Travel is changing… and if you’ve felt that pull towards slower, more meaningful adventures, you’re not alone. The way we travel in 2026 looks very different to the whirlwind, checklist-style trips of the past. Travellers are craving depth over speed, intention over excess, and experiences that actually enhance their lives.

In this episode of the Tourist to Traveller Podcast, I explore the 10 biggest travel trends shaping 2026, from iconic road trips and underrated destinations to off-grid escapes, wellness travel, AI trip planning and the rise of overwater villas beyond the Maldives.

It’s about understanding where travel is heading, and how you can use these shifts to plan smarter, more fulfilling bucket list adventures… even with limited time and annual leave.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Global travel trends shaping 2026
• Why slow travel and road trips are having a major comeback
• How eco and regenerative travel are becoming non-negotiable
• How AI is changing the way we plan and experience trips
• New destinations offering overwater villas beyond the Maldives

Helpful Resources & Links

• Blog: Why Everyone Should Do a Yearly Off-Grid Tiny House Stay (And How to Plan Yours)
• Blog: The Future of Travel AI Is Here: How AI Is Revolutionising the Way We Plan, Book & Experience the World

Until next time, go beyond the tourist track and level up your travel experiences.

Connect & Explore

Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

I’m an independent traveller at heart. I love planning my own trips and moving at my own pace. But sometimes, a group tour is honestly the smartest option, especially when time, energy, or logistics are working against you.

The problem is, not all group tours are created equal. If you’ve ever been stuck on a massive bus, rushed through highlights, or dragged from one tourist shop to another, you’ll know how quickly a trip can lose its magic.

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal process for choosing a group tour that actually enhances your experience, not one that leaves you frustrated and exhausted.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to know if a group tour is right for you
• Why group size matters more than you think
• What to look for in itineraries, transport, and accommodation
• How to avoid time-wasting tours
• Red flags to watch for before booking
• My go-to group tour companies (and why)

If you’ve ever felt torn between independent travel and organised trips, this episode will help you choose with confidence... without the overwhelm.

Helpful Resources & Links

• Related Tourist to Traveller blog post: How to Choose the Right Group Tour: My Personal Selection Process
• Follow my travels on Instagram: @_touristtotraveller

Thanks for tuning in to the Tourist to Traveller Podcast.

Connect & Explore

Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.

Have you already started dreaming about where 2026 might take you? Not just anywhere, but somewhere that still feels authentic, meaningful, and memorable.

With crowds intensifying, costs rising, and overtourism changing the way destinations feel, travel is shifting. 2026 isn’t about ticking off the same hotspots everyone else is chasing. It’s about choosing places with depth, diversity, and stories that stay with you long after the trip ends.

In this episode, I’m sharing the destinations I believe are about to have a moment... including underrated gems, comeback destinations, and a few wildcards for travellers craving something truly different.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How travel trends are changing in 2026
• Why depth, space, and feeling matter more than ever
• Underrated destinations to visit before they boom
• Comeback and emerging destinations worth planning early

Episode Summary

Travel in 2026 is being shaped by overtourism, sustainability, accessibility, and a growing desire to travel with intention. There’s a clear shift away from rushing through destinations and towards experiences that feel grounding, immersive, and memorable.

Helpful Resources & Links

• Related Tourist to Traveller blog posts: The Hottest Places to Travel in 2026 (Including Underrated Destinations To Watch)

Until next time, go beyond the tourist track and level up your travel experiences.

Connect & Explore

Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.