New report reveals natural wonders will influence young travellers in 2026

A new trend in travel is emerging. For young travellers, travel planning appears to increasingly centre on building trips around a single extraordinary moment: a solar eclipse, a sunrise summit, bioluminescent seas, or a rare wildlife encounter. The trend is being dubbed the rise of the “awe-tinerary”: travel itineraries designed around awe-inspiring natural experiences, not just conventional attractions.

New research from travel comparison site KAYAK among young UK travellers shows that ‘awe’ is becoming a central motivator for travel decisions. In particular,  Gen Z and Millennials are planning their trips around rare, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are visually impressive. Think: sunrise hikes, night-time wildlife encounters, seasonal natural phenomena and celestial events like supermoons – these moments demand patience, staying present, and a willingness to change your schedule: waking up early, staying up late, and travelling out of season to experience the unforgettable.

Findings in the 2026 KAYAK ‘What The Future’ travel trend report found that 55% of young UK travellers say natural wonders will guide their travel plans in 2026*, and 34% of the same group say awe-inspiring experiences will guide their 2026 plans. This is also echoed through social media as #glamping posts on TikTok jumped by 20% globally- a sign that outdoors and wonder are officially trending again. Among Gen Z, nature trips now rank in the top five holiday types taken.

Aston spoke to Phoebe Smith, author, broadcaster, journalist and fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and KAYAK UK’s travel expert Rachel Mumford.

Photo by Sai Kiran Anagani on Unsplash