7 Travel Trends for 2026: Redefining Island Hopping
Global travel is shifting. Modern travelers seek authentic experiences, personal connection and journeys defined by purpose, not just price. According to major global travel reports, the key trends for the coming years are all about unique experiences that align with your passions.
For travelers looking to embrace these new, curated adventures, there is no better way to explore than by taking the ferry.
Ferry travel is the essential link that transforms a quick vacation into a purposeful, multi-stop adventure. It allows you to slow down, connect with the local culture and experience your destination the way it's meant to be seen.
The 7 global travel trends & how to live them
Here is how the top global travel trends translate into your next island hopping journey, complete with the perfect destinations and clear steps on how to book your ferry tickets with goFerry today.
1. The Glowmads Trend: Prioritizing wellness & beauty
The future of travel is focused on self-care. Travelers, or "Glowmads", are curating trips around wellness, local treatments and incorporating healthy rituals into their journeys.
Instead of a quick flight, take the slower ferry route to an island known for relaxation and natural beauty. Think of islands rich with natural springs, therapeutic mud baths or dedicated yoga retreats.
Ikaria
Ikaria is famous for longevity, clean living and stunning natural hot springs.
Milos/Santorini/Lesvos/Kythnos
The Cycladic Islands Milos, Santorini and Kythnos, as well as the North Aegean Island of Lesvos, all include volcanic hot springs, visited by thousands of tourists each year, for their health benefits.
Ischia
Ischia is a popular choice for its natural thermal parks and healing volcanic mud, offering a true wellness and beauty experience that is deep-rooted in the local culture.
Sardinia
Sardinia offers a blend of natural beauty, wellness retreats and a focus on the Mediterranean diet, linking outer beauty to inner health.
2. Shelf Discovery: Food adventures
Forget expensive, reservation-only restaurants. This trend is about finding authentic local culture and flavors in supermarkets, bakeries and farmers' markets.
The best food experiences are often found right where the ferry docks. Load up on local produce, cheeses and unique Greek goods before you check into your stay.
Crete
Famous for its rich, distinct cuisine. Head to the Agora (market) for local ingredients of Crete.
Naxos
Visit the famed dairies and local producers of Naxos to taste its authentic graviera and potatoes.
3. Altitude Shift: Seeking mountain serenity
Travelers are trading crowded beaches for high-altitude escapes, clean air and stillness all year-round.
Greek islands aren't just flat beaches; many feature majestic peaks and rugged inland landscapes perfect for hiking, quiet reflection and exploring historic mountain villages.
Northern European destinations offer natural, scenic beauty, outdoor adventures and rich cultural heritage. Experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the fjords, carved by glaciers, featuring sheer cliff faces, cascading waterfalls (e.g., The Seven Sisters) and deep, tranquil waters. The region offers year-round mild climates (due to the Gulf Stream), allowing for spectacular views, whether it's summer greenery, spring blossom or snow-dusted winter serenity.
Samos
Explore the majestic Mount Kerkis in Samos (nearly 5,000 feet high) with hiking trails and stunning views over the Aegean Sea.
Andros
Andros is a Cycladic island known for its lush, mountainous interior and marked hiking paths leading to waterfalls and spring.
Bergen
Gateway to the stunning fjords (like Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord), offering world-class hiking, kayaking, fresh air and a profound connection to massive, untouched mountain landscapes.
4. Bookbound: Literature & slow travel
The "Bookbound" trend involves planning trips around reading retreats, beautiful libraries or locations inspired by novels. A focus on slow, mindful escapes.
Ferry travel itself is the ultimate slow-travel experience. It offers hours of uninterrupted time for reading, writing and contemplation, allowing you to arrive at your destination refreshed and inspired.
Hydra
A car-free island that has inspired countless authors and artists. Hydra's peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a literary retreat.
Patmos
Known as the "Island of the Apocalypse," Patmos is a destination steeped in history and religious literature.
Dublin
A UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin is the home of literary giants like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Bram Stoker. The city offers the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, the Writers Museum and the libraries and streets that inspired Ulysses, making it a perfect Bookbound journey.
5. Catching flights & feelings: The social solo traveler
Solo travel is booming, but the goal is to find connection. Meeting new friends, travel buddies or even potential partners on the road.
Ferry decks and communal areas are natural social settings. Traveling by ferry inherently puts you in close proximity with others heading to the same exciting destinations.
Ios/Mykonos/Santorini/Paros
Ios, Mykonos, Santorini and Paros have become islands with renowned social scenes and vibrant meeting points.
Piraeus/Rhodes/Heraklion (Crete)
The bustling ports of Piraeus, Rhodes and Heraklion are where paths cross, providing opportunities to find travel mates for the next leg of your journey.
Copenhagen
A hub of Nordic culture, consistently rated as one of the safest and happiest cities in the world. Copenhagen is highly walkable/bikeable, English is widely spoken and its culture encourages community and social interaction.
6. Family Miles: The rise of multi-generational trips
Families, including grandparents and extended relatives, are traveling together more than ever. The focus is on shared memories and destinations that cater to all ages.
Ferry travel is far more accommodating for large groups and multi-generational needs than flying. Everyone can stay together and there's space for children to move around while elders relax.
Rhodes/Corfu/Crete
Larger islands, such as Rhodes, Corfu and Crete, offer a mix of history, beaches, family-friendly resorts and easy accessibility.
Argosaronic Islands
The islands of the Saronic Gulf offer quick, easy ferry transfers from Athens for short, stress-free family escapes.
Menorca
Quiet, low-key alternative to Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca is focusing heavily on nature reserves, calm beaches and slow tourism. It is known for its safe, shallow bays (calas), child-friendly resorts and lack of a major party scene.
7. Destination Check-in: The hotel is the destination
Accommodation is no longer just a place to sleep; it’s the main attraction. Travelers are choosing their destination based on a unique hotel, villa, or stay.
If your hotel is the destination, the trip should feel like a pilgrimage. A scenic ferry ride builds anticipation and makes the final arrival at your unique island stay feel truly earned.
Santorini
Choose a famous cave hotel or caldera-view villa in Santorini and feel the magic.
Folegandros/Sifnos
Islands like Folegandros and Sifnos are known for stunning, architecturally distinct boutique stays.
Dalmatian Coast (Croatia)
The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia boasts a growing number of historic palace hotels and unique, luxury coastal resorts. The hotel experience is often inseparable from the destination, as many are situated within ancient city walls or offer unparalleled access to the Adriatic, making the "check-in" the primary goal.
How to book your ferry ticket with goFerry
Booking your ferry ticket from Bari to Igoumenitsa with goferry is simple and secure. Just follow these steps:
- Enter your route & travel dates
- View and compare all available sailings, operators, vessels and departure times
- Choose your preferred price and accommodation type
- Enter passenger details
- Pay and receive your booking confirmation instantly by email
Ready to travel with purpose?
The new era of travel is personal, meaningful and deeply connected to local culture. Ferry travel allows you to unlock these seven major trends, transforming your journey from a simple trip into a purposeful adventure.
The point is not just to visit the selected destinations, but to experience them! Find the perfect connection and set sail for your next adventure!