Why Your Next Vacation Should Be A “Finding Yourself” Mission

Vacation has always been a way to rest, reset and recharge. But today’s travelers are adding something new to the itinerary: intention. Whether it’s slowing down, finding inspiration, or reconnecting with what matters most, the modern getaway is as much about meaning as it is about escape.

Remember “Catch flights, not feelings”? Turns out, travelers are doing a little of both. Poolside naps are great , but healing your inner child in a sound bath at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique? That’s more like it for this year’s travelers, and the proof is in the PTO requests.

According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, travelers are entering their “whycation” era, leaning more into intentional escapes to fulfill core needs like self-discovery, connection, and a sense of purpose. For instance, 72% of travelers expressed a desire to take time off to explore a personal hobby, skill or passion — a growing mindset Hilton is calling “curiosity leave.”

In fact, 44% said they’d leave their job if they were denied a vacation request, and half (50%) say they’d take a pay cut to have unlimited time off. With 30% of global travelers saying they feel more open to trying new things on the road than at home, a worthwhile getaway is less about chasing pins on a map and more about how the experience transforms you.

Looking to get inspired for your next getaway? Read on to get the scoop on the new vacation “cores” this year, revealed by Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report.

Hushpitality: ‘Shh’ Is The New SPF

OK, still wear your sunscreen — but for your soul? A little peace and quiet. Hilton’s research found that 57% of U.S. travelers would be interested in attending a silent retreat, including over half (53%) who specified a dedicated reading experience. Looks like we’re moving away from the “bringing a book you never actually open” trend.

These quiet-seekers aren’t waiting for the plans to leave the group chat, either. More than one in four travelers (26%) are planning a solo trip in 2026, and when it comes to family travel, almost half (48%) are tacking extra “me days” onto the beginning or end. That might mean sampling the local culinary scene, indulging in a spa day, or simply binge-watching your favorite show with room service. In other words, you can tell your parents that alone time isn’t antisocial anymore. It’s aspirational.

Quiet-coded vacations aren’t one-size-fits-all — you can still lean into what lights you up, just with the volume turned down. Sixty-seven percent of American travelers expressed a heightened interest in nature immersion getaways, while 60% are manifesting spiritual retreats. Even the check-in logistics whisper! Seventy-three percent of global travelers value digital check-in options. Because silence over small talk? That’s golden.

If I Can’t Pack My Creature Comforts, I’m Not Going

If you’ve already identified your finer things in life (like prestige TV, your mini dachshund, or an endless supply of indulgent snacks), why leave them behind? Consider home comforts your new carry-ons. Seventy-four percent of global travelers stick with brands they already trust, proving that even wanderlust has a comfort setting... preferably with your four-legged bestie in tow. Sixty-four percent of pet owners put their animal’s needs ahead of their own when planning travel, and once everyone is tucked in safely, 72% say in-room entertainment elevates their stay.

Room service, after all, is basically the ultimate pampering experience. And Hilton properties like Conrad London St. James take it to the next level with gourmet in-room pre-fixe menus. Catching up on your favorite shows over a decadent meal with sommelier-curated wine pairings (from bed, no less) — that’s giving five-star hospitality.

Curiosity Leave, Coming Right Up

When travelers feel grounded, they finally have the emotional bandwidth to explore. That’s where curiosity leave comes in. Sixty-three percent of travelers say they’ve even made new friends at interest-based events while traveling. If given the chance, 60% say they’d take time off from work to travel for months or years.

And if you’re wondering what to do with all that time to enjoy, Hilton’s got you. Conrad Hotels and Resorts offers curated activity itineraries through its 1/3/5 program. Depending on how many hours you have (one, three, or five), you can sign up for workshops and tours that immerse you in local creativity and experiences: think sand sculpture at the Conrad Orlando, jewelry making at the Conrad Punta de Mita, or picking clams and tasting oysters at Conrad Algarve.

Inheritourism: Are Parents The New Travel Influencers?

Joking about nepo babies online might be a funny pastime, but when it comes to travel, plenty of adults are taking a page from that playbook. According to Hilton, among global travelers, 53% of family trips will include at least one adult child (18+), and only 11% of those adult children fully pay their own way.

To be fair, this isn’t just about tagging along for a free flight. Seventy percent of families want experiences tied to local traditions, while more than half (52%) are planning trips to learn more about their family roots. So even if curiosity leave might send you around the world, the real adventure is understanding the people who got you there.

Family influences run deep too, with two-thirds (66%) of travelers saying their hotel preferences are shaped by their parents, and 73% admit that their travel style is influenced by family – a growing trend Hilton calls “inheritourism.” It’s less about who’s paying and more about what’s being passed down: shared memories, favorite destinations, and a love for exploring together. Translation: Your passport is all yours, but your itinerary? That’s nurture over nature.

All in all, this year’s travelers aren’t running away from life. They are running toward their best selves. But no matter where your vacation takes you, it’s not the destination that matters most. It’s how you grow along the way.

Thinking about curiosity leave? Learn more about how today’s vacationers are finding themselves from Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report.