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We're breaking down the national resort travel trends shaping 2026. From winter ski areas and the Florida coast to the heart of the Midwest, here are the travel trends you can expect to see this coming year.
Winter & Wellness Trends
The New Ski Vacation
With 61.5 million skiers hitting the slopes during the 2024-2025 winter season, and 84% of winter sport enthusiasts planning a ski vacation at a resort this coming season, ski resorts like Big Sky and Jackson Hole will continue to be go-to destinations for travelers in 2026.
And while skiing is the main attraction, resorts that offer more experiences, including luxury amenities, wellness services, and fun nightlife, will jump to the top of travelers' must-visit lists as experience-based and wellness-focused travel remains a hot trend.
For instance, Four Seasons mountain resorts are seeing record winter wellness bookings that combine luxury stays with spa treatments. Other resorts like Steamboat Resort in Colorado draws in guests with the opportunity to take a relaxing dip in Strawberry Park Hot Springs; nothing like loosening up your muscles in a natural mineral-rich hot spring after a long day of skiing.
Winter wellness travel isn't slowing down. According to Grand View Research, thermal springs tourism was valued at $57 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to hit $130 billion by 2030.
Small-Town Charm
Another winter resort trend for 2026 sees quieter mountain resorts stepping into the spotlight.
Under-the-radar spots such as Brighton Ski Resort outside Salt Lake City, Seven Springs resort near Champion, Pennsylvania, and the ski resorts in McCall, Idaho, are becoming popular with travelers seeking less crowded locations and cozy winter and holiday experiences.
McCall, for example, offers a fun, family-friendly annual Winter Carnival, while the cozy town of Champion makes for the perfect secluded, romantic getaway for couples.
More Bang for Your Buck
2026 also marks the year that winter sports enthusiasts are becoming more intentional about where they spend their travel dollars, prioritizing value and experience. And Midwest skiing delivers on all fronts.
Granite Peak in Wisconsin and Snowriver Mountain Resort in Michigan offer some of the longest slopes, fastest lifts, and fewer crowds, allowing skiers and snowboarders to pack more runs in a day and get the most out of their winter vacation. Snowriver truly invested in its guest experience with $15 million in renovations to its chalets and lodge over the past three years, including their new high-speed lift, Voyageur — the only high-speed chair lift in the Upper Peninsula that now gets you to the top of the mountain in just three minutes.
Snowriver also offers a beginner lift, making this ski resort family-friendly for those who are newbies to the sport and still want to join in on the fun.
Lutsen Mountains is another great example with their high-speed Raptor lift, getting skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain quickly so they can enjoy more time on the slopes instead of waiting in line for lifts. Guests won't miss out on the apres ski experience either.
Lutsen, for instance, invested in their new Lofty Gondola where you can relax after a long day on the slopes, plus they bring in local musicians to create a vibrant music scene for guests — another perk for travelers to immerse themselves in the culture and support local.
Sustainable Stays
Eco-Friendly Resorts
With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and countless attractions, from major theme parks like Disney World to fine dining and great nightlife, Florida continues to top the list as a favorite getaway. Orlando, Miami, and the Keys dominate the travel sector, setting a new all-time annual record in 2024 with 143 million visitors to the Sunshine State.
The Keys, in particular, is making headlines with record bookings and an astounding 98% occupancy rate. One reason? The latest resort travel trend: eco-friendly tourism.
We're seeing resorts increasingly combine luxury accommodations with sustainability, offering travelers a one-of-a-kind, eco-conscious experience. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa exemplifies this trend as a five-star getaway powered by solar energy and featuring local, eco-friendly fine dining. Isla Bella Beach Resort invites guests to participate in reef restoration projects, while Oceans Edge Key West offers immersive mangrove kayak eco-tours, giving visitors a hands-on, educational look at these vital ecosystems.
Wellness Retreats
Heading into 2026, you'll find more and more wellness-focused resorts in Florida, offering up luxury amenities, including private beaches, spa treatments, saltwater and plunge pools, gourmet, organic, and locally-sourced dining, and holistic health services like yoga and meditation retreats.
Amrit Ocean Resort in Riviera Beach, Florida, is a perfect example, taking wellness travel to another level by offering guests regenerative therapies and integrative healing practices alongside first-class spa treatments.
Rediscovering the Midwest
Midwest Resorts Are On The Map
Travelers are turning their attention to Midwest resorts.
With local charm, fun festivals, and plenty of quiet, scenic getaways, 63% of travelers are saying they're now more interested in visiting the Midwest, according to Priceline's 2026 "Where to Next?" Travel Trends Report.
Dubbed Midwest Quests, travelers are heading to states like Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Nebraska, visiting quirky roadside attractions, delightful small towns, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Midwest's countless state parks. This trend means we'll see Midwest resorts helping guests fully immerse themselves in the local culture and uncover the area's hidden gems - think craft‑brewery collaborations, guided hikes, and scenic lake tours.
Nostalgic Experiences
In 2026, Midwest resorts can expect a wave of repeat visitors. Nostalgia is shaping up to be a major travel trend, with travelers eager to reconnect with the destinations of their childhood. Local, family-run lodges and resorts are likely to welcome guests returning with their own families, ready to share cherished experiences and create new memories together.
This also means Midwest resorts will be catering more to families and young kids, offering all-inclusive resort packages, flexible accommodations, and family-friendly amenities and activities.
2026 Travel
As we head into 2026, resorts across the country are elevating travel experiences like never before. Whether travelers are chasing the thrill of the slopes, unwinding at a sun-soaked wellness retreat, or revisiting a beloved childhood getaway in the Midwest, this year's trends are all about connection, health, and creating lasting memories.
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