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Half of Americans believe 2026 will be a “year of nostalgia,” according to new research.
The survey of 2,000 general population Americans revealed that 48% see 2026 as a year focused on nostalgia — and this was especially common among younger respondents, perhaps fueled by social media trends like “2026 is the new 2016.”
Sixty-one percent of Gen Zers surveyed, alongside 54% of millennials, believe 2026 will be focused on nostalgia — compared to 44% of Gen Xers and just 37% of baby boomers.
Commissioned by Visit Anaheim and conducted by Talker Research, the survey explored respondents’ nostalgia, especially when it comes to their travel plans.
Results revealed that vacations and travel will be heavily influenced by nostalgia this year.
For those planning to travel in 2026 (65%), respondents said nostalgia will be impacting their travel destinations (53%), their activities (50%), and who they’re traveling with (31%).
And “nostalgia trips” are expected to peak during the summer. For those taking a trip influenced by nostalgia, 49% said this will happen over the summer.
June is the peak of these nostalgia-focused trips, accounting for 21% of trips.
When asked what year they’re the most nostalgic for, specific results varied greatly across generations, though each group chose a year from their youth.
Younger generations were therefore nostalgic for more recent years: Gen Z would like to relive 2012, and millennials chose 2006. Results found Gen X are wishing for 1996, and baby boomers are looking back fondly on 1985.
“Nostalgia plays a powerful role in how people think about travel,” said Scott Oklin, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Anaheim. “Many travelers are looking to reconnect with places that shaped some of their best memories, whether that’s revisiting a favorite destination or sharing those experiences with a new generation. Travel gives people the chance to relive meaningful moments while creating new ones.”
What’s causing this nostalgia phenomenon? Respondents are embracing nostalgia because it brings them back to a happier time (43%) and provides them with a sense of comfort (41%).
Additionally, they said it helps their mental health (35%), brings them together with their family (31%), and creates a connection with their loved ones (30%).
Over a quarter also shared that nostalgia has been beneficial for their overall wellness (30%) and has allowed them an escape (28%) because there’s too much happening in the world right now (25%).
“Anaheim is a place many people associate with childhood vacations, family traditions, and milestone moments,” said Oklin. “For many travelers, it’s the kind of destination they return to again and again, revisiting experiences that have become part of their family’s story.”
WHY ARE AMERICANS EMBRACING NOSTALGIA?
- It brings me back to a happier time — 43%
- It provides a sense of comfort — 41%
- It helps my mental health — 35%
- It brings me together with my family — 31%
- It creates connection with my loved ones — 30%
- It’s beneficial for my overall wellness — 30%
- I’m looking for an escape — 28%
- There’s too much happening in the world right now — 25%
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Visit Anaheim and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 25 and March 2, 2026.
