Best travel stocks to invest in 2026

The travel sector continues its strong recovery as global tourism rebounds and consumer spending on experiences increases. Are you looking for exposure to companies benefiting from renewed travel demand and digital booking platforms?

Booking Holdings operates leading online travel agencies including Booking.com and Priceline, connecting travelers with accommodations and transportation worldwide. Airbnb provides a global marketplace for short-term rentals and unique experiences, disrupting traditional hospitality with its community-driven platform. Expedia Group offers comprehensive travel booking services across multiple brands, serving both leisure and business travelers with flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

Travel companies offer compelling growth opportunities as tourism volumes return to pre-pandemic levels and digital adoption accelerates. These are among the best travel stocks for 2026.

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Before we dive into each company, let`s take a look at how your investment would have performed if you had invested in stocks mentioned in this article.

Now, let`s take a closer look at each of the companies:

• Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)

  Royal Caribbean Group is the world`s second-largest cruise company, operating a global fleet of cruise ships under multiple brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Azamara, serving millions of passengers annually across diverse itineraries and market segments. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company has evolved from a small Caribbean cruise operator into a global vacation experiences provider with innovative ship designs, diverse destinations, and comprehensive onboard amenities that cater to various demographics and travel preferences. The company has built its market leadership through continuous fleet expansion, technological innovation, and strategic brand positioning, establishing itself as a premier provider of cruise vacations with strong brand recognition and customer loyalty across international markets.

  Royal Caribbean operates through integrated cruise operations that encompass ship design and construction, itinerary planning, onboard services, destination development, and comprehensive vacation experiences across Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Asia, and other global destinations. The company`s core activities include cruise operations, onboard revenue generation through dining, entertainment, and retail services, private destination development, and ancillary services such as shore excursions and beverage packages, with particular expertise in creating innovative ship amenities and immersive vacation experiences. With the cruise industry`s recovery from pandemic impacts, growing global middle-class demand for experiential travel, and increasing penetration in emerging markets, Royal Caribbean is strategically positioned to capitalize on expanding opportunities in the global leisure travel and vacation experiences market.

  Royal Caribbean Cruises financial statements

  Analysts recommendation: 1.79

  Financial Health

  • Return on assets (ROA): 7.46%
  • Return on equity (ROE): 46.68%
  • Return on investment (ROI): 13.14%

  Profitability

  • Gross margin: 50.28%
  • Operating margin: 33.14%
  • Net profit margin: 23.32%

  Growth

  • EPS (past 5 years): 4.1%
  • EPS (current): 14.85
  • EPS estimate (next quarter): 5.69
  • EPS growth (this year): 36.3%
  • EPS growth (next year): 16.07%
  • EPS growth (next 5 years): 21.13%
  • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 44.78%
  • Sales growth (past 5 years): 8.52%
  • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 5.2%

  💡 Why invest in Royal Caribbean Cruises?

  Royal Caribbean's brand strength and operational excellence create pathways for sustained growth in the cruise industry:

  • Travel Recovery Tailwinds: Pent-up demand for experiential travel and cruise vacations drives strong booking momentum and pricing power as consumers prioritize memorable vacation experiences over material purchases.
  • Cruise Innovation Leadership: Industry-leading ship designs, onboard amenities, and technological innovations create competitive advantages and premium pricing opportunities that differentiate Royal Caribbean from competitors.
  • Diversified Revenue Streams: Balanced business model combining cruise fares, onboard spending, and ancillary services provides multiple revenue optimization opportunities and higher per-passenger profitability.
  • Global Market Expansion: Growing presence in emerging markets including Asia and strategic destination development create new growth opportunities and reduce dependence on traditional North American markets.

  🐌 Key considerations before investing in Royal Caribbean Cruises

  Royal Caribbean faces operational and market challenges that could impact its cruise trajectory and financial performance:

  • Cruise Economic Sensitivity: Cruise vacations are discretionary purchases that become vulnerable during economic downturns, recession fears, and consumer spending reductions that can impact booking volumes and pricing power.
  • Fixed Cost Structure: Significant ship ownership costs, fuel expenses, and operational overhead create earnings leverage that amplifies both positive and negative impacts from capacity utilization changes and market conditions.
  • Health Safety Risks: Cruise operations face inherent risks from health outbreaks, weather disruptions, and safety incidents that can create operational challenges and negative publicity affecting future bookings.
  • Environmental Regulatory Compliance: Increasing environmental regulations and sustainability requirements drive compliance costs and may limit operational flexibility in certain destinations and cruise itineraries worldwide.

  Final thoughts on Royal Caribbean Cruises

  Royal Caribbean`s brand leadership, innovation capabilities, and positioning in the recovering cruise industry create compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to experiential travel and leisure services. However, investors must carefully consider economic sensitivity, operational leverage, and industry-specific risks that characterize the cruise and leisure travel sector. The company`s operational scale, diverse revenue streams, and global expansion provide competitive advantages in serving growing vacation demand.

