Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Set amongst the dramatic mountains and glacial lakes of New Zealand’s South Island, the small village of Lake Tekapo is nestled along the shores of the stunning turquoise blue waters of Lake Tekapo itself. Located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the world’s largest and most celebrated celestial viewing points, the area’s exceptionally low light pollution creates almost impossibly clear views of the stars at night. As night falls, the Milky Way stretches across the sky above, while the Southern Cross emerges crystal clear overhead. For a memorable Halloween escape, travelers can join a  Silver River stargazing experience (named after the Milky Way, also known as the ‘Silver River’) or even  soak in hot pools while gazing up at the stars. By day, the surrounding landscapes are just as dramatic, with snow-capped mountains, golden tussock (native New Zealand grass) and glacial lakes creating an almost cinematic backdrop. Once darkness descends across the town, the region takes on a mysterious and eerie feel – perfect for an atmospheric Halloween escape like no other.

Where to stay: Bunker House
Tucked into the Lake Tekapo hillside among farmland, this spacious, subterranean-style holiday home with two bedrooms and bathrooms is the perfect luxury stay for families and groups wanting an isolated dark sky retreat. The home's expansive glass front provides uninterrupted views of the starry sky at night and thousands of hectares of golden highland by day. Between stargazing, guests can curl up in front of the log burner, relax in the hot tub, gather in the fully equipped kitchen or simply embrace the darkness this October 31 and beyond.

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Surrounded by the otherworldly landscapes of Chile’s vast and arid Atacama Desert, those visiting the historic, high-altitude ‘oasis’ town of San Pedro de Atacama will feel like they’ve stepped onto another planet. Atacama is the world’s driest non-polar desert and is renowned for its exceptionally clear skies, extreme aridity and minimal light pollution, providing some of the world’s best conditions for observing the cosmos. Travelers can book a  guided astronomical tour where they’ll have the chance to use powerful telescopes to discover southern hemisphere constellations, distant galaxies and planets. During the day, San Pedro de Atacama’s surrounding geography of towering mountains and active volcanoes adds to the destination’s surreal atmosphere. Vast salt flats, volcanic peaks and sculptural rock formations of nearby Valle de la Luna, also called Moon Valley for its striking moon-like appearance, is a surreal landscape of salt, sand and rock formations shaped by wind and time, taking on a haunting lunar appearance both day and night. For the truly adventurous, local sandboarding tours are a popular and exhilarating way to experience Atacama’s flowing sand dunes, with some local operators even offering night sessions lit by the light of the moon.

Where to stay: Explora en Atacama
This multi-award-winning all-inclusive lodge in Chile's Atacama Desert offers guests 40-plus options to explore the surrounding haunting salt flats, volcanoes and dunes by foot, horseback or bicycle. The ultimate dark sky escape, guests will experience otherworldly beauty by day before stargazing beneath starlit skies from the onsite observatory by night. Just 10 minutes’ walk from San Pedro de Atacama, and with double and twin rooms and suites, it’s where cosmic mystery and eerie desert magic come alive.

Moab, Utah, USA

Surrounded by deep canyons and vast desert landscapes, Moab, a small city in eastern Utah along the Colorado River, appears almost unreal once the sun disappears. Famed for its awe-inspiring red-rock canyons by day, the region has some of the darkest night skies in the United States - a country known for its love of Halloween and array of annual celebrations. In Moab, the town comes alive for spooky season with decorating contests, costume contests and pumpkin painting. But for Halloween travelers wanting to explore the cosmos in all its wonder, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks just minutes outside of Moab offer spectacular conditions for eerily good stargazing. With certified International Dark Sky conditions, which ensure minimal light pollution and optimal viewing conditions, the parks’ high elevation and dry conditions enhance the visibility of spectacular cosmic sights such as meteor showers. Under the right conditions and with binoculars, it is even possible to spot the rings of Saturn. For the ultimate journey through the Moab night sky during the depths of Halloween and year round, travelers can book a  Professional Stargazing in Moab tour. Over two hours, attendees learn to locate seasonal triangles, constellations and visible planets while guides share stories about ancient civilizations, Greek mythology and the evolution of the cosmos – all the makings of a Halloween like no other.

