ABTA reveals the Travel Trendsetters
ABTA released its Travel Trends for 2026 report, noting that September is becoming an increasingly popular month for overseas travel.
The report finds 25-34 year olds are the Travel Trendsetters – shaping travel for years to come.
Almost half (49%) of this group are planning to spend more on their holidays in the next year.
About 83% say holidays are the most important time of the year, more than any other age group (average is 65%).
They also place more importance on what holidays can do for their mental health and wellbeing, with 90% saying they are important for this reason versus the average of 80%.
Cruises are popular among this age group, with 19% taking one in the last 12 months, more than any other age group, including the over 65s (16%).
Also featured in the new report is the rise of ‘Super September’.
The intention to travel during September has increased by seven percentage points over the last three years, from 17% in 2023 to 24% in 2025, outstripping the main summer months.
ABTA says September is becoming more popular as people appreciate it as a good time to explore Europe and beyond, knowing that great weather is still likely, as well as good value breaks available.
It also says that, with travellers increasingly looking to add a bit of adventure to their holidays – such as cycling and hiking – September can be a more suitable time to do so than the hottest summer months.
Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA, said: “Travel is a constantly evolving industry. What is clear from our research is that the demand to travel remains strong with more people looking to travel abroad on holiday in 2026.”
“ABTA travel companies are responding to these changing.”
The report also notes an increasingly younger demographic taking train and interrailing holidays and an appetite for very short and much longer cruise itineraries.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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