Bookings for summer and winter holidays are up across Ireland, driven by demand for sunshine and value, according to travel agents. The increase in inquiries and bookings is particularly noticeable in the first two weeks of February, with overall sales up 13% compared to the same period last year.
Travel Trends for 2026
Cruises are experiencing a surge in popularity, with ocean cruise bookings up 20% and river cruise bookings up 60% year-on-year. Demand is fueled by value for money, all-inclusive packages, and early booking offers, appealing to both families and solo travelers.
Top summer destinations include cruises, Spain (including the Canary Islands), and the United States, specifically Orlando, Florida, Nevada, Nashville, and California. The UAE, Vietnam, and Japan are currently the most popular winter bookings.
A growing trend, referred to as “coolcations,” sees travelers avoiding the intense heat of Southern Europe in July and August, with increased interest in destinations like Denmark and Norway. This shift is supported by increased direct flights and a wider range of activities.
Travelers are also booking earlier, opting for travel in June to avoid peak season prices driven by school closures. However, bookings for long-haul destinations, particularly the US, are being decided closer to the departure date.
US Travel Remains Stable Despite Concerns
Despite some political concerns, interest in travel to the US remains strong, with one in three Irish respondents to an Aer Lingus survey planning a trip in 2026, and a further 22% considering it. Travel figures to the US remained stable last year, with approximately 490,000 visitors, a slight decrease of 4,000.
The weakened dollar is contributing to the value for money offered by US holidays, with the exchange rate currently at $1.18 compared to parity last year. Airlines are also offering competitive prices due to reduced travel from Americans to Europe.
While some destinations within the US have seen slight declines in bookings – New York down 5%, Las Vegas down 7% – others, such as Nashville and Florida, are experiencing increased demand. There have been no reported issues with travelers going through customs and immigration in Dublin or Shannon.
Travel company Tour America initially anticipated a decline in US bookings due to geopolitical factors, but founder Mary McKenna noted that negative press has had little impact on Irish holidaymakers. Temporary dips in inquiries have been observed following specific news events, such as the detention of an Irish man by ICE, but bookings typically recover quickly.
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