Travel Trends 2026 / Discover the top 5 travel trends shaping how Germans will explore the world in 2026. From green train journeys and multi-stop adventures to taste tourism and a return to nature, see what a new TUI - Appinio study reveals about the future of travel.

Top 5 New Travel Trends of German Travelers in 2026

As 2026 approaches, travel habits are shifting faster than ever. A major study by TUI in partnership with Appinio - surveying 2,000 German travelers - reveals a clear move away from traditional package holidays and towards more meaningful, sustainable, and immersive travel experiences. Based on this data, Tourism Review identified the top five trends set to redefine global travel in the coming year.

5) Train Travel: The Slow, Green Glide to Discovery
Train travel is becoming an increasingly stylish and eco-conscious alternative to flying. More travelers want to avoid airport stress and embrace slower, more scenic journeys that turn the mode of transportation itself into part of the experience.

Over 60% of respondents are considering summer trips within Germany or around Europe - ideal distances for rail travel. From sleek ICE routes to picturesque Alpine lines, trains offer a more relaxed, environmentally friendly, and jet-lag-free way to explore. As sustainability becomes a priority, rail journeys are emerging as the go-to choice for guilt-free travel.

4) Multi-Stop Holidays: Weaving Urban and Wild Worlds
The classic one-destination holiday is losing ground. Multi-stop trips are booming, allowing travelers to blend city life with nature escapes in a seamless journey. This approach satisfies the modern desire for variety, adventure, and maximizing experiences within limited time.

City breaks - a favorite for around 33% of respondents - often serve as a starting point. Travelers might spend a cultural weekend in Berlin followed by hiking in the Harz Mountains, or pair Amsterdam’s canals with the Netherlands’ tulip fields. With airlines and rail operators offering more flexible fares, multi-stop holidays are becoming easier and more affordable than ever.

3) Indie Travel: Crafting Your Own Adventure
Indie travel puts the traveler firmly in control, replacing rigid itineraries with freedom, creativity, and spontaneity. The data shows that 45% of German travelers get their inspiration from blogs and websites rather than traditional brochures - a clear sign of shifting habits.

Expect more self-designed road trips, spontaneous detours, independent stays, and travel plans shaped by online communities. Renting a camper van, staying with locals, or discovering last-minute events via apps all represent this new wave of independent travel. Flexibility and authenticity are becoming the most prized elements of the journey.

2) Taste Tourism: Savoring the Soul of a Place
In 2026, food is not just part of the trip - it leads the journey. Taste tourism is booming as travelers seek deeper cultural immersion through cuisine. According to the survey, 45.7% of German travelers dedicate a significant budget to dining, while 54.4% actively seek local specialties.

From truffle hunting in Tuscany to wandering spice markets in Marrakech, food experiences tell the story of a destination. Personalised food tours, cooking classes with local chefs, and rural farm-to-table experiences are becoming central parts of travel planning. Each dish becomes a memory and a cultural window.

1) Back to Nature: Reconnecting with the Wild
The top trend among German travelers for 2026 is a powerful return to nature. In a world filled with digital noise and fast-paced routines, travelers are seeking peace, clarity, and wellbeing in natural environments. A notable 34.9% of those surveyed say landscapes are a primary factor when choosing a destination.

From misty mountain hikes to quiet lakeside retreats, nature offers the ultimate escape. Eco-friendly accommodations, luxurious glamping, and wellness activities like forest bathing are on the rise across Europe. Beloved regions such as the Black Forest or Bavarian Alps are expected to see even more visitors looking for restorative outdoor experiences.