From immersive art workshops to neighbourhood-hopping adventures, travellers are seeking trips that feed the imagination as much as the senses.
Looking for a holiday that actually inspires you? Forget cookie-cutter resorts and crowded sightseeing tours—2026 is shaping up to be the year of the creative break, according to the latest HBX Group Travel Trends Report. Think immersive workshops, artist residencies, and stays that make you part of the story, not just a spectator.
The big idea? Maximalism. Travellers are no longer satisfied with ticking boxes—they want holidays that pack a punch. From multi-centre city-and-nature combos to pop culture quests, 2026 trips are all about seizing the moment, indulging your passions, and curating experiences that leave a real mark.
Live like a local, really
Forget “do as the locals do” slogans. Today’s creative breaks are about actually stepping into a destination’s heartbeat. Take a weekend in Florence learning to paint Renaissance-inspired frescoes, or a stay in Lisbon where you cook alongside a local chef, mastering traditional Portuguese dishes. Workshops, artisan studios, and guided tours with locals are all the rage—and they’re exactly what HBX calls “co-creative experiences,” letting you make something of your own rather than just looking at someone else’s.
Hotels are part of the art
Accommodation isn’t just somewhere to sleep anymore. Creative travellers are choosing hotels that double as mini galleries or design showcases, with chef-led tasting menus, street art, or bespoke workshops on-site. Your room, rooftop, or lounge can be just as inspiring as the city you’re visiting.
Mix it up, make it modular
Hybrid itineraries are the new black. A few days in a bustling city might be followed by a serene stay in a coastal retreat. One day you’re wandering a museum, the next you’re on a food tour or attending an artist-led masterclass. It’s about curating your own story, choosing experiences that feel meaningful and memorable, whether that’s sketching in the Scottish Highlands or creating ceramics in Berlin.
Technology is your creative sidekick
Social media isn’t just for showing off your trip—it’s shaping them. Nearly half of travellers in 2026 will pick destinations influenced by Instagram, TikTok, or AI-powered recommendations. AI tools are also helping with planning and personalisation, leaving you free to enjoy the journey without getting bogged down in logistics.
Trends that stick
While creative breaks take centre stage, the HBX report also highlights ongoing priorities for 2026:
- Sustainability: Travellers expect real eco-action, from reusable packaging to low-impact transport.
- Nature escapes: Cooler, quieter destinations are growing in popularity for city dwellers looking to recharge.
- Well-being and transformational travel: Holidays double as retreats, whether for meditation, active adventures, or personal growth.
- Family-style creativity: Multigenerational trips now include art, craft, and culture experiences for all ages.
- Entertainment-led travel: From gaming and eSports getaways to music festivals and set-jetting, holidays are increasingly built around experiences that feed your passions.
