You’re probably familiar with the “staycation,” but have you ever heard of a “whycation”? An article by The Manual explains that this is when, instead of asking “where are we going,” travelers are questioning “why are we going?”
The term “whycation” came out of Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report. After surveying travelers from around the world, Hilton “found that 2026 will be the year of the “whycation,” a growing movement toward journeys driven by emotion, intention, and purpose.”
It seems travelers are becoming more mindful. Rather than trying to cross places off a bucket list, today’s travelers want vacations that help will allow them to “rest, reconnect, and rediscover meaning, whether that’s a peaceful retreat or a nostalgic family road trip.”
Additionally, travelers want familiarity. The report found that three out of every four people surveyed said they book with brands they know and trust. More than anything, nowadays “it’s the feeling behind the trip that’s guiding where the journey begins.”
Is your travel motivation changing? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know if what you prioritize when planning a vacation.
