Travel Insights 2026: Data, Rankings & Industry News for Travelers

Editor’s quick picks

A handful of editor-chosen articles to start with — the ones we keep sending people to.

Airports & airlinesUK's Worst Train Operators for 2026Locals Insider NewsroomHotels & ownershipWho Owns the Hotel You're Sleeping InOpinion — transparency in hospitalityCredit cards & moneyBest U.S. Travel Credit CardsOur picks — and whyRanked studiesAmerica's Worst-Dressed Flyers2026 Airport Style StudyAir travel dataRising Costs & TSA Wait Times2026 air travel reportHow Americans are changing travel in 2026Where to nextLesser-Known European Islands65 islands worth exploringAs overtourism reshapes Ibiza, Mallorca and the Canaries

From our writers

Locals InsiderLocals Insider’s editorial team, led by founders Alex and Martin

“Travelers deserve to know who owns the hotel they're sleeping in. The same Marriott key card can let you into a property owned by a sovereign wealth fund, a controversial private equity firm, or a small family business — and the experience is genuinely different in each. We're starting to publish the ownership behind the brand.”

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Alex CopenguyFounder of Localsinsider.com

“AstroCartography sounds like the woo-est thing in this section, and that's exactly why I wanted to try it. The map shows where each planet was rising, setting or culminating at the moment you were born — and how those lines cross continents. Whether you believe it or not, it's a surprisingly useful prompt for thinking about where you actually want to be.”

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From the 2026 lists

The LocalsInsider team follows the data too. Here are the trends, regulations and 2026 indexes appearing across Condé Nast Traveler, Tripadvisor, eDreams ODIGEO, American Express Travel and National Geographic — paired with our coverage where we have it.

Off the beaten path

Two of our most-read editorial deep dives in this category.

Browse the archive

Stay in the know with our Travel News and Insights section. We cover everything from the latest travel trends and insider tips to destination guides and industry news, so you’re always up-to-date on what’s happening in the travel world.

by Denis Zaykovskiy · Sep 22, 2026Travel Magazines to Read — and What Makes Each One Differentby Locals Insider · Sep 16, 2026The Best Airlines for International Travelby Locals Insider · Sep 15, 2026Seven Best of the Most Scenic River Cruises in Europe (10 Countries, 40+ Cities)by Locals Insider · Sep 15, 2026Six of the Best States to Retire: Backed by the Latest Research & Databy Locals Insider Review Desk · Sep 15, 2026Capital One Lounges Review: A Rival for Amex and Chase?by Alex Copenguy · Aug 14, 2026The Sparkling Wine Made from Pineapples: A Weekend Discovery from French Polynesiaby Locals Insider · Aug 9, 2026Winter Sun in Europe: 5 Sunny Cities to Visitby Marie Borisova · Jul 13, 2026Kiwitaxi Runs Airport Pickups in 100 Countries. Here’s What Travelers Really Want, According to Its CEOby Locals Insider · Jul 12, 2026Travel Scams Are Surging: The States Hit Hardest by Vacation Fraudby Thiago Sanchez · Jul 6, 2026Tripsy Co-Founder Thiago Sanchez: Your Next Trip Shouldn’t Live in a Chat Windowby Martin Eriksen (Danemaq) · Jun 25, 2026The Most Reliable UK Airports for Travel — Rankedby Martin Eriksen (Danemaq) · Jun 9, 2026I Paid for Thailand’s Free Arrival Card. Here’s Why You Should Use the Official TDAC Siteby Locals Insider Review Desk · Jun 1, 2026How Influencers Can Use Stylink.com to Monetize Travel Blog With Affiliateby Locals Insider Review Desk · Jun 1, 2026A Go-To Platform for Travel Journalists and Creators to Monetize Content – TravMedia Reviewby Locals Insider Review Desk · May 20, 2026Geocaching Reviewed: How the World’s Outdoor Treasure Hunt Worksby Locals Insider Review Desk · May 20, 2026GetYourGuide Promo Code LOCALS: How to Book Tours, Tickets & Get 10% Discountby Locals Insider Review Desk · May 15, 2026AirScope Reviewed: A Free Air Quality & Pollen Tracker for Travelers and Allergy Sufferersby Locals Insider · Apr 13, 2026The 20 UK ‘no-go’ beaches for swimming this spring revealed by Locals Insider · Mar 30, 2026Worst UK airports for Easter travel revealedby Martin Eriksen (Danemaq) · Mar 1, 2026The Best Car Rental & Airport Transfer Services & Promo Codes (Reviewed)