News Beat
The Whimsical Holiday Trend Is Set To Be Huge In 2026
This week, Pinterest released their predictions for trends in 2026 and when it comes to travel, the future is looking pretty dreamy.
Apparently, there is a huge surge in Millennials and Boomers searching for earthy escapes with terms like “Scotland Highlands aesthetic”, “Faroe Islands aesthetic” and “ethereal places” this year.
In their travel prediction, Pinterest said: “Fairytale meets fever dream in 2026’s biggest travel trend.
“Millennials and Boomers will seek out whimsical and mystical destinations: distant ruins swallowed by mist, naturally-occurring spirals and moody, enchanting forests. You may find you come back with more questions than answers.”
Are we maybe all feeling a little too excited for the upcoming Wuthering Heights film?
Travel expert explains whimsical holiday trend
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, says: “This trend absolutely resonates with what we see across many of our locations. Slow tourism is something that naturally works for Hostelling Scotland, particularly as so many of our hostels sit within national parks, nature reserves and areas of unspoiled beauty.
“People are increasingly choosing places that feel removed from everyday life, even if it’s difficult to put exact numbers on that demand.”
Slow travel sounds absolutely lovely, as Condé Nast Traveler explains: “Slow travel means tamping down our own built-in, conditioned obsessions with time and allowing the world to move just a little slower so that we can actually notice it.”
Paterson adds: “We’re also seeing growing interest in digital detox and positive mental wellbeing, reflected clearly in guest reviews and booking motivations.
“Locations such as Loch Ossian and Achmelvich Beach consistently attract people who are actively looking to switch off, escape the noise of daily life and spend time immersed in nature.”
At a time when leading mental health charity Mind is reporting that mental wellbeing has been gradually declining since 2016-17, it’s somewhat reassuring to know that people are finding ways to look after their bodies and minds, even on holiday.