Where to stay: Red Cliffs Lodge Moab
Built amongst stunning, 2000-foot red cliffs along the Colorado River, guests at this resort will think they’ve stepped right into the scene of a Western. Spacious suites and private, standalone cabins sleeping up to six, a river-front restaurant, heated outdoor swimming pool and access to local horse-riding and white-water rafting make for a truly memorable stay in Utah’s red rock country.

Kiruna, Sweden

Deep in Swedish Lapland, Sweden’s northernmost city of Kiruna offers a Halloween experience where darkness becomes the main attraction. As autumn takes hold, the nights grow longer and the Arctic wilderness surrounding the city becomes the perfect setting for searching for the Northern Lights. From September onwards, travelers have the chance to watch ribbons of green, pink and violet light sweep across the night sky, creating an eerie yet spectacular natural phenomenon that feels like something from another world. Visitors can head into the wilderness by dogsled, snowmobile or on foot in search of the aurora, with the best viewing often taking place during the late evening and early morning hours. Just outside Kiruna, Abisko National Park is renowned for its particularly favorable conditions for aurora viewing. During the day travelers can explore the remote Arctic landscape, learn about the traditions and heritage of the Indigenous Sámi people of northern Scandinavia, or visit the IceHotel in the neighboring village of Jukkasjärvi, one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions.

Where to stay: Reindeer Lodge
Experience Swedish Lapland’s magic at this authentic Kiruna stay. With family rooms in traditional Scandinavian tents and cozy cabins, guests are greeted by reindeer and the Northern Lights dancing across the sky in the mornings, with the chance to unwind with hot cocoa by the outdoor fireplace at night. With a sauna, hot tub, shared kitchen, and barbecue, the lodge is an unforgettable escape where ancient Arctic traditions meet cosmic wonder, perfect for an ethereal stay full of fairytale-like wonder.

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Stretching along Western Australia’s remote Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, colorful coral gardens and the chance to encounter majestic local marine life, such as whale sharks, manta rays and turtles. After sunset, this World Heritage-listed destination reveals an entirely different side; with minimal light pollution and vast stretches of untouched coastal landscape, the region provides exceptional conditions for stargazing. Here, nighttime has its own kind of magic, where stunning constellations and celestial objects visible only from the Southern Hemisphere create a truly breathtaking scene, not for those traveling during Halloween but all year round. The  Ningaloo turtle watch and stargazing tour is one not to miss, offering travelers the chance to relax with a light snack and a cool drink as they watch the sunset and observe female turtle nesting habits before stargazing in Ningaloo’s unspoiled dark skies.

Where to stay:  Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Hidden in the white sand dunes of Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park, this breathtaking exclusive safari camp will leave guests in awe of its mesmerizing beachfront setting. With 15 spacious wilderness tents with ensuite bathrooms, guests sleep mere meters from the water’s edge. After days spent turtle watching and sea kayaking, guests can enjoy five-star, chef-prepared meals made with local ingredients served outdoors with clear views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean before evenings of stargazing. 
 

* Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.

This extends Booking.com’s long standing association with UEFA’s national team football following its partnership with UEFA EURO 2020 and 2024, and UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and 2025.

As part of the renewed partnership, Booking.com will be integrated into the fan ticketing journey for UEFA Nations League Finals, UEFA EURO and UEFA Women’s EURO, helping supporters plan their tournament experience. This includes visibility during the ticket-purchase process and contributions to the Event Guide, offering travelling fans useful information as they prepare for the tournament.

Booking.com will also activate the partnership through two digital content-based sponsorship and engagement programmes, alongside a range of partnership rights, including on-site and LED visibility.

