This year marks a growing shift in the appeal for van life highlighting the rise in travelling for the journey and not just the destination. Preferences for slow, quiet and curiosity-quenching trips are becoming a summer travel trend. Here are the top five trend fuelling van life this summer.
1. Turbulence testing in remote locations
With the preference for off-the-beaten track holiday destinations steadily on the rise as people search for unique experiences away from the summer crowds, the pull towards remote destinations now defines a new age of ‘turbulence testing’ holidays. In fact, 62% of travellers have reported consi
2. Romantasy retreats
Thanks to the rise of BookTok communities and literary fanbases, popular genres like ‘romantasy’ have started to filter into travel trends and destination sentiment. With more than 7 in 10 global travellers interested in visiting a destination inspired by a romantasy story in 2026, keen readers are turning their attention to otherworldly terrains across the globe, reminiscent of their favourite reads.
3. ‘Hushpitality’ and ‘Quietcations’
The search for quiet holiday destinations far removed from urban civilisation and the accompanying summer crowds, summarised by the term ‘hushpitality’ or ‘quietcation’, has spread not only in the UK but across the globe; up to 43% of travellers say they would vacation specifically to feel closer to the natural world, with one in four turning to “quieter” hobbies that bring reflection and relieve stress. With the unique option to park-up in a remote spot, a campervan holiday offers complete detachment from the outside world and an unparalleled closeness to nature.
4. Curiosity-led travel
In 2026, many are prioritising personal growth over switching off on holiday. With multiple celestial occasions happening in 2026, the growing desire for educational adventures is manifesting into a surge of astro-tourism. However, it’s
5. ‘Coolcations’
Conventionally opting for short flights and reliable heat on their summer holidays, Brits are now turning eagerly to the cooler destinations in Europe over historic favourites that some now feel are just too hot. Blessed with reliably lower temperatures, the higher altitude alpine regions are being favoured as a comfortable escape from the heat; 71% of UK travellers are this year considering a mountain escape for their summer or autumn holiday.3 Generally requiring further in-country travel than accessible city or coastal destinations, road trips offer an independent alternative to busy tourist vessels.