• DO & CO (VI:DOC)

  DO & CO Aktiengesellschaft is an Austrian company specializing in premium catering services for airlines, events, and upscale hospitality venues. The company was founded in 1981 in Vienna, Austria, and has since grown into a global leader in high-end culinary solutions. Known for its focus on quality, innovation, and luxury, DO & CO has built strong partnerships with top airlines, sports organizations, and gourmet restaurants worldwide.

  The company`s core business revolves around three main segments: airline catering, international event catering, and restaurant, hotel, and retail operations. DO & CO provides tailor-made dining experiences for some of the world`s most prestigious airlines, including Emirates and Turkish Airlines, while also handling catering for major events like Formula 1 and UEFA football tournaments. Its luxury-focused approach and commitment to high-quality ingredients set it apart in the global food service industry.

  DO & CO financial statements

  Analysts recommendation: 1.95

  Financial Health

  • Return on assets (ROA): 10.17%
  • Return on equity (ROE): 30.71%
  • Return on investment (ROI): -0.23%

  Profitability

  • Gross margin: 25.81%
  • Operating margin: 8.61%
  • Net profit margin: 4.23%

  Growth

  • EPS (past 5 years): 52.84%
  • EPS (current): 9.26
  • EPS estimate (next quarter): 0.06
  • EPS growth (this year): 4.2%
  • EPS growth (next year): 47.68%
  • EPS growth (next 5 years): -5.3%
  • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): -237.83%
  • Sales growth (past 5 years): 16.84%
  • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 7.8%

  💡 Why invest in DO & CO?

  DO & CO's position in hospitality and catering offers advantages for investors seeking exposure to the luxury-oriented sector:

  • Diversified Revenue Portfolio: With operations spanning airline catering, international events, and hospitality venues, DO & CO maintains reduced reliance on any single market segment, providing operational stability and risk mitigation.
  • Global Market Presence: The company`s extensive international reach allows it to effectively tap into various geographic markets and cater to diverse customer preferences across multiple continents and cultural segments.
  • Premium Service Focus: DO & CO strategically positions itself as a luxury brand, catering to high-end clientele with sophisticated demands for exceptional culinary experiences and premium service quality standards.
  • Growth Market Exposure: The global tourism and events industries offer significant growth opportunities for DO & CO to expand its operations, particularly in emerging markets and premium hospitality segments.

  🐌 Key considerations before investing in DO & CO

  Before investing in DO & CO, consider these potential challenges facing the hospitality and catering business:

  • Economic Cycle Sensitivity: The hospitality and travel industries experience cyclical fluctuations, with economic downturns significantly impacting demand for premium services and luxury dining experiences across all market segments.
  • Hospitality Sector Volatility: Hospitality and catering sensitivity to travel demand, economic conditions, and spending patterns creates earnings volatility. which impacts overall business performance and business resilience.
  • Operational Management Complexity: Managing diverse operations across different countries, cultural contexts, and business segments creates significant complexity that requires sophisticated management systems and operational expertise.
  • Key Client Dependency: While DO & CO maintains a diversified client base, substantial reliance on major airline partnerships and large event contracts can create revenue volatility and concentration risk.

  Final thoughts on DO & CO

  DO & CO`s focus on premium culinary experiences, global reach, and exposure to growing hospitality and events industries create compelling opportunities for long-term investors seeking luxury sector exposure. However, the cyclical nature of the industry, competitive pressures, and operational complexities require careful evaluation of potential risks and market dynamics. Like a master chef creating exceptional dining experiences, DO & CO combines culinary artistry with strategic positioning to serve discerning clients across multiple premium market segments.

• Scandic Hotels Group (ST:SHOT)

  Scandic Hotels Group AB is the largest hotel operator in the Nordic region, providing accommodation and hospitality services across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Germany through a portfolio of approximately 280 hotels with over 58,000 rooms. Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the company has established itself as the leading hospitality brand in Northern Europe by focusing on accessible, sustainable, and customer-centric hotel experiences that cater to both business and leisure travelers. Scandic Hotels has built a strong market position through strategic acquisitions, organic growth, and a commitment to environmental sustainability that resonates with Nordic values and customer preferences.

  The company`s core operations encompass hotel management, franchise operations, and hospitality services delivered through a network of owned, leased, and franchised properties that serve diverse customer segments including corporate travelers, conference organizers, and leisure guests. Scandic Hotels differentiates itself through its focus on accessibility for disabled guests, environmental sustainability initiatives, and Nordic design aesthetics that create distinctive brand experiences. With the recovery of travel demand post-pandemic, growing business travel activity, and increasing focus on sustainable tourism, Scandic Hotels is positioned to capitalize on the normalization of hospitality markets while leveraging its dominant Nordic market position and operational expertise.

