Parkdean Resorts defines emerging trends for holidays

Parkdean Resorts, with holiday parks across the UK including in Hayling Island in Hampshire, three choices in Dorset and five in Wales, defines emerging trends for holidays and honeymoons.

The way we travel is changing in 2026 - from celebrating wedding proposals with a romantic getaway to chasing adrenaline at theme parks and waterparks and bigger group experiences. According to a new study by Parkdean Resorts, more than 76% of Brits are planning a UK break this year, so domestic travel is set to boom once again. The team have curated search data and shared their expert insights to predict the biggest travel trends for this year's holiday season.

Group trips
Group travel is on the rise in the UK, with searches for 'group trips' increasing by 65% over the past quarter, according to trend analysis. Rather than traditional solo breaks or couples' getaways, travellers are increasingly planning holidays around shared experiences with friends, family and wider social groups.

Commenting on the trend, Andy Edge, chief marketing officer at Parkdean Resorts said: "There's a clear shift in people's priorities, and spending quality time with friends and family is high on the list. Planning a group trip has lots of benefits - allowing people to share new experiences, split costs, and create memories together."

Any adds, "We're seeing everything from multi-generational family holidays to large friendship groups planning activity-packed trips away. Whether that means spending a long weekend in a lodge with a hot tub or setting up for a week on a campsite with your loved ones, spending quality time together is proving incredibly popular."

Engagement-moons
Celebration-based travel is also gaining momentum, with 'engagement-moons' - trips taken shortly after a proposal - becoming a popular way for couples to mark the occasion before the wedding planning begins.

Andy says: "There's a trend emerging in couples choosing to celebrate their engagement with a getaway post-proposal, rather than arranging the proposal on the trip itself. Often, proposing at home feels extra-intimate and planning a trip to go on straight after is a great way to celebrate the milestone together and spend quality time as a couple, before moving into the busy period of planning a wedding."

Adventure escapes
Adventure is another defining theme for spring 2026. Pinterest search data shows a surge in interest for high-energy attractions and thrill-seeking experiences ahead of the new season. Interest in Alton Towers has increased by 21% in the past month, while searches for trampoline parks have jumped 34% in the last quarter and waterparks have risen 63% over the same period - suggesting that travellers are prioritising playful, high-adrenaline activities during their breaks.

Andy says: "We're seeing a real appetite for trips that are centred around fun, energy and excitement. Theme parks, waterparks and activity-based attractions are increasingly becoming the highlight of a short break, especially for families and groups of friends looking to do something memorable together."

Andy adds, "These types of experiences add an extra sense of adventure to even a grown-up getaway and give people something to really look forward to. Whether it's spending the day riding rollercoasters or making a splash at a waterpark, thrill-seeking activities are a really memorable item to add to your holiday itinerary."

Sports tourism
Alongside adventure travel, sporting experiences are also shaping holiday choices. Sports tourism - travelling specifically to attend or participate in sporting events or activities - has been very popular in recent months, with many holidaymakers combining short breaks with live events and active hobbies.

"Sports tourism is becoming increasingly popular as people look to combine their interests and hobbies with their holidays," says Andy. "Travelling to attend a major sporting event, take part in a sporting event, or just leisurely spending time enjoying outdoor activities gives a holiday a real sense of purpose and excitement. We're seeing more travellers planning breaks around everything from football and rugby matches to hiking routes and marathon events. It's a great way to explore a new destination while doing something you love."

The way we travel is also changing, with many people opting to stay closer to home whilst choosing different ways to plan their trips. Searches for domestic flights in the UK have risen by 26% over the past quarter, suggesting a growing demand for quicker connections between regions for short breaks and spontaneous trips.

"More remote UK destinations like the Isle of Man and Scottish highlands are becoming increasingly popular as Brits look to explore more of the UK - seeking out unique experiences. Obviously, reaching lots of these destinations may require an internal domestic flight, which for many feels like a novel experience in itself," says Andy. 

AI-travel planning
Technology is also playing a growing role in shaping travel plans. AI holiday planning - where travellers use AI platforms to build itineraries, discover destinations and plan routes - is becoming a popular tool for organising trips more efficiently. Andy says, "Utilising AI to plan a trip can take a lot of the admin and stress out of it, helping families to plan budgets, find excursions and choose the best accommodation option for their group. That being said, often using AI takes the personality and joy out of planning a trip. If you want a holiday that's really tailored to your own wants and needs, you can't beat doing the research yourself."

For more travel inspiration or to plan your next UK getaway, visit https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/holidays