Elephant herd in Amboseli National Park, Kenya - Photo credit: James Eades @jmeeades
Travelers no longer just chase beautiful places, comfort, or escape. In 2026, many seek something deeper; a story worth bringing home.
A passenger is looking at the departures board at an airport - Photo credit: Unsplash+ License.
At airports, nearly everyone is under pressure. Passengers try to make connections and get through TSA checks while worrying about delays, new baggage fees, or whether their carry-on will survive the boarding process.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel, and people are looking for some downtime. Relaxation is now the top reason Americans travel, and about 82% say they are looking to balance activity with downtime while away.
Delaware did it first. Three weeks before the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, the First State formally cut ties with Great Britain. On June 15, 1776, Delaware is widely credited as the first colony to declare separation, and that moment still echoes 250 years later across cobblestone towns, riverside festivals and at least one hotel suite priced to make the point.
Sustainable travel is shaping how people plan their trips. About 83% of global travelers say it matters, and roughly 75% plan to travel in a greener way in the next year. About 81% are willing to adjust their behavior to reduce their environmental impact.