Discover the Top 10 Travel Trends Today: Insights from IMG's Travel Outlook Survey

IMG’s 6^th annual Travel Outlook Survey gathered more than 1,000 responses from customers to learn how today’s travelers are planning, spending and protecting their trips.

The results showed that International travel remains strong, with 93% of surveyed travelers planning at least one international trip in 2026 and more than one-third expecting to travel at least three times internationally.

Domestic travel demand continues to grow. More than half of respondents are planning at least three U.S. trips in 2026, signaling increased year‑round travel.

Travel insurance continues to be closely tied to international trips, as 91% of respondents purchased coverage for at least one international trip last year.

Domestic trips are often less protected. Only 22% of respondents purchased travel insurance for a U.S. trip last year, suggesting many travelers may be overlooking coverage closer to home.

Health‑related concerns top the list for today’s travelers. Getting sick or injured at their destination is cited as the number one reason for purchasing travel insurance.

Travel spending remains resilient, as 87% of travelers say they plan to spend the same amount or more on travel in 2026 compared to last year.

The most popular trip type for 2026 is urban tourism, followed closely by nature‑based travel, visiting family abroad, and cruising, which saw an 11% year‑over‑year increase in demand.

AI is becoming a travel planning companion. One third of travelers expect to use tools like ChatGPT for inspiration, recommendations, and itinerary building.

While travelers embrace AI for ideas and activities, most still prefer human guidance when it comes to travel insurance and booking decisions.

European destinations top travelers’ wish lists for 2026, with Italy ranking as the most popular destination for the first time, followed by Canada, Mexico, France and Spain.