There’s no better way to discover the cultural shifts set to define the year ahead than through the leading voices in lifestyle, travel, and food publishing. In the shape of expert-led trend reports and accompanying newsletter campaigns, the editors and writers at the National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Living360 compiled various guides to this year’s defining trends and appetites, once again affirming APL Media’s titles as the top destinations for informed and curious readers today. 

Explore the trend highlights: 

1. Noctourism: Noctourism, or nocturnal tourism, is booming, covering everything from stargazing and night-time safaris to after-dark city tours and museum lates. Read more here. 

2. AI personal training: In 2026, AI-powered personal training and fully automated gyms will become even more mainstream as Gen Z and millennials are keen to incorporate AI into training routines. Read more here. 

3. Rotisserie chicken: With the dish’s ongoing renaissance gathering momentum, rotisserie chicken is claiming the centre stage at top restaurants around the world. Read more here. 

4. Community becomes medicine: Research from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health links social connection to better health and longevity — one reason group-driven wellness may rise in 2026. Read more here. 

5. Retro revival: From historic ‘Mother Road’ Route 66 celebrating its 100th birthday in 2026 to the iconic US airline Pan Am having returned with a one-off, sell-out flight, all things retro are catching the attention of travellers. Read more here. 

6. Pickle flavour: It’s boom time for pickled cucumbers, thanks to their low-calorie count, gut-friendly reputation and punchy flavour. Read more here. 

7. Strength boom: ‘Longevity’ became a wellness buzzword in 2025. In 2026, its influence will translate into a renewed focus on strength training as preventative — especially to prepare for post-menopause bodies. Read more here. 

8. Tteokbokki: The dense and chewy rice cakes are one of many Korean exports — including kimchi and KPop Demon Hunters — that have never been more popular. Read more here. 

9. Novel concepts: Literary travel is on the rise, in part thanks to social media and a growing movement to reject digital screens. Read more here. 

10. Elemental wellness experiences: In 2026 travellers are looking to escape the city in favour of plunging into glacier-fed waters, steaming in geothermal pools and soaking in natural hot springs, all set against dramatic landscapes. Read more here. 

11. Hojicha tea: With the matcha boom causing a global shortage of the green beverage, its smokier, nuttier cousin is stepping into the limelight. Read more here. 

12. Latin fever: With Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama leading the tourism charge, travellers are evidently looking to Latin America for their next destination of choice. Read more here. 

13. Garum: An ancient Roman condiment made of salted and fermented fish guts and trimmings, garum gives dishes a rich umami flavour. Read more here. 

14. Skincare made simple: Google searches for ‘easy skincare routine’ soared by 1,043% in 2024, according to a survey by Tropic Skincare. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect consumers to seek simplified skincare routines and products. Read more here. 

15. Pastures new: Research by Vrbo has found that agrotourism is getting more popular, with interest in staying on or near a farm up 84% year on year. Read more here. 

16. Female-focused fitness supplements: With more women strength training, female-focused fitness supplements are set to be a major trend in 2026. In fact, the supplement industry is expected to increase by 5.86% annually until 2030. Read more here. 

Read the full lists of food, travel and wellness trends by the National Geographic Traveller (UK) online.  

Read the full lists of wellness and fitness trends by Living360 online. 

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About APL Media 
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital, and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events, and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability, and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards and Step Up. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers. 
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