By James Mathew
Ubatuba, Folegandros, Oulu, Surat Thani. Do these names spark your wanderlust? They should. These hidden gems have become the ultimate escapes for the eternally young in 2026.
Fortaleza (Brazil), Lefkada (Greece) and Peniche (Portugal) are the other hitherto unfamiliar locations gaining traction with the young and the young-at-heart this year as they increasingly seek hidden coastal escapes and culture-packed secondary cities over traditional tourist hotspots, sector experts and market players revealed.
Places like Ubatuba, Brazil, enchants eternally young travellers in 2026 Photo courtesy: Natalia Segato/Unsplash
Gen Z and active travellers are flocking to the Brazilian city of Ubatuba for Atlantic Forest cliff hikes and pristine surf shores, while Fortaleza, another Brazilian city, draws young crowds with high-energy coastal nightlife and vibrant arts, according to Airbnb’s travel insights based on its internal data.
The Greek Island of Folegandros is increasingly preferred by younger travellers for its rugged cliffside trails and a laid-back bohemian vibe, while the sister Greek island of Lefkada is sought after for turquoise lagoons and buzzing local beaches.
Peniche in Portugal and Surat Thani in Thailand are the other travel spots leading the fast-gaining “playcation” trend, where young travellers combine intense physical hobbies, while and Seoul, South Korea is gaining traction as a powerhouse for youth culture.
Surfing in Portugal’s Peniche Photo courtesy: Axel Antas-Bergkvist/Unsplash
Surfing in Peniche or water sports and island exploring in Surat Thani are increasingly becoming a ‘must’ in the holiday itineraries of the young and young-at-hearts travellers, while the South Korean capital city attracts trend-conscious visitors looking to blend K-culture exploration, market players said.
Best of all? These spots double as wellness sanctuaries – the ultimate must-have for today’s travellers, they added.
Play, pause, rewind: New rules of modern travel
This year’s summer travel is shaped by three things – ‘playcations’, nostalgia, and the allure of what’s close to home, according to Airbnb insights.
Gen Z is reimagining the iconic destinations of yester years Photo courtesy: Yulia/Unsplash
“We’ve seen a notable increase in domestic travel this summer in the US – travellers are exploring nearby destinations to enjoy their favourite active hobbies, while hidden gems are offering budget-savvy explorers experiences at a fraction of the cost,” the Airbnb report said.
“Globally, Gen Z is reimagining the iconic destinations of 2016 through a fresh lens,” it added.
From Thailand to Spain, these trending destinations are seeing an over 20 percent growth by Gen Z travellers and are inspiring a new generation of travel, it said.
Market players said Brazil, which has a diverse coastline offering something for every Gen Z adventurer, and Spain, having many unique spots offering a relaxed coastal lifestyle with calm beaches, stunning Cantabrian scenery, and fresh seafood, are among the major beneficiaries of the swiftly changing destination preferences of younger travellers.
Smoky mountains in Tennessee another 2026 travel hit spot Photo courtesy: Ivana Cajina/Unsplash
The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, United States, is reportedly another top trending destinations globally in 2026, especially with Gen Z travellers.
According to sector experts, holiday travel trends in 2026 are seeing a drastic change from the past, especially regarding youth-oriented destinations which are seen following patterns rather than hype cycles. This, they said, has more to do with influence on behaviour – young travellers share expectations across regions in the current social-media charged world – than age.
Industry executives said what separates relevant cities is not branding, but a specific combination of qualities that consistently sustain crowds such as digital-native infrastructure, social density, besides cost-experience balance.
While the social density factor – high concentration of people, venues, and events – helps to sustain constant interaction and movement, a favourable corelation between pricing and perceived value lead to frequent traveller participation without financial pressure.
The digital infrastructure for payments, navigation, and connectivity is also a high priority for younger travellers as they work seamlessly during short and spontaneous stays, industry executives said, adding that when these elements align, destinations maintain momentum beyond viral attention.
Short, frequent trips are the new travel norms
Another trend gaining traction in 2026 is the jump in the frequency of holiday travels. Latest market studies reveal that young adults and the young-at-heart are taking travel breaks more often than before, averaging three or more trips a year.
Short holiday breaks are the new norm Photo courtesy: Chan Lee/Unsplash
Most young travellers are seen skipping one long annual vacation in favour of three or more short getaways or weekend breaks.
According to data from the American Express global travel trends report, roughly 74 percent of millennials and Gen Z view travel as a non-negotiable expense. Younger generations prefer spending money on memories, local food, and cultural immersion rather than physical goods. Besides, they also act budget smart, using apps, points, and off-peak times to stretch their money, prioritizing frequency over luxury, the report said.
Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, said their 2026 Global Travel Trends Report showed that travellers are being incredibly intentional about how they spend their vacation time this year.
Industry players said platforms like social media continuously spark a desire to explore new and lesser-known destinations, while remote work and flexible job options make it easier to pack bags for a quick change of scenery.
Gen Z and millennials are also reshaping travel, blending work with wellness and leisure. While millennials often extend trips for indulgence and relaxation, Gen Z employees emphasize self-care, seeking travel perks like yoga or exercise classes. Together, these generations are prioritizing well-being, they said.
Expanding wellness travel trend pushes new destinations
Market studies revealed that the new travel locations gaining traction with younger and young-at-heart segment are heavily preferred because of the expanding wellness travel trend.
Younger travellers now seek quiet, deep nature connection
Younger travellers are moving away from crowded tourist hubs, favouring rural escapes, dark-sky regions for stargazing, and wild outdoor sanctuaries that offer quiet and deep nature connection, according to State of Retreats 2026 Report by BookRetreats.com.
Trips are increasingly built around physical goals, transforming traditional leisure into active fitness journeys, the report said.
Insights from a recent McKinsey survey also showed that younger demographics prioritize mental, physical, and emotional well-being on vacation, seeking out locations that offer science-backed longevity programs, digital detoxes, and cognitive health retreats.
The survey findings also showed that more and more travel players are now tailoring their services to older consumers, too, such as by offering off-season wellness retreat packages targeted to retirees.
“This suggests that many of the wellness preferences of younger consumers today could become mainstream across all age groups,” the McKinsey report said.
Industry players said the latest travel trend and destinations also reveal another fact – travel is no longer just a vacation. It is identity, freedom, emotional escape, content, self-discovery, and sometimes even therapy all at once.
