The travel sector in 2026 will continue to evolve under the influence of changing behaviours, digital innovation and regulatory pressures. Work-life blending and bleisure travel are expected to remain strong, reflecting a continued desire to merge business responsibilities with personal enrichment. Slow travel, wellness retreats and ‘calmcations’ demonstrate a growing focus on restorative and immersive experiences, as travellers seek more meaningful engagement with destinations.

Safety considerations for 2026 are shaped by a complex interplay of crime, geopolitical tensions, climate hazards and technological threats. Certain regions present higher risks for solo travellers, particularly where violent crime, gender inequality or harassment is prevalent, including India, Mexico, Egypt, Morocco, Brazil, Colombia and South Africa.

Health risks remain a central factor in travel planning. Respiratory illnesses are anticipated to pose significant challenges in 2026, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning of a potentially severe season.

The world of travel in 2025 is defined by a balance between barriers and liberalisation, shaped by a combination of geopolitical tensions, climate change and digital transformation.

If 2024 is anything to go by — a year that included an mpox outbreak with a more contagious strain, a deadly outbreak of Marburg in Rwanda that thankfully appears to have been contained and record new measles cases as vaccination rates fall across the world — we are in for a challenging year for global health.

Looking to 2025, the global security environment looks riskier than ever. With a new United States (US) administration, there is uncertainty about what will happen to ongoing conflicts.