Expedia Group has just released its annual global report, which highlights the top destinations and trends set to dominate itineraries in the next 12 months — and one has excited us more than most.
The Unpack ’26 Trends in Travel report contains a whole host of predictions for the types of holidays that will take off next year. The list included salvaged stays — such as luxury hotels that were once prison buildings or budget-friendly rooms formed from the bones of court houses from times gone by.
Another exciting trend revealed in the report was the rising interest in sports travel, with 47% of respondents saying that they’d like to attend a sporting event while travelling. This rises to 68% among Gen Z and millennials.
Pursuing sporting experiences puts us in a front-row seat to the heart of a community. Whether it’s sitting ringside at a Muay Thai match in Thailand or witnessing professional curlers take on the ice in Canada, attending these events helps to create an immersive holiday that blends cultural tourism with the thrill of local sports.
But across the eclectic list, our favourite travel trend for 2026 is slightly less thrilling and a lot more soothing. Introducing: Readaways.
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Book club and reading retreats are set to dominate 2026
According to Vrbo — an online marketplace for holiday rentals — 91% of travellers are seeking getaways focused on reading, relaxation and quality time spent with loved ones.
This might not come as a surprise to #BookTokers, as TikTok has been flooded with videos of solo travellers sitting on a beautiful beach somewhere dreamy, a book in one hand and a drink in the other.
But the trend has gained real momentum over the past few months, with searches for ‘book club retreat ideas’ on Pinterest up by 265%, while Vrbo’s reading-related terms in guest reviews have nearly tripled.
“After all the years of constantly being online, there’s a growing hunger for experiences where one can sit quietly, be still, and focus intently on one thing,” explains travel expert and founder of BoatBooker Vukan Simic. “Book retreats or reading holidays fulfil that need well because you end up doing nothing but reading.”
And the trend goes further. According to Skyscanner, hotel bookings using the ‘library’ filter are up by 70% year-on-year globally, suggesting that people are seeking to visit the world’s most beautiful bookshops and libraries while on holiday.
“Books open the world up to us, bringing us closer to new places, cultures and perspectives,” says chief brand officer at Penguin Books UK, Rebecca Sinclair.
“With 85% of book buyers reading to relax or escape, it’s no surprise that reading is a source of wanderlust, with books remaining an important travel companion for many. Reading and travel are intrinsically linked — books inspire real world journeys, which in turn create the space for people to lose themselves in books.”
If you’re looking for a reading retreat to book for your next escape, here’s our top pick of book club getaways.
Best reading retreats for 2025 and 2026
This cottage in Gnarrenburg, Germany
Ideal for a cosy winter getaway, this family-friendly cottage in Germany features a thatched roof, a sauna and a fireplace as well as balconied rooms and a whirlpool bath. Whether travelling as a group (there are four bedrooms) or on your own, the cottage is perfect for a reading retreat, and you can spend hours roaming through the rural landscape of Gnarrenburg exploring the local landmarks of Haus im Schluh and Bederkesa Castle (when you’re not reading).
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This farmhouse in Worcester, UK
If you’re looking for some rustic farmhouse vibes, this dog-friendly farmhouse in Worcester is as wholesome as it gets. Decked out with six beautiful bedrooms, as well as a hot tub, games room, pool table and, of course, a selection of books, this stay is a great choice for families looking for some downtime or a book club looking for a farm-themed destination.
When your head is out of your book, you can spend time in the surrounding countryside and enjoy cycling, hiking, wildlife walks and even horse-riding.
The Book House No 43 in Ohio, US
If you’re willing to travel further afield for your book retreat, The Book House in Colombus, Ohio is a standout pick — and the key is in the name. The pièce de résistance here is the library, which sees a wall covered in a beautiful display of books, while the room itself features comfy armchairs to lounge the day away in while reading. It also provides the perfect opportunity to explore Columbus, from Huntington Park to the Ohio Theatre.
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The Literary House in Sorrento, Italy
Located in the historic centre of Sorrento, The Literary House is ideal for those looking to follow the footsteps of famous poets and authors — from the likes of John Keats to Mary Shelley. The furnishings are luxurious and feature a tailor-made wooden bookcase, making it the perfect backdrop to mornings spent sipping on Italian coffee and delving into a deliciously good book.
Feature image: Expedia Group
