Travel trends have been constantly evolving in recent years. While social media influences many experiences, it does not always reflect reality. A Bloomberg travel journalist offers some tips and new experience trends for travelers' 2026 holidays.

Opt for local experiences

Tourists wander in Kyoto. *Photo: AFP*

Traditional tours are losing their appeal as queuing at museums, parks, or temples can be exhausting for travelers. Instead, meeting locals and experiencing their culture and cuisine helps visitors discover new destinations, gain a deeper understanding of local life, and naturally capture authentic moments.

In Lisbon, Portugal, travelers do not need to prioritize fixed viewpoints, as they might encounter a beautiful sunset on their way to a restaurant. In Milan, Italy, instead of focusing solely on the Duomo cathedral, exploring nearby neighborhoods offers new experiences while still allowing views of the landmark. In Kyoto, Japan, visitors risk missing the true essence of temples if they only jostle through crowds, rather than visiting nearby souvenir shops or noodle stalls.

Embrace 'third-culture cuisine'

Instead of being confined to traditional culinary expectations, such as eating spaghetti in Italy or ramen in Japan, travelers can broaden their experiences with 'third-culture cuisine'. Many pasta restaurants in Las Vegas, United States, or pizza places in Tokyo are highly rated for their quality. In Milan, Italy, enjoying dumplings from the large Chinese community is a worthwhile option.

Similarly, Indian cuisine in Dubai is a part of the local identity, as people of Indian origin make up more than half of the emirate's population. Travelers can visit curry houses in the Karama district or enjoy pani puri and scallops at specialized restaurants to experience the diversity of Indian dishes.

Skip Michelin restaurants

Choosing a Michelin restaurant is not 'everything'. *Photo: NYT*

The Michelin Guide has progressively become a global standard shaping the culinary world. The pursuit of stars often leads chefs to create restaurants lacking unique identity, making them easily forgettable. Many diners now view this list as merely a compilation tool and are instead turning to the Opinionated About Dining (OAD) rankings.

This platform compiles thousands of reviews from food enthusiasts, covering various regions and price points. OAD strikes a balance between user reviews on apps such as Yelp or Google Review and in-depth expert assessments. This provides diners with diverse information, helping them avoid "pay-to-play" models common on many platforms.

Choose restaurants based on 'vibe'

The trend of choosing restaurants based on atmosphere and ambiance, or 'vibe', is now as crucial as food quality. These establishments function as free community clubs, helping diners connect with local residents.

Therefore, seeking recommendations should be based on the specific needs and intentions of each source. When asking about a restaurant to visit, ensure you understand why it is being recommended. If you inquire about the best pizza in Milan, chefs might mention Confine's soft, airy crust and premium ingredients, whereas the elite might choose La Specialita.

Currently, many hotels are also actively leveraging the "vibe economy", using their services to create spaces that attract both tourists and locals.

Find padel clubs to discover 'cool' neighborhoods

Padel court in the UAE. *Photo: Matcha Club*

Compared to pickleball, padel has international appeal and is seen as a hallmark of interesting neighborhoods in major cities. Padel courts are often located in vibrant areas with numerous cafes, bars, and cultural gathering spots.

In Dubai, UAE, Matcha Club combines sports and healthy cuisine, situated in Al Quoz – one of the city's most stylish areas, home to the Alserkal Avenue arts district.

In Lisbon, Portugal, the Nave club is located in Marvila, an area known for its craft breweries and art galleries. Seeking out these spaces helps travelers access the depth of local life rather than just focusing on typical tourist attractions.

Be cautious with travel agencies

While travel agencies are expected to save travelers research time, the current boom in agencies makes choosing a suitable one difficult. Travelers should directly participate in the planning process rather than relying entirely on brokers. Agencies often prioritize service commensurate with the budget, reflecting the nature of a volume-based business model.

Travelers also need to be cautious about experience content on social media platforms like TikTok, RedNotes, or Instagram Reels. A Bloomberg reporter noted that after one month of researching thousands of posts about Tokyo, many posts titled "I just spent two weeks in Japan, here are expert tips" often provide misleading information about the country.

Tam Anh (according to SCMP)