National News
2026 on a postcard: Brightsun Travel reports
According to a new travel trends report, UK holidaymakers look back at the 1980s as a time of less stressful holidays, and are increasingly craving the authentic, less pressurised experiences that defined travel during the decade.
The 2026 Travel Trends report from award-winning provider Brightsun Travel found almost a quarter of respondents (24 per cent) said what they miss most about 1980s holidays were fewer crowds and calmer destinations.
Founded in 1986, Brightsun Travel’s findings come as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, prompting the industry to reflect on how British travel has changed over the past four decades and what elements travellers are now eager to embrace.
Managing director of Brightsun Travel, Deepak Nangla, said: “At a time when viral holiday trends and constant access to inspiration are at the forefront of travellers’ minds, it’s refreshing for those of us working in the travel industry to see a strong appetite for more authentic holiday experiences.
“Many travellers want holidays that feel more carefree, explaining the growing shift back to booking package holidays. Demand is strong for both ever-popular sunny European destinations and long-haul exotic escapes, with pre-planned holidays removing the stress out of travel and bringing the magic back to going away.”
To summarise the report findings, here are the seven top travel trends travel professionals should expect in 2026, which show some interesting alignments with trends that defined the 1980s.
1. Spain is still a top repeat destination, a continued trend with 34 per cent of travellers visiting at least twice during the 1980s.
This craving for the 80s holiday favourite shows no signs of slowing, with Spain being the top destination UK holidaymakers have visited more than three times in the past ten years.
Deepak added: “Spain and Spanish territories are timeless destinations for the British holidaymaker. Although long-haul travel has increased exponentially since the 80s, sunny Spain is still a fan favourite because of the weather, fantastic cuisine and hospitality style, which is a great match with British clientele.”
2. Travellers want more tactile and less screen-heavy travel experiences.
Almost a fifth (18 per cent) of respondents who were alive in the 1980s thought that travel was less stressful then, while 24 per cent believed there were fewer crowds.
Despite digital trends increasingly influencing traveller decisions, the research indicates a strong sense of nostalgia for simpler, less commercialised getaways, with 16 per cent missing the old-school travel charm of postcards, holiday brochures, and maps that defined the 1980s.
In addition, 19 per cent mentioned they missed having more time together as a family during this period. Meaningful, distraction-free experiences should therefore be baked into the package holiday experience.
3. People are willing to spend more, but smarter - sacrificing luggage for high-quality experiences.
17 per cent of holidaymakers now pack less than they used to, and are instead willing to invest more into higher-quality experiences. The report revealed 24 per cent spend more now than they did on their first trip abroad.
4. Greece tops the hot list for 2026, but there’s a growing desire for culturally rich long-haul destinations
11 per cent of people would fly long-haul more often, with Japan or Thailand being listed as popular choices. This reflects a growing desire for culturally rich long-haul destinations.
However, 46 per cent of those asked placed Greece at the top of their wishlist for travel in 2026, citing it as the best choice for relaxation, simplicity, and value - a clear indication these are the top factors when holiday planning.
5. All-inclusive holidays are the preferred choice for convenience and value
44 per cent of travellers have been on an all-inclusive holiday in the past year, but purpose-driven travel is accelerating, with 35 per cent of holidaymakers saying they have taken part in either an adventure, wellness, or eco-travel in the past year. Although simplicity leads the charge, these types of diverse holidays are gaining momentum and should not be ignored.
6. Between one and six months is the preferred planning window for booking a trip
In terms of searching for a good deal, nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of Brits will book their holiday one to six months ahead of time, with a slight weighting to between four and six months. Last-minute booking remains a minority choice, with only 3 per cent opting to book less than a month before.
7. Missing essential travel checks are the top causes of disrupted travel in the last year
Nearly a quarter of all respondents (23%) reported that missing an essential travel check, such as failing to meet visa requirements, confirming flight times and connections, or overlooking passport expiry dates, disrupted their trip last year.
It indicates a clear gap that travel expert advisors can fill to help travellers avoid these common mistakes and go abroad with peace of mind.
The 2026 Travel Trends report from Brightsun Travel is based on insights provided by 2,750 UK adult travellers. To read the full report, visit: https://www.brightsun.co.uk/e-brochure/travel-trend-flip-book/#p=1
To find out more about Brightsun’s exclusive 40 holiday package deals to celebrate its 40th anniversary, visit: https://www.brightsun.co.uk/40?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=jan-mar-40-anniversary