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA executive director of marketing, said: "We are delighted to renew our partnership with Booking.com, a long-standing partner of UEFA and a global leader in the travel industry. Building on the success of our collaboration at UEFA EURO 2024 and UEFA Women's EURO 2025, this partnership now expands across a broader range of UEFA national team competitions, reflecting the strength of our relationship and creating more opportunities to connect with football audiences. Together, we look forward to further enhance the experience of fans travelling to our tournaments"

Paul Hennessy, Chief Marketing Officer, Booking.com said: “Through our renewed partnership with UEFA, we’re helping fans turn the excitement of an international tournament into memorable travel experiences. From finding a place to stay and discovering local attractions to planning the wider journey, we want to make it easier for everyone to follow their team and experience more of the destinations hosting these tournaments. We look forward to supporting fans across UEFA EURO 2028 and UEFA Women’s EURO 2029.”

UEFA EURO 2028 will take place across nine stadiums in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and UEFA Women’s EURO 2029 will be hosted in Germany.

With 69% of travelers saying they’d take a trip to test their relationship compatibility, Booking.com is collaborating with 9 partner hotels across the U.S. to offer experiences that reveal how well companions handle the moments that can make – or break – a trip. Think conversation starters, custom games to uncover travel “icks,” blind taste challenges, and more, customized by each property for limited-time stays beginning September 14, 2026 (see the full list below).

To shape the Turbulence Test stays, Booking.com commissioned new research to reveal the top travel “icks” among American travelers. The company also partnered with Dr. Jess Carbino, a relationship expert and renowned sociologist known for her work with popular dating apps, to unpack the findings and explore what they reveal about compatibility on the road.

When travel reveals the truth about a relationship

One-third (32%) of U.S. travelers say travel compatibility is extremely important for a relationship. The numbers suggest they may be onto something: more than one-third (35%) say they have discovered a companion was incompatible with them after a trip, nearly 3 in 10 (28%) have considered ending a relationship or friendship because of a trip, and more than a fifth (21%) have left a trip early because of a bad travel partner.

"Travel can help reveal aspects of what we desire from and how we function in relationships," says relationship expert Dr. Jess Carbino. "It forces you to confront who you actually are, what you value, and whether the people you're with align with that. It's like relationship acceleration —- months of everyday tension show up in days."

Money: The conversation most travelers aren't having before they book

Money kills more travel relationships than anything else. Nearly 6 in 10 travelers (58%) would hesitate to travel again with someone who expects everyone else to pay, and 42% of travelers say that someone booking surprise upgrades or activities causes the most tension. The tension doesn't stop there: two in 5 travelers (39%) would second guess traveling again with people who won't spend money on experiences, and more than 1 in 3 (37%) hate constant price negotiations.

"Money conflicts during travel aren't really about the money," Dr. Carbino says. "They're about respect. When someone refuses to contribute or splurges without thinking about their travel partner, they're signaling something deeper—they lack a sense of boundaries and may not respect yours."

Icks while on the trip: Plane etiquette and mattress mishaps

Nearly all U.S. travelers (94%) say they have at least one in-flight pet peeve. Being rude to airport employees or flight attendants tops the list (53%). Playing videos without headphones (42%) and bringing strong-smelling food on board (38%) follow closely. Seat preference adds another layer: Men are more annoyed by sitting separately on a flight (22% vs. 15% of women). In fact, 26% of women say it's no problem at all. Yet in a finding that may surprise even frequent flyers, nearly three-quarters (73%) of travelers are unbothered by a companion who goes barefoot during a flight.

The annoyances don't stop once you touch down, either. When it comes to hotel habits, a partner who refuses to check the mattress for bed bugs is a travel turnoff for nearly half of travelers (45%). This is true for 60% of women vs. 40% of men. On the road, leaving trash in the car (50%) edges out reckless driving (49%) as the most annoying road trip behavior. This near-tie speaks volumes about how travelers weigh cleanliness.

