Adventure Travel Trends: Where Are Travellers Going in 2026?

What Destinations Are Winning For Bike Tours in 2026?

Lesser-Known Destinations For Europe Cycling Holidays

The data suggests that travellers are actively seeking destinations that haven't reached peak tourism.

• Slovenia has been gaining significant traction among cyclists, with Love Velo launching this destination last year due to demand
• Croatia cycling holidays have seen booking volumes jump 30% year-on-year
• Both Morocco and Austria have also seen notable increases, with 8% and 6% respectively

Lesser-known destinations typically offer better value and quieter roads.

Slovenia’s Julian Alps offer incredible mountain experiences like Switzerland and Austria, but quieter trails without masses of tour groups. Morocco provides diverse terrain and warm winter temperatures that extend adventure here way past the European cycling season.

However, those looking to explore these quieter destinations should go sooner rather than later, as once early adopters start sharing experiences from these less-trodden routes, we expect enquiries to increase even more rapidly!

Regional Shifts For Italy Cycling Tours

Italy adventure trips remain a strong market, but our booking patterns show a clear regional shift. The data shows that cyclists are choosing less-visited regions even within established cycling countries.

• Umbria has seen significant interest since we launched this destination, compared to Tuscany's more modest gains
• Lake Garda has seen 40% growth in adventure travel bookings year on year
• Multi-activity trips are increasingly popular in Italy, with road cycling paired with via ferrata and hiking in the same region

Tuscany's high tourism density during the summer months now appears to deter some cyclists. Umbria bike tours offers comparable terrain, climbing and infrastructure, but with notably lower tourist traffic.

Lake Garda cycling tours are attracting those looking for adventure, too. The area’s compact geography allows cyclists to combine road riding with other activities within the same trip.

Cycling In Spain Is Attracting Americans

Spain continues to take the lead with Europe cycling vacations, and active travel booking patterns here reveal:

• Mallorca road cycling is becoming increasingly popular amongst Americans
• Multi-destination trips combining Barcelona or Valencia with Mallorca are becoming more common

The pattern indicates American cyclists are building multi-destination trips rather than single-location trips to maximise the value of transatlantic travel. A common itinerary involves a few days in Barcelona sightseeing, followed by a ferry or short flight to Mallorca for focused road cycling.

How Is Adventure Travel Booking Behaviour Changing?

Seasonal Booking Patterns Have Changed

Our data indicates that satisfied customers are booking their vacations outside of conventional booking windows and across different seasons.

• Customers are now booking across different seasons rather than following annual vacation cycles
• Year-round demand is replacing traditional spring and summer booking peaks
• Repeat bookings are happening immediately after trip completion rather than waiting months, with this year’s August rebooking rates increasing 25% year-on-year

Traditional booking peaks around spring and summer planning periods are becoming less pronounced, and the flattening of seasonal peaks creates more level demand throughout the year. Our data is showing increased popularity for winter cycling, with 10% more bookings for between November 2025 and February 2026 than this time last year for the same period.

What’s more, we’re also seeing a 42% increase in sales on Christmas Eve last year compared to the year prior, highlighting that people are less concerned about potential January discounts and are booking in December, a typically dead month for travel sales.

And finally, the 25% year-on-year increase in our rebooking rates for cycling trips, in particular, indicates high satisfaction levels, suggesting that active vacations are becoming habitual for more and more people rather than just a one-off experience.

Seasonal Booking Patterns Have Changed

The period between booking and departure has almost halved compared to previous years, with our booking time frame reducing from five months to three months on average.

However, we have noticed that dwell time on our destination guides and blog content has increased significantly over the last six months.

Despite booking closer to departure, travellers are clearly spending more time on research before committing to specific trips, which suggests they want more informed decisions rather than booking on impulse.

In fact, the time spent on our cycling route guides has increased by as much as 106% during the first half of this year.

We’ve seen this with guides for specific destinations too, such as Italy cycling (43%) and cycling in Tenerife (31%), along with climbing Mount Teide (11%), cycling the Hautacam (35%) and our Sa Calobra climb guide (6%).

Who Is Booking Bike Tours And What Are They Prioritising?

Solo Travel Trips Are Increasing

When it comes to active vacations, our data reveals that more and more people are keen to go it alone.

• Solo bookings have grown 11% year-on-year across all demographics
• Female solo cycling travel has increased by an impressive 24%, showing particularly strong growth

This is perhaps unsurprising, considering cycling vacations offer structure that addresses common solo travel concerns. Accommodation is secured and logistics are handled, which provides safety while still giving independence.

Traditional Accommodation Outperforming Luxury

The data reveals that traditional and locally owned accommodation is proving more popular than high-end hotels, with bookings for authentic properties increasing while interest in luxury declining.

• Agriturismos and converted fincas are showing strong demand growth as cyclists prioritise traditional properties
• Traditional properties with local food sourcing and direct owner interaction are preferred over standardised luxury
• Properties with smaller environmental footprints are chosen over large resort developments

Agriturismos in Italy and converted fincas in Spain show strong demand growth, with these accommodation types typically having smaller environmental footprints by using local materials and supporting regional food systems. This shift in preference does align with those already making environmental choices by opting for cycling-based travel.

Sport Tourism Is Getting Competitive

Data is also revealing active travel interest going beyond leisure and toward more performance-focused travel.

Bookings increased by 35% between 2025 and the year prior for Americans coming to ride the Etape du Tour and Maratona dles Dolomites, suggesting that riders are clearly keen to complete recognized European climbs and participate in mass-participation events.

Also, European sportives offer the opportunity to be part of legendary history and completing climbs like Mont Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez carries significance beyond the physical achievement.

What Our Data Reveals For 2026

Our data reveals three key takeaways for active travel in 2026:

• Destination choices are changing from traditional hotspots toward lesser-known regions
• Booking behaviour shows increased spontaneity, but coupled with more thorough research
• Accommodation choices are prioritising sustainability and local authenticity over luxury

The active travel sector is continuing to grow, and for cycling-specific travel, growth segments include solo travellers, event participation, and repeat customers booking multiple annual trips.

Ready to explore these trends yourself? Browse our 2026 cycling adventures or get in touch to plan your perfect active travel experience now.