As 2026 unfolds, travelers are redefining what a great getaway looks like. Instead of squeezing in trips, this year is about making more intentional and meaningful experiences, a shift that savvy travelers have been quietly embracing.
Family Travel Inspires Stronger Connections
Family travel alone has grown by 87% over the past year, according to Intrepid Travel, as more families use travel to unplug from screens and reconnect through shared moments.
More than a trend, Patty Laurel-Filart practices slow travel with her family as a way to bond and keep the family close. By planning holidays months in advance, she creates space for relaxed, meaningful experiences where they learn more about each other—whether wandering Copenhagen’s quiet streets or enjoying Germany’s Christmas markets. With multigenerational travel expected to rise in 2026, Patty’s approach shows that mindful, experience-led travel is the new way families can enjoy spending time together.
Grocery Tourism Could be the Next Big Hit
As a value-driven traveler, Jax Reyes rings in the new year, curating itineraries that let him save without sacrificing having the best adventures. Beyond tracking major seat sales and choosing the best deals, one of his hacks is to embrace everyday local experiences, such as grocery store tourism, as a way to connect with culture on a budget. By opting for neighborhood spots to shop and eat over restaurants, he was able to get a taste of Colombia’s day-to-day culinary customs differently.
For the Practical and Adventurous Type: Two-wheeled Traveling
Travelers continue to seek journeys that challenge them while still allowing space for rest and reflection. Xzar Lim exemplifies this balance, planning a solo holiday through Central Asia before embarking on an overland adventure across South Africa. Meticulous in her preparation, she secures visas, maps out routes, and budgets for unexpected changes—shifting between bikepacking and backpacking depending on the experience she wants to create.
This thoughtful approach reflects a broader shift in travel. According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, road trips are surging once again, with the hashtag #RoadTrip amassing over 5.9 million global tags, driven by travelers’ desire for freedom, flexibility, and more cost-conscious adventures. In fact, 60% of travelers surveyed said they would choose to drive to save money. And this is exactly the kind of big travel moment Xzar aspires to have: creating journeys that are mindful, adaptable, and deeply personal.
More Daytime and Sober Nightlife are In
Younger travelers are seeking connection through food, local communities, and heritage over nightlife that will keep them from getting out of bed in the morning. Khrystelle Luha, aka The Travelling Morena, also prefers this “dry tourism”, mirroring a generational shift where 77% of Gen Z prefer alcohol-free holidays, with safety and meaningful experiences top of mind.
With
this, hotels are now responding with quality non-alcoholic options and
curated experiences, from minibar drinks to juice pairings at
Michelin-starred restaurants. For Khrystelle, mindful travel isn’t just
about drinking less; it’s also about connecting deeper, experiencing
local culture fully, and making every moment count.
As Travel Experiences Grow, So Should Your Protection
For seasoned travel creators like Patty Laurel-Filart, Jax Reyes, Xzar Lim, and Khrystelle Luha,
every trip is an opportunity to turn careful planning into big moments
that are both memorable and purposeful. That’s why they turn to AXA
Smart Traveller, covering up to ₱3.5M for accidents and another ₱3.5M
for unexpected illnesses abroad, so they can focus on meaningful
experiences without worry.
Backed by AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance, Smart Traveller is Schengen-accredited and available for same-day online purchase. It offers lower rates for group plans and annual multi-trip coverage, along with 24/7 travel assistance, so wherever life takes you, you can travel with confidence.
As these creators always remind their communities, big moments deserve big protection. With AXA, know you can rely on protection that lets you focus on the journey, not the risks.
For more information on AXA Smart Traveller, visit www.axa.com.ph.