Generational divide: Millennials holding grudges and Boomers craving quiet

Millennial travelers emerge as the most emotionally reactive generation in the data. When itinerary disputes arise, 16% of Millennials admit that even if they surrender, someone will quietly hold a grudge, compared with 10% of Gen X and older. Furthermore, Millennials are more likely than other generations to leave a trip early because of a bad travel partner (26%).

"There's a difference between compromising and pretending to compromise," Dr. Carbino explains. "Millennials tend to suppress their feelings rather than work through disagreements, which just builds resentment. It's less about whether they can compromise and more about whether they actually will."

The biggest travel “icks” also differ across generations. Boomers are especially likely to be annoyed by a companion who blasts the music volume (53%) and is tardy (49%). 25% of Millennials say the social butterfly who wants to talk to everyone would be one of the hardest to travel with. On the other hand, Gen Z is especially likely to say that “taking too many photos” is forgivable (30%).

These differences show that compatibility is not about agreeing on everything. It’s about understanding what matters most to the person beside you and finding ways to enjoy the journey together. With flights, stays, rental cars and experiences in one place, Booking.com helps travelers plan the full trip – including the moments that take you from turbulence to a smooth ride.

The stays: Where to take the Turbulence Test

To help travelers navigate the make-or-break moments of travel, participating properties are offering an exclusive, limited-time package on Booking.com that comes with a physical Booking.com Turbulence Test Kit. Partners will challenge each other with a travel-themed conversation deck, "Would You Rather?" dilemmas, "Red Flag / Green Flag" speed rounds, and a blindfold for taste tests, before wrapping up with a survey to get their official compatibility verdict. Paired with property-specific additions like resort credits or local excursions, it’s the ultimate way to see if you're truly travel-compatible.

New York:

• Lotte Hotel New York: This polished 4.5 star midtown hotel is offering a package inclusive of $200 F+B credits.
• Nova Hotel Brooklyn : A contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of Brooklyn gives guests the beloved hotel amenity of late check-out.

California:

• Hotel Zephyr San Francisco: The nautical theme at this Fisherman's Wharf District hotel sets the scene for a playful stay, with Skywheel Tickets, late check-out and an all-time favorite S’mores kit to be enjoyed in their courtyard.

Nevada:

• Circa Resort & Casino - Adults Only: On Fremont Street, this adults-only Vegas resort is offering a package that includes a $50 beverage credit, complimentary 1-hour late check-out and a Legacy Club glass of champagne, among other extras.

Florida:

• Westgate Resorts: Perfect for amusement park fans, this centrally located Orlando hotel is providing 2 tickets to onsite Treasure Island Water Park, a $50 resort credit, 2 bicycle rentals and complimentary mini-golf.
• The Elser Hotel: In downtown Miami, this stylish hotel pairs city and bay views with a range of amenities and a “305 Challenge” – a Miami-themed couples game where you divide up vacation decisions across the stay: one picks the pool spot, the other picks the drinks; one chooses the restaurants, the other books the reservation time.
• Legacy Vacation Resorts Kissimmee: Four outdoor pools give guests plenty of space to unwind, while customized compatibility challenges and a Make Your Own Cocktail amenity add something a little different to the stay.
• Legacy Vacation Resorts Lake Buena Vista + The Fold Orlando: Located just a few miles from Disney and Sea World, partners can enjoy their Make Your Own Mocktail kit between park hopping.

To explore more of Booking.com’s research into relationship dynamics, money habits, and hidden travel pet peeves, visit the Booking.com Newsroom for a deeper look at the findings and full data set: https://news.booking.com/the-turbulence-test-what-travel-really-reveals-about-your-relationships/.

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Methodology: Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 2,010 from the US). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.

• Turbulence Test research commissioned by Booking.com surveyed 1,253 individuals 18 or older, living in the U.S. and having taken an overnight trip within the last 12 months. The survey was fielded using Forsta and the panel was sourced from RepData. Fielding took place in July 2026.

