Extended Weekend Getaways By Robin O’Neal Smith
Associate Editor
Why Travelors Seek Connection Over Checklists in 2026
I remember standing on a decorated street a few winters ago, watching snowflakes fall. I wasn’t rushing to the next monument or checking a box off a list. I was breathing in the moment, listening to the distant sound of church bells and smelling delicious holiday treats.
That feeling, the desire to pause, connect, and truly feel a place is precisely where the future of travel seems to be heading. Emphasizing a shift from checklists to connection-driven experiences. As we look toward the travel trends of 2026, we are seeing a movement away from the frantic pace of “doing it all” and embracing “feeling it all.”
Travelers are trading in their checklists for connections. Whether it’s a multigenerational family reunion in a cozy mountain cabin or a solo journey to trace the history of our nation, the motivation has changed. It is no longer just about where we go; it is about why we go.
I polled over 20 destinations and asked them what they thought the top travel trend would be for 2026.
The results:
Trend #1: Authentic Cultural Experiences
Trend #2: is a tie between America 250 Travel and Event Travel – Olympics, Sports, Concerts
Trend #3: Experiential Travel
Authentic Cultural Experiences
Learning the Cajun Two-Step in Lafayette, LA. Photo Credit Robin O’Neal Smith
The most significant shift I’ve noticed in the forecast for 2026 is a deep yearning for authenticity. We are craving stories that foster belonging. We want to meet the makers, taste the recipes passed down through generations, and sit on front porches with locals, creating a sense of connection and community.
It’s about the human connection. As Sonya Nash, CEO of the Shipshewana Amish Country, Indiana CVB, beautifully put it:
“Travelers are no longer satisfied with simply seeing a place. they want to feel it. People are seeking experiences that honor local stories, deepen human connection, and create meaning that lasts long after the trip ends. In 2026, few places embody authentic cultural connections better than Shipshewana, Indiana, where real conversations with makers, heartfelt moments with the Amish community, and hands-on experiences reflect the traditions and simplicity of this region. Visitors don’t just come to Shipshewana to observe a culture, they come to be welcomed into it.”
This sentiment is echoed across the industry. Bryan Lewis, the Founder and CEO of Tenon Tours, notes that the novelty of simply sightseeing is fading.
“Seeing a destination is one thing, but feeling it is what changes you,” he says. “That comes from connecting with people and culture in a meaningful, personal way that goes far beyond the typical tourist experience.”
Collecting Stories, Not Souvenirs
We used to fill our suitcases with trinkets, but now we are filling our hearts with memories. Tiffannie Ramos, with Diamond PR, representing Sint Maarten, captures this perfectly:
“It’s not about collecting things anymore; it’s about collecting stories.” She predicts that people will look beyond luxury hotels to find moments that spark genuine bonds.
In the south, this means immersing yourself in the rhythm of the region. Matt Young from Visit Lake Charles invites visitors to share a bowl of gumbo and hear the stories straight from the folks who live it every day. He commented, “We’re leaning into what makes us us: our authentic Cajun and Creole culture.”
Trisha Garcia from Visit Beaumont in Texas, calls this a movement from “just a break” to “break + meaning.” She sees travelers choosing trips that reflect their personal identity and what they care about, favoring “wellness, nature, slower travel, and deeper connection rather than fast-touring.”
Event Travel
While we seek quiet connection, we are also eager to celebrate together. 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for gathering, driven by historic milestones and global excitement that inspire joy and anticipation.
America’s 250th Birthday
There is a palpable excitement building for America 250. Families are planning road trips to walk where history was written. Mary Grace Kauffman of Destination Gettysburg highlights the emotional weight of this upcoming anniversary: “Heading into America’s 250th Birthday in 2026, we expect travelers will seek out destinations where they can walk in the footsteps of the nation’s history. The United States was born in Philadelphia, and “four score and seven years” later the soul of that young nation was saved on the battlefield of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg became known as a critical turning point in the Civil War, forever changing the course of American history.
The story of America cannot be told without Gettysburg—the small, rural town in Pennsylvania where the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was waged.”
It is these places, rich in history, that become magical classrooms for our children and touchstones for our own sense of heritage. You can learn more about the many America 250 events in the special section of Extended Weekend Getaways.
Sports Are Big
Sports fans also have plenty to cheer about. Eric Knopsnyder from the Laurel Highlands notes: “Sports event travel will be massive, with the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the PGA Championship near Philadelphia, and the FIFA World Cup bringing the world to Pennsylvania’s doorstep.”
Experiential Travel
Immersing yourself in the music and culture or a place or time in history to learn more. Photo credit Robin O’Neal Smith
If 2026 has a theme, it might be “savoring the moment.” Highlighting experiential travel as a way to engage all senses. Engaging with the world through our senses is a top priority, encouraging travelers to seek immersive experiences that create lasting memories and deepen their connection to destinations.
Other Notable Trends
As we plan our 2026 adventures, “the who” is just as important as the where.
Family Gatherings
Families are traveling in new formations. We are seeing grandparents taking grandkids on “skip-gen” trips, large reunion groups renting out villas, and families prioritizing “inheritourism,” visiting the lands of their ancestors to connect with their roots.
Highly Personalized, Purpose-Driven Travel
The cookie-cutter vacation package is a thing of the past. Travelers want highly personalized itineraries that align with their values. Whether it’s sustainable travel that gives back to the community or a wellness retreat designed to heal burnout, the itinerary must have a purpose.
Sips and Scenery
Wine tourism continues to blossom, offering that perfect blend of agriculture, history, and relaxation. Jennifer Nowicki from Pineapple PR, representing the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Bureau, describes the region as the “Heart of Georgia Wine Country,” offering an “authentic mountain escape, complete with award-winning wines, breathtaking mountain views, and a charming historic downtown.”
Quiet Escapes and “Coolcations”
We are also seeing a rise in what some call “Quiet Over Everything.” In a noisy world, silence is the ultimate luxury. This might mean an off-grid cabin where the only notifications come from the birds, or a “coolcation”—traveling to cooler, temperate climates to escape the summer heat.
Transformational Travel
There is also a surge in “transformational travel.” This isn’t just a vacation; it’s a journey that changes you. They are seizing the day, eager to see the world’s wonders while they can.
The Role of AI in Our Adventures
We can’t talk about the future without mentioning technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a quiet helper in our travel planning.
It helps handle the “admin” of travel, sorting through flights, translating in real time, and finding that perfect hidden-gem restaurant.
However, we must tread carefully. While AI can suggest a destination, it cannot replicate the human heart of hospitality. The key for 2026 will be balance: using technology to smooth the journey, but relying on human connection to provide the magic.
What These Trends Mean for Us
• Book earlier for major 2026 events.
• Look beyond hotels to experiences with locals.
• Seek quieter, shoulder-season trips.
• Use AI as a tool—but trust local humans for deeper connections.
Embracing the Journey
KIck back and relax in Beaufort, SC. Photo credit Robin O’Neal Smith
As we look toward 2026, we are moving away from rushing and toward lingering. We are seeking out the small towns, the local festivals, and the quiet moments of awe.
From the historic battlefields of Pennsylvania to the Amish bakeries in Shipshewana and the jazz-filled streets of Lake Charles, the world is inviting us to do more than just visit. It is inviting us to connect. So, as you dream of your next getaway, ask yourself not just where you want to go, but how you want to feel when you get there. What connection do you hope this journey will create?
