Long weekends are getting a major makeover in 2026 as travelers ditch staying at home for short, impactful vacations. According to Trip.com Group, more people are seizing public holidays to create memorable getaways, redefining how time off is spent.
Long Weekends Drive Surge in Short Getaways for 2026
The latest data from Trip.com Group reveals a significant 34% year-on-year increase in bookings for trips of four days or less. This surge is especially marked in Europe, where working adults aged 25 to 49 are driving the trend. Instead of using long weekends to rest at home, this demographic now prefers quick escapes both domestically and internationally. This shift allows travelers to maximize annual leave, making one or two days stretch into a memorable adventure.
Popular Destinations and Trends Highlighted by Trip.com Group
Travelers are choosing top cities for their short getaways. In Asia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei top the list. Meanwhile, European travelers gravitate towards Barcelona, Lisbon, London, and Paris. Domestic travel also remains popular, especially among travelers from China, Thailand, and the Philippines.
- Chengdu, Bangkok, and Caticlan are local favorites for domestic travelers.
- Entertainment tourism is thriving, with fans booking cross-border trips for live concerts, including Kpop’s Blackpink in Hong Kong and SEVENTEEN in Singapore.
- Family-friendly trips and solo escapes are on the rise, aligning with diverse traveler expectations.
Trip.Planner Makes Customized Weekend Escapes Effortless
For those seeking seamless travel planning, Trip.Planner by Trip.com Group offers a one-stop solution. In less than a minute, users can receive personalized itineraries for flights, hotels, and attractions tailored to interests like adventure, relaxation, or family trips.
- For the fun-loving: Trip.Planner curates experiences in Bangkok, from nightlife to group activities.
- For families: Data-driven recommendations for places like Chengdu make trips with children stress-free.
- For solo travelers: Spontaneous trips to destinations like Nice, France, are easily organized, with options to export or share itineraries.
In summary, Trip.com Group is shaping the future of travel by turning long weekends into opportunities for meaningful escapes. With smart planning tools and a surge in short trips, 2026 is set to be a year where every day off brings new adventures. If you’re planning your next getaway, leveraging these new trends and tools may make your trip more memorable than ever.
Don’t miss our latest Startup News: Remote Makes Bold Move With Atlas Acquisition to Simplify Global Teams