Blue health escapes, shorter holidays, last minute bookings and multi-generational travel are the top travel trends for 2026, according to Sunsail.
It comes as recent research from Skyscanner finds that 84 per cent of travellers plan to travel the same, or more, in 2026, with an emphasis on purposeful trips that reflect personal passions, self-expression and immersive experiences.
With a 300 per cent surge in online searches for ‘skippered sailing holidays in the Caribbean’ over the last three months and year-on-year, as well as a 200 per cent increase for ‘boat holidays in the Mediterranean’ over the same period, Sunsail has named the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Croatia and Lefkas in Greece as the top sailing destinations for blue health escapes.
Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisitions at Sunsail, said: “People are increasingly seeking holidays that offer meaningful, unforgettable experiences and a chance to reconnect with loved ones. Whether you are looking to island hop between hidden gems in the Med or seeking cultural experiences in the BVI, sailing holidays tick all these boxes. The rise of blue health escapes in particular highlights a growing desire to visit more secluded destinations to reconnect with nature. And being out on the water is proven to improve wellbeing and restore a sense of calm.
“We will also see more people adapt how they travel, taking shorter breaks and embracing last minute adventures, as priorities shift and young travellers favour spontaneity.”
Blue health escapes will be one of the biggest tourism trends
According to Booking.com, Silence will be golden in 2026, as travellers look to swap the noise of daily life and distractions of an overstimulating world for the soothing stillness of nature to restore their sense of calm. As online searches for ‘quiet holidays in the sun’ soar by 100 per cent and wellness tourism is already estimated to be valued at over $1 trillion, blue health escapes, also known as blue mind breaks, are a distinct wellness travel trend that will become increasingly prevalent in the year ahead. Referring to the psychological and cognitive benefits of being by the water, including stress reduction, improved mood and enhanced focus, more people are gravitating towards experiences like sailing, which offer strong connections to the ocean with the opportunity to island hop among some of the world’s hidden gems. It comes as over-tourism spikes in popular travel destinations, and more than a third of travellers say they now actively seek out quieter destinations, with plans to visit popular places only in shoulder season.
Sunsail has revealed some of the top sailing destinations and must-visit islands for blue health escapes:
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The Baths – this unique geological formation features massive granite boulders creating hidden caves, grottos, and natural pools along the beach. The Baths are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the labyrinthine pathways that weave through the rocks.
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Josiah’s Bay – a growing hotspot for nature lovers and families. The bay has a dedicated surfing school, ideal for anyone wanting to learn a new skill on holiday.
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Smuggler’s Cove – on the western end of Tortola, holiday makers can relax and unwind on the pristine sands. It’s a secluded paradise where you can sunbathe, swim and snorkel, with one Tripadvisor review saying: “The white sand, the turquoise blue water and the beautiful palm landscape, combined with the sounds of nature, create an inviting atmosphere to relax on this beach.”
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Vis – the most remote of Croatia’s main islands, it’s the perfect place to escape and enjoy the peace and quiet. A prime spot for snorkelling, Vis is also home to Stiniva Bay – a stunning beach behind towering cliffs.
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Stomorska Town – a picturesque fishing village with a rich nautical history, the water in the bay is beautifully clear and there are several beaches for relaxing and swimming.
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Sveta Nedelja – an interesting spot where a wine maker made his wine tasting room beneath sea level, so the experience is quite unique. Stari Grad, located on the north side of Hvar, is just one of Croatia’s UNESCO Protected World Heritage Sites and is also worth visiting. On shore, enjoy scenic hikes with panoramic views of impeccably preserved landscapes and offshore, enjoy swimming or snorkelling throughout the pristine surrounding waters.
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Lefkas is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is home to some of the best beaches in the world, including Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. Offering a less crowded experience compared to Corfu, it’s an under-the-radar destination ideal for cultural immersion and water-based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling.
Shorter holidays will still be appealing
While people want purposeful, value-driven holidays, shorter trips are still in demand. According to booking data from Sunsail, there is a shift towards shorter sailing holiday durations. Seven-night bookings remain the most popular, but 6-day bookings are up 38 per cent YoY and 5-day bookings are up 24 per cent YoY – both growing faster than Sunsail’s total YoY booking growth.
This suggests travellers are increasingly choosing flexible, shorter getaways rather than committing to ten-day or two-week trips. This can be for a myriad of reasons, including financial constraints, a desire for more frequent, less stressful breaks and more time to spend at home during annual leave. For example, people are taking two weeks annual leave, spending a week at home and a week on holiday.
Last minute bookings are on the rise
Sunsail’s booking data shows strong last-minute holiday bookings for December and January, as people take advantage of more remote working post Covid and young travellers increasingly favour spontaneity as a new form of freedom. Online searches support this trend, with a 555 per cent increase in “last minute winter sun” over the last three months and a 69 per cent increase in “last minute sun holidays” over the same period.
Multi-generational travel fuelling the ‘Whycation’ travel trend
Sunsail says multi-generational travel is becoming one of the most meaningful ways families choose to explore the world.
Around 15 million Brits have already taken multi-generational holidays in the last three years, and 31 per cent now say they will travel with their family next year. This is more than just grandparents helping out parents with grandchildren when abroad; younger people are cleverly using family trips to share costs, split responsibilities and actually spend quality time together. However, these big family holidays do require careful planning. From keeping teens entertained with adventure and activities, to ensuring grandparents get their relaxation on a beach and parents a sunset cocktail and beachfront dinner, accessibility and flexibility for daily activities must be front of mind.
Sunsail’s insights reflect The Globe Trender’s ‘Whycation’ travel trend, which predicts that by 2026, holidays will be less about ticking off bucket-list destinations and more about using travel to strengthen relationships with friends, family or even oneself.
Alongside this, Family Holidays 2.0 are on the rise. With many young adults in their 20s still living with their parents or returning to the family home after university, and often unable to self-fund big trips, parents are increasingly inviting their grown-up children on their holidays.
Whether it’s a simple nuclear family escape or a full multi-generational adventure with grandparents in tow, Sunsail says sailing holidays offer the ideal balance: the freedom to explore new places together, the space to enjoy different experiences each day, and the chance to create lasting memories.
