Travel Demand Is UP for 2026, and We Know Why

It looks like everyone wants to travel in 2026 — yes, that includes us!

Flying to our next adventure!

We’re sure lots of you have trips planned for Disney World this year, but beyond that, the demand to travel in 2026 is UP. Let’s take a look at what we can expect in this new year.

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According to Yahoo Finance, an estimated 5.2 billion people are expected to travel by air in the coming year. That’s up 4.4% from this year’s record-breaking passenger counts. Sarah Kennedy, Kayak travel trends expert, told Yahoo Finance, “Travel searches are rising, fares are falling, and more people are looking beyond the US for places to go.”

Traveling Season

So the question is, why is travel demand so high this year? Well, despite what you might think, travel is at a good price right now. “International airfares are down about 10% or more for summer travel, domestic is down 3%, and summer ‘26 long-haul fares to Europe and Asia are trending especially low, making 2026 prime for global trips,” Kennedy said. On top of all that, summer fares to Europe are down 14% from last summer.

Do you travel often?

People want to travel abroad and explore more of the world, and the price is allowing that to be easier than it has been in the past. 7 out of 10 of Kayak’s fastest-growing destinations are located in Eastern Europe — including Prague, Sofia, Krakow, Budapest, and Sarajevo. These destinations are also seeing some of the biggest drops in airfare — 36% over 2025.

American Airlines

Looks like it’s time for us to plan our big 2026 vacation — we don’t want to get left behind on the fun travel plans. We’ll be keeping an eye out for any travel news, flight discounts, and all that good stuff that can make travel cheaper and smoother. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss out on anything!

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Do you have any travel plans for 2026? Let us know in the comments!