Our Top 5 Travel Trends for 2026 and the Texas Heritage Destinations to Experience Them

In 2026, travelers are looking for more than just places to go - they’re craving experiences that feel intentional, immersive, and uniquely rooted in place. Fortunately, Texas is brimming with heritage destinations that check every box. Whether you’re hopping aboard a historic rail line, signing up for a skill-building getaway, hitting the road in search of small-town charm, or simply seeking a quiet place to recharge, the Lone Star State offers authentic ways to experience the top travel trends of the year. Here are five big ideas shaping the way we travel, and where to explore them in Texas.

Pictured: Early Phillips Route 66 Gas Station
Credit: Carol M. Highsmith

Trend #1: Travel on the Rails

A new generation of travelers is embracing rail travel. Not necessarily because it’s easier to plan or better for the environment, but because it’s a stress-free and nostalgic way to travel.

Amtrak's "Texas Eagle" route crosses the state east to west from Marshall to El Paso, with several stops along the way. The "Sunset Limited" - another east to west-bound route - begins in Beaumont and exits Texas in El Paso. Both routes provide travelers with incredible Texas scenery that includes forests and bayous to deserts and mountains.

And you can't talk about train travel in Texas without mentioning the Texas State Railroad. Travel in vintage rail cars between the East Texas towns of Rusk and Palestine throughout the year to take in the forests and wildflowers, or experience the "Polar Express" excursion during the holidays.

Pictured: The Texas State Railroad travels between Rusk and Palestine in East Texas
Credit: Texas State Railroad

Trend #2: Skillcations - Learning-focused Travel

Travelers are moving past typical sightseeing trips, and choosing trips where they can gain a skill that is only possible in that place or with that culture. Millennials are at the forefront of this trend. Their generation values meaningful, hands-on activities that are unique to the location and create lasting family memories.

Many of our State Historic Sites offer dozens of skill-focused classes and demonstrations throughout the year. Visitors can participate in cooking classes, workshops on photo and document preservation, heritage crafts, genealogy and much more. To find a class near you, check out the calendar of events listings for the historic sites.

A man wearing blue striped overalls and a blue cap stirs syrup with a stick over an open fire. Another man and woman look on behind him.
Pictured: Syrup-making demonstration at the Heritage Syrup Festival in Henderson
Credit: Texas Forest Trail Region

Trend #3: Return of the U.S. Road Trip

All signs point to America 250 to reignite the great American Road Trip. Whether it’s for nostalgia and all things Americana, or just spending more family-time together, the open road is calling in 2026.

2026 also marks the Route 66 Centennial, so there won't be a better time for a road trip than this year. As the largest city in Texas on historic Route 66, Amarillo is the perfect hub. Visit Amarillo has put together a list of "must see" sites along the Texas stretch of Route 66 - both in and out of Amarillo. Their 10-day Texas Route 66 Festival in early June should be added to your Route 66 bucket list now.

A man and woman ride in a convertible with the top down. The sun is shining and they are on the open road.
Pictured: Summer is the perfect time for a road trip in Texas.
Credit: Hawx

Trend #4: Hushpitality

The #1 reason for leisure travel in 2026 is “to rest and recharge”. Thus, travelers will be looking for destinations and experiences to soothe life’s distractions.

If peace and quiet is what you are seeking, Texas is the perfect destination. Whether it’s the soothing sounds of the ocean, a crackling campfire, a hike through nature, or simply finding time to read a book, Texas has so many places where you can be quiet, rest, and unplug.

If it's the white noise sound of wave you're after, then your destination is the Texas coast. For a more rugged landscape and the high desert mountain air, then it's off to the Big Bend area for you! If you'd like some tips, check out this post on how to do a digital detox in West Texas.

A pair of boots resting on a rocky shore by a serene body of water, illustrating a moment of rest and reflection in nature, ideal for peaceful contemplation and relaxation.
Pictured: Boots resting on rocky shore near a calm body of water
Credit: Sylwia Bartyzel on Freerange Stock

Trend #5: Culinary Travel

Food-focused travel has evolved from an emerging trend into a defining feature of the modern visitor experience. For destinations, this signals a continued opportunity to leverage local flavors, heritage foodways, and authentic dining experiences as powerful drivers of tourism.

From brisket to TexMex, and from Czech kolaches to German strudel, Texas has you covered when it comes to food. Some of the best and most historic restaurants in Texas are considered Texas Treasure Businesses. Many of them are listed on our Historic Businesses page, and we're adding more all the time.

For even more inspiration, check out these two blog posts on some of our favorite Texas culinary delights:

Two chefs in black and white aprons demonstrate cooking techniques to a small group of onlookers.
Pictured: Two chefs demonstrate how to make a regional dessert speciality
Credit: Simon Clayson

In Texas, the trends of 2026 aren’t just ideas - they’re invitations. Ride the rails and let nostalgia lead the way, slow down with a hushpitality-inspired escape, or turn your trip into a hands-on skillcation. Whether you're chasing flavors, stories, or open roads, Texas offers heritage destinations that bring each trend to life with authenticity and heart. Wherever the year takes you, let Texas be where the journey truly begins.