Press Contact: For media inquiries, please contact booking.com@allisonworldwide.com

The findings also show that value does not simply mean finding the lowest price. Nearly nine in 10 U.S. travelers (87%) agree that, when it comes to travel, cheap can sometimes end up being expensive, while 90% say a good trip is not always the cheapest one. Instead, travelers place a premium on avoiding hassles (90%), enjoying memorable experiences (67%), and relaxing without worry (67%).

"Travel continues to be a priority, even as people reassess their spending," says Ian Ackland, Managing Director, Americas at Booking.com. "Unlike material goods, travel offers enduring memories and a profound sense of wellness that enrich one's life significantly. At Booking.com, we make it easier for travelers to have these experiences, reinforcing the deep value that travel holds in enhancing personal fulfillment and moments of connection."

Understanding the Financial Choices Americans Make for Travel

American travelers are willing to go to great lengths to invest in unique travel experiences. The data reveals the extraordinary financial trade-offs travelers make: 48% have taken on additional work or a side job to afford a trip, 39% have charged a trip without knowing how they would pay it off, and 36% have hidden the true cost of a trip from a partner.

The study also found that 69% of travelers have used flexible payment options, such as installment plans and buy-now-pay-later services. The importance of these financing solutions is underscored by the fact that nearly 1 in 4 travelers (24%) say they would be likely to forgo travel entirely if flexible payment options were not available.

Despite these financial trade-offs and the fact that 36% of travelers have avoided checking their bank account or credit card balance after returning home, retrospective satisfaction remains high: While 46% of U.S. travelers spent more than they originally planned on their most recent trip, 94% say certain experiences make a trip worth every penny.

Travel as Life Investment, Not Material Consumption

American travelers increasingly view leisure travel as a cornerstone of their quality of life, surpassing the satisfaction they derive from material goods. A significant 84% of respondents consider travel an investment in their quality of life, while 80% say travel brings more satisfaction than buying material goods. This prioritization translates into concrete financial decisions: More than two in three (68%) prefer to cut back on other day-to-day expenses in order to travel, and 69% feel less guilty spending money on travel than on other purchases.

Why Americans Don't Chase Cheap, They Chase Meaningful Experiences

U.S. travelers are sophisticated consumers who reject the "lowest price wins" mentality. Instead, they prioritize meaningful experiences, financial confidence and peace of mind. Most (90%) say it is important to feel they made good financial choices during their trip. Sixty-nine percent feel less guilty spending on travel than on other purchases, and nearly all (90%) say convenience of experiences is an important part of the overall travel experience.

This data challenges the assumption that price-sensitive consumers are primarily motivated by cost. In fact, travelers demonstrate that they are willing to invest in quality, comfort, and stress-free experiences, and that they understand the hidden costs of budget travel.

Booking.com Makes It Easy to Maximize Value 

Booking.com is designed to make planning simpler, easier, and more seamless. Travelers can compare routes and pricing through Flight Search Summaries, access instant discounts with seasonal promotions like Getaway Deals, and sign up for Genius to unlock additional perks like price alerts and travel rewards. 

For those looking to maximize value over time, the Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers an immediate path to Genius Level 3 status for discounts and room upgrades, while earning Travel Credits on every eligible purchase to help fuel their next journey. 

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Methodology

The Booking.com survey was conducted by HarrisX online among 1,332 travelers in the United States between August 6, 2026 – August 11, 2026. Travelers are defined as those who took at least one overnight leisure trip in the past 12 months. Respondents had the option to complete the survey in English or Spanish. Respondents were recruited through opt-in, web-panel sampling. Recruitment occurs through a broad variety of professional, validated respondent panels to expand the sampling frame as wide as possible and minimize the impact of any given panel on recruiting methods.

The sampling margin of error of this survey is +/- 2.7 percentage points. Margins of error for subgroups are larger and vary depending on sample size. U.S. results were weighted by gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and income where necessary to align with the demographic composition of the U.S. adult traveler population. Canadian results were weighted by gender, age, region, and income where necessary to align with the demographic composition of the Canadian adult traveler population.