Link: https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/unpack-26-expedia-hotelscom-vrbo/
2. Readaways: The Rise of Literary-Themed Retreats
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What Are Readaways?
Readaways are quiet, cozy, book-focused travel escapes. Think mountain cabins, lake houses, and boutique hotels where travelers disconnect from the world and reconnect with reading.
Pinterest reported a 265% surge in searches for “book club retreat ideas”, indicating that readers want peaceful, aesthetic, and community-driven travel experiences.
Why Readaways Are Growing
- Travelers want digital detox & mindfulness experiences.
- Solo travel is skyrocketing and reading retreats fit perfectly.
- Book clubs are becoming social events and group travel themes.
- Aesthetic reading spaces are trending across Instagram & Pinterest.
Best US Readaway Destinations
- Asheville, North Carolina – quiet cabins, mountain views
- Sedona, Arizona – spiritual retreats with peaceful vibes
- Portland, Oregon – indie bookstores & creative reading cafés
- New England (Vermont, Maine) – fall foliage + cozy inns
- Texas Hill Country – peaceful ranch stays close to nature
Who Will Love This Trend
Readers, introverts, creative thinkers, solo travelers, and book-club groups.
3. Fan Voyage: Sports-Driven Travel Experiences
What Is Fan Voyage?
Fan Voyage refers to immersive sports experiences — from attending live games to following teams, exploring stadium tours, and joining fan-based travel packages.
57% of travelers say they are likely to attend a sporting event during a trip, making this one of the fastest-growing travel niches.
Why Fan Voyage Is Exploding
- Major US leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS) attract global fans.
- Sporting events create high-energy, memory-driven trips.
- Younger travelers prioritize experiences over sightseeing.
- Stadiums now offer food halls, fan zones, museums, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Top US Fan Voyage Destinations
- Dallas, Texas – AT&T Stadium (Cowboys), NBA & MLB games
- Los Angeles, California – Lakers, Dodgers, SoFi Stadium, USC games
- Miami, Florida – Formula 1, Miami Heat, Inter Miami with Messi
- Las Vegas, Nevada – Raiders, Golden Knights, F1 Grand Prix
- New York City – Yankees, Knicks, Mets, Madison Square Garden events
Who Will Love This Trend
Sports fans, families, college alumni, and travelers who want energy, excitement, and local culture mixed with entertainment.
Final Thoughts: Travel in 2026 Is Personal, Emotional & Immersive
Travel is no longer about just “seeing a place.”
It’s about belonging to a story, escaping into a book world, or cheering with thousands of fans.
The top 2026 trends — Set-Jetting, Readaways, and Fan Voyage — show that travelers want experiences that match:
- Their identity
- Their passions
- Their favorite entertainment
- Their emotional needs
Whether you’re exploring filming locations, reading under pine trees, or catching a game in a new city, 2026 is the year of meaningful, connection-driven travel.
If you’re planning more US trips, explore:
Overall, travel trends 2026 show that travelers prefer immersive, memorable, and story-driven travel experiences.