Whimsical travel is trending in 2026, with people increasingly looking to more magical destinations, in search of castles and ruins, enchanted forests and magic stones that will bring them to handsome Highland warriors.
Pinterest has named ‘Mystic Outlands’ as one of the big travel trends for this year, with millennials and boomers seeking out whimsical and mystical destinations. There has been a 465% increase in searches for Scotland Highlands aesthetic, a 95% increase in Faroe Islands aesthetic searches and a 45% increase in searches for ethereal places, it says.
Brendan Vacations, represented here by Adventure World, says travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that evoke a sense of wonder and escapism. “We’re seeing continued strong interest from New Zealand
travellers in destinations that feel immersive, storybook-like and deeply connected to history and culture,” says Adventure World’s Liz Glover. Ireland and Scotland have long appealed to travellers seeking dramatic landscapes, offering ancient castles, folklore and authentic local experiences, she adds. “The Scottish Highlands, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and castle stays across Europe continue to resonate because they offer both breathtaking scenery and a rich sense of place.”
Brendan Vacations has a nine-day Wild Scotland & the Isle of Skye, or nine-day Timeless Ireland & Ashford Castle itineraries
. . . More To Come?
From an Adventure World perspective, she says that the growing interest in immersive, storybook-style travel experiences has also influenced product development. “In response to increasing demand for journeys that combine history, heritage and iconic castles, Adventure World recently launched its new Royal Castles of North Zealand itinerary,” she says.
The tour operator’s new five day itinerary explores some of Denmark’s most magnificent royal residences, including Kronborg Castle, known as Shakespeare’s Elsinore in Hamlet.
“It offers travellers the opportunity to step into a real-life fairytale while discovering the rich history, culture and legends of Northern Europe.” For more on these trips, see HERE and HERE.
