As 2026 begins, one thing is clearer than ever: when it comes to travel, we are no longer just looking for places to see, but for experiences to live. Travel has become an emotional, personal, and transformative space. Simply saying “I’ve been there” is no longer enough — we want to come home changed, even just a little.
The year 2025 made this shift undeniable. At FollowMi Around, we welcomed over 3,000 people through our tours! — from food tours and street art walks to out-of-the-box experiences such as stepping into a boutique to discover and experiment with the art of tailoring. But also baking Christmas cookies or working with clay in a ceramics workshop.
This number tells a story far beyond statistics: it speaks of a growing need for wonder, authenticity, and real involvement.
How the way we travel has changed
Over the past few years, tourism has undergone a profound transformation.
In 2025 more than ever, a shared desire emerged: to have experiences that truly matter.
Travelers no longer wanted to simply follow a predefined itinerary. Instead, they were looking for real connections with local people, immersive and participatory activities, small groups, intimate atmospheres, and unique, non-standardized experiences.
The “classic tour” began to feel limiting. Watching was no longer enough — we needed to feel, understand, and do.
The Experiential Tourism trends shaping 2026 are:
- Authentic and local experiences
In 2025, the desire to experience places through the people who truly live there grew stronger: artisans, creatives, chefs, and urban storytellers. In 2026, this approach becomes essential. The value lies in the relationship, not just the location.
2. Creative and participatory tourism
We no longer want to be spectators.
In 2026, tourism is increasingly hands-on: learning, experimenting, getting involved. Visiting a city also means gaining new skills — even if just for an afternoon.
3. Cities experienced from the inside
Cities remain at the heart of travel, but they are explored far from the most obvious routes. Less touristy neighborhoods, side stories, hidden details — this is where travel becomes truly memorable.
4. Small groups and personalization
The year 2025 marked a turning point: less crowding, more quality.
In 2026, this trend continues to grow. Travelers seek tailor-made experiences where they can feel actively involved, not just passive participants.
5. Wonder as the new luxury
True luxury is no longer exclusivity for its own sake, but the ability to surprise. In 2026, those who win are the ones who can offer something unexpected, authentic, and emotionally engaging.
Experiential Tourism in Italy and abroad
In Italy, experiential tourism has continued to grow around these key elements — the same ones that have shaped our experiences at FollowMi Around:
- food culture and street art experienced
- craftsmanship, ceramics workshops and traditional know-how
- neighborhoods, markets, and local identities
Abroad, interest has increased in:
- immersive experiences in major cities
- thematic tours (urban art, design, lifestyle)
- journeys that combine discovery and personal growth
The common thread everywhere is the same: don’t consume travel — live it!
Experiential tourism is no longer a passing trend, but a new normal. We choose experiences that move us, teach us, and leave a mark — even a small one, as long as it’s authentic.
Want to join one of our experiential tours? 😉
Write to us at info@followmiaround.com and we’ll create a tailor-made tour just for you!
