91% of travelers say they want ‘slow travel’ in 2026. What it really means, and why it’s about more than saving money

Slow travel is shaping up to be one of 2026’s defining travel trends, and not just because it could make for a cheaper vacation.

According to Vrbo, 91% of travelers say they’re interested in slower, simpler trips built around rest, reading, nature and meaningful experiences (1). Here’s what slow travel looks like in practice.

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What is slow travel?

While it may be easy to assume slow travel means taking your time traveling from one spot to another, the term has more to do with the pace of activity during a vacation. Think longer stays in one destination, simplified itineraries with time to rest, and experiences centred on nature and routine.

For some, slow travel means a long weekend in a small U.S. city rather than a whirlwind tour of Europe. That was true for Farcia Harvey, whose 2024 birthday trip to Cincinnati — complete with free access to streetcars, local bakeries and riverfront walks — ended up being more memorable than past trips to Barcelona or New Orleans (2).

“I think about that trip to Cincinnati genuinely all of the time,” Harvey shared with CNBC. “It’s one of the best memories I have for my birthday, and it’s something that to this day, me and my friends still talk about.”

Her viral social posts spotlighting “hidden gem” cities helped propel the idea that a meaningful journey doesn’t have to require a passport stamp.

Farm stays, rural trips and ‘readaways’ go mainstream

One of the clearest markers of the slow-travel boom is the explosion of interest in farm stays. According to data from Expedia, Vrbo and Hotels.com, CNBC reports that 84% of travelers say they want to stay on or near a farm in 2026 (2).

For Aricka Giglia, a 28-year-old based in Los Angeles, slow travel meant rethinking her bachelorette weekend. She booked a farmhouse outside Dallas, complete with a chicken coop, horses, a pond with paddle boats and a large kitchen for private-chef dinners.

“It’s this slow travel movement,” says Melanie Fish, travel expert for Expedia, Vrbo and Hotels.com. “People just want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

The financial upside of slow travel is another attractive perk, as Giglia estimates her guests spent about $250 each — a fraction of the cost for her husband’s bachelor party in Los Cabos, Mexico, where guests paid about $800 each.

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Still, not all farm stays are cheap. In fact, many offer luxury amenities, curated activities and chef-supported kitchens that can rival resort-level pricing.

Another significant expression of slow travel is the “readaway,” a reading-focused type of vacation that could be in for a boom in 2026. A report from Vrbo notes a 285% surge in reading-related terms in guest reviews year-over-year, while Pinterest searches for “book club retreat ideas” are up 275% (3).

The popularity of book-centric trips is accelerating thanks in part to BookTok culture and post-pandemic burnout. Mackenzie Newcomb, founder of the Bad Bitch Book Club, says her group’s reading retreats — hosted from Maine to New Mexico — routinely sell out with price tags ranging from $900 to $1,500 per person (2).

That’s one reason why destinations like Santa Fe, The Berkshires and Door County are attractive destinations for slow travel, while busier cities like Nashville and New Orleans are proving to be less ideal for unplugged weekends.

Why slow travel is on the rise

While there could be many reasons that the slow-travel trend is picking up steam, there are a few that stand out from the rest.

1. Burnout: Some travelers appear to be growing tired of overpacked itineraries and a lack of rest while vacationing. Slow travel can also reduce stress and decision fatigue, allowing vacationers to relax instead of rushing from one activity to the other.

2. Financial pressure: Inflation and the rising cost of living in America has likely forced many people to rethink expensive trips. Meanwhile, a trip closer to home can cut transportation costs and make travel more affordable.

3. Remote work flexibility: Remote work has expanded dramatically since 2020, creating increased flexibility around when and where people can work and travel.

4. Desire for meaning: Many travelers seem to be more interested in trips that are based on purpose, rest, reconnection and meaningful experiences, as opposed to busy vacations exploring noteworthy destinations. This signals that many travelers now favor emotional and experiential payoff over the allure of big vacations to cities like Paris or London.

Slow travel can reduce costs, but its real advantage is control — fewer transitions, greater relaxation, deeper engagement and more predictable spending. However, travelers should weigh both the financial upsides and the trade-offs before assuming that slow travel is a money saver.

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Vrbo (1, 3); CNBC (2).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.