Looking for inspiration for your travels in 2018? Booking.com 
combined insights from customers from over 128 million real guest reviews with surveys of 19,000 travelers in 26 countries around the world to reveal the biggest travel predictions for 2018.
New Technological Frontiers: Immersive experiences will reach the next level in 2018, with travelers turning to technology to better understand a destination or accommodation before booking. Artificial intelligence and digital technology are helping consumers move forward when it comes to smart intuition about destinations, reshaping the way we research, book, and experience travel. Nearly a third (29%) of global travelers say they feel comfortable letting a computer plan a future trip based on data from their previous travel history. More than six in ten (64%) travelers say they would like to “try before they buy” with a preview in virtual reality.
From Dream to Reality: 2018 is the year to dream big, as 45% of travelers have a travel wish list in mind and most of them (82%) intend to cross off one or more destinations from that list in the coming year. What is most likely to appear on a wish list is seeing one of the wonders of the world, as nearly half of travelers (47%) plan to check that off in 2018. More than a third (35%) yearn to delight their taste buds by trying a local delicacy, 34% want to go to an island paradise, and 34% are adventurers who wish to visit a famous theme park in the world.
Retro Restart: In addition to new experiences, travelers will revisit their favorite childhood memories as part of their travels in 2018. Blending the future with the past, next year’s travelers will be inspired to return to previously loved destinations and 
explore them in a whole new way. A third of travelers (34%) will consider vacations they experienced in childhood for 2018.
Pilgrimage to Pop Culture: In 2018, television shows, movies, sports, and social media in particular seem destined to exert an increasing influence on booking decisions, as travelers turn to pop culture for travel inspiration. Reading blogs or watching recommendations from YouTubers will spark ideas for four in ten (39%) travelers, and locations featured on screen in TV shows, movies, or music videos will entice 36% of travelers next year. More than one-fifth (22%) of travelers will be tempted to travel to a 
major sporting event, with 43% of those considering a summer of football in Russia.
Live Like a Local, Not With One: In 2018, vacation rentals will be particularly popular — not just for travelers wanting to stay in them, but also for homeowners thinking about inviting others to stay in their own residence. One in three travelers (33%) says they would prefer to stay in a vacation rental (holiday home or apartment) rather than a hotel, and one in five (21%) would consider listing their home on a travel accommodation website.