How people travel is shifting, not in a big, dramatic way but in the small decisions that add up. The group chats are locked in earlier, bookings happen with more intention, and the scroll through your social media feed? It’s less “Maybe someday…” and more “Let’s do this!”

The trends report confirms what you already feel: next year’s trips are being shaped by travellers who know what they want and plan for it. And if you’re flying out of Australia through Melbourne, that’s exactly where Laneway, Melbourne Airport’s online duty free shopping platform, fits in.

It’s built for travellers who’d rather sort things early and land feeling a step ahead. No mad dash and no “I’ll figure it out later.” Just a few clicks before your trip, and your order’s ready to collect when you land or leave. Simple.

This coming year, travel’s becoming less about ticking off cities and more about shaping itineraries around the kind of travel experiences you actually want. Whether that means staying weeks in one place for deeper cultural experiences or chasing something new every few days, trips feel more personal now.

That shift? It’s influencing everything, from where you go to what you pack and what you shop for before you fly. Here are the 2026 travel trends shaping where people go, how they travel, and what’s guiding their duty free shopping on Laneway:

1. The Endless Summer Travel

Sun-chasers, this one’s for you! More travellers are heading to warm-weather hotspots like Thailand, The Philippines, the Maldives, Costa Rica and Colombia, where the beaches are bright, the dress code is relaxed, and the forecast matters just as much as the location.

For holidays built around sunshine, sun protection is a must. Think lightweight face creams with high SPF that wear well in the heat. Some focus on hydration and comfort, like the ones from Clinique, while others add a luxe finish with extra protection, like those from La Prairie.

You’ll also find after-sun gels, body SPF and hydrating mists on Laneway, all of which fit the “pack light, feel prepped” mindset these trips call for. If that sounds like your kind of trip, check the season before you lock things in. Timing can make or break the trip!

2. The Stays That Become the Destination

From boutique hotels in Japan or a stone villa in Portugal to a converted manor in Ireland or that dream suite in Venice, some stays end up shaping the whole trip. It’s no wonder they’ve become bucket list bookings for so many travellers. Even better, they’re influencing what people pack and plan for, right down to the scent they bring with them.

No matter the vibe your trip is built around, there's a duty free fragrance to match it on Laneway. A crisp, botanical scent from Jo Malone London or a breezy floral from Marc Jacobs suits a space that feels light and effortless. Something deeper from Maison Margiela or Givenchy leans in beautifully to moodier, design-first stays.

Prefer something more polished? You’ll find refined, layered scents from Gucci and YSL or keep things playful with sweet, easy options from Salvatore Ferragamo or Elizabeth Arden.

3. The Wellness Travel Trend

More travellers are planning trips that feel like a proper reset. We’re talking hot springs in New Zealand, slow mornings in Bali, Indonesia, or a quiet stretch of days tucked away in the mountains of India. These kinds of getaways aren’t about ticking things off but about slowing down. For more Australians, wellness travel isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s the point.

That shift shows up in what gets packed, too. You’ll see calming skincare take the lead, like nourishing face creams and gentle mists from Jurlique, or hydration-heavy serums from Lancome that help tired skin bounce back. Lano balms are a staple for dry lips that need looking after

For body care, it’s all about soft textures and clean scents. Think Aesop essentials, L’Occitane hand creams and shower gels, or anything Endota. You’ll find these simple and grounding favourites that fit right in with the pace you’re aiming for on Laneway.

4. The Carry-On Lifestyle

For travellers hopping through Southeast Asia, zipping between cities in Italy and Spain, or planning a road trip after a long-haul to North America, keeping things light is part of the plan. Smaller bags mean more flexibility, especially for those heading off on safaris, trying adventure travel, or flying for the first time. That shift in how people move is changing how they shop, too.

More travellers are skipping bulky products and pre-ordering their essentials on Laneway instead. Travel-size skincare from Antipodes, makeup minis from Benefit, and downsized fragrances from Versace, Calvin Klein, Burberry, and Jean Paul Gaultier all fit the carry-on mindset. Even sunglasses are sorted, whether it’s a practical pair from Le Specs or a classic pick from Ray-Ban, Oakley, or Maui Jim.

5. The ‘Treat Yourself’ Travel Mindset

For many travellers, 2026 is about fewer trips but better ones. That means upgrades where they count: direct flights, nicer stays, memorable meals and nights out that don’t need much of an excuse. Whether you’re heading to a must-visit wine region, catching the nightlife in a big city, or adding a few days in Argentina just because it’s been on your list, there’s a growing shift toward travel that feels a bit more special.

This 2026 travel trend shows up in their Laneway cart, too. A new Swatch or Tissot watch you can get duty free? Feels like the right kind of souvenir! A bottle of Glenlivet or Macallan to enjoy when you land, or something from Hennessy or Martell for gifting? Easy yes. You’ll also find wines and champagnes worth the splurge. Think Penfolds, Levantine Hill, or Taylors. Because sometimes, treating yourself is the plan.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods via the Laneway. Please note that some goods may have minimum age requirements (for example, alcohol/tobacco), and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.

6. Conscious and Purposeful Travel

Not every trip is about ticking off landmarks or chasing the next trending destination. More travellers in 2026 are choosing journeys that reflect what matters to them, whether that’s a multi-generational trip, an ethical wildlife experience, or finally catching a glimpse of the northern lights.

Across the travel industry, there’s a steady shift toward trips that feel meaningful, considered and, for many, grounded in sustainability. That mindset often shapes what they shop for, too.

For travellers who prefer to bring something home that reflects where they’ve been, Australian-made products are an easy yes. On Laneway, you’ll find these local skincare and body care products that feel thoughtful and well-made without the noise. It’s a small way to shop with more intention and still come home with something useful.

On Laneway, you can pre-order duty free finds 60 days ahead to as close to 24 hours before your international flight. It’s quick, flexible, and means you’ve already ticked something off before your trip even begins.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Jump online and browse the range. Start at laneway.melbourneairport.com.au and take your time. You’ll find everything clearly sorted, from beauty products to watches and souvenirs, so it’s easy to spot what you need.

Step 2: Add to cart. As you add your picks, you’ll be asked if you’re arriving or departing. When you’re ready to check out, just click your cart and pop in your promo code if you’ve got one.

Step 3: Add your flight details and choose how you want to pay. Laneway accepts payments made via Visa, Mastercard and AMEX credit and debit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay and Afterpay.

Step 4: Wait for your confirmation email. That’s your cue that everything’s locked in. Your order will be waiting at the Laneway collection counter in Terminal 2, ready for you to pick up when you arrive or before you leave.

The way we travel is shifting, and so is what we pack, prioritise and buy along the way. Each trend we’ve covered reflects a different mindset, whether it’s travelling lighter, planning with purpose or choosing something that feels worth the splurge. On Laneway, duty free shopping fits around your trip, helping you pre-order what makes sense for the way you like to travel.

Want to get a head start on your next one? Browse the full range of duty free products on Laneway, and don’t forget to subscribe to Melbourne Airport’s Shopping News newsletter. You’ll get special offers, updates on new arrivals and discounts on travel-friendly picks sent straight to your inbox. Easy.