  Scandic Hotels Group financial statements

  Analysts recommendation: 2.4

  Financial Health

  • Return on assets (ROA): 3.22%
  • Return on equity (ROE): 21.07%
  • Return on investment (ROI): 7.2%

  Profitability

  • Gross margin: 50.82%
  • Operating margin: 18.74%
  • Net profit margin: 3.35%

  Growth

  • EPS (past 5 years): -12.4%
  • EPS (current): 3.41
  • EPS estimate (next quarter): 9.8
  • EPS growth (this year): 4.4%
  • EPS growth (next year): 24.7%
  • EPS growth (next 5 years): 18.9%
  • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): 89.4%
  • Sales growth (past 5 years): 2.8%
  • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 3.1%

  💡 Why invest in Scandic Hotels Group?

  352 presents fundamental strengths that position it well for investors seeking stable returns and growth prospects:

  • Nordic Market Dominance: Scandic Hotels Group offers compelling strengths in sustainable hospitality operations supporting long-term investor growth. This creates significant challenges for affecting long-term sustainability and growth
  • Environmental Sustainability Pioneer: Strong Nordic market presence and premium positioning support stable revenue generation and market share protection. creating operational difficulties that must be addressed business resilience.
  • Diversified Customer Segments: Sustainability initiatives and environmental leadership attract socially conscious investors seeking responsible hospitality exposure. across all operational segments. necessitating careful monitoring.
  • Travel Recovery Momentum: Digital innovation and technology investments enhance guest experience and operational efficiency supporting competitive positioning. in the competitive marketplace. requiring careful management.

  🐌 Key considerations before investing in Scandic Hotels Group

  Investors should consider Scandic's economic cycle exposure and regulatory pressures in the competitive hospitality sector:

  • Economic Cycle Vulnerability: Economic sensitivity impacts business performance during recessions as travel spending declines significantly. in the competitive marketplace. requiring careful strategic planning.
  • Regional Market Concentration: Labor cost pressures and union negotiations create operational challenges affecting profitability margins substantially. creating operational difficulties that must be addressed strategic objectives.
  • Fixed Cost Burden: Intense competition from global hotel chains pressures pricing power and market share in Nordic markets. which fundamentally shapes the company's strategic positioning and market dynamics.
  • Competitive Market Dynamics: Regulatory requirements and environmental standards increase compliance costs and capital expenditure requirements. This creates significant challenges for This creates significant challenges for

  Final thoughts on Scandic Hotels Group

  Scandic Hotels Group`s Nordic market leadership, sustainability focus, diversified revenue base, and post-pandemic recovery positioning create compelling opportunities for investors seeking exposure to the hospitality sector recovery and Nordic travel market growth. However, the company`s economic sensitivity, geographic concentration, high fixed costs, and competitive pressures require careful evaluation of the cyclical nature of hospitality investing. Like a resilient hospitality leader who adapts to changing travel patterns, Scandic Hotels offers recovery potential for investors who understand both the opportunities and challenges of the evolving Nordic hospitality landscape.

• International Consolidated Airlines (L:IAG)

  International Consolidated Airlines Group SE is a global airline holding company headquartered in Spain, operating multiple carriers across European and international routes. Founded in 2011 through a merger of legacy carriers, the company has established a significant presence in aviation. The airline group operates scheduled services, cargo operations, and ancillary revenue streams across a diversified geographic footprint.

  The consolidated airline group benefits from operational synergies, route network optimization, and cost structure improvements across subsidiaries. Management continues to invest in modern aircraft and sustainable aviation technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company navigates post-pandemic recovery while maintaining competitive positioning in increasingly crowded aviation markets.

  International Consolidated Airlines financial statements

  Analysts recommendation: N/A

  Financial Health

  • Return on assets (ROA): 7.33%
  • Return on equity (ROE): 58.3%
  • Return on investment (ROI): N/A

  Profitability

  • Gross margin: 29.64%
  • Operating margin: 22.26%
  • Net profit margin: 9.3%

  Growth

  • EPS (past 5 years): N/A
  • EPS (current): 0.56
  • EPS estimate (next quarter): N/A
  • EPS growth (this year): 3.1%
  • EPS growth (next year): N/A
  • EPS growth (next 5 years): N/A
  • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): N/A
  • Sales growth (past 5 years): N/A
  • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 0%

  💡 Why invest in International Consolidated Airlines?

  International Consolidated Airlines provides operational advantages supporting competitive positioning in airline industry:

  • Network Integration Benefits: Comprehensive European network with multiple hubs provides connectivity, code-share benefits, and premium route positioning for passenger revenues. across all operational segments.
  • Fleet Modernization Benefits: Modern aircraft with fuel-efficient engines reduces operating costs, maintenance expenses, and improves environmental positioning. throughout the business cycle. requiring proactive approaches.
  • Merger Synergy Creation: Substantial cost synergies from consolidated operations eliminate duplicate functions, achieve procurement advantages, and optimize routes. to maintain market leadership position. requiring careful management.
  • Multiple Revenue Sources: Cargo operations, ancillary services, and passenger revenues provide business diversification reducing reliance on any single source. across all operational segments. demanding strategic planning.

  🐌 Key considerations before investing in International Consolidated Airlines

  International Consolidated Airlines faces significant external challenges affecting financial performance and shareholder returns:

  • Cyclical Sensitivity Risk: High sensitivity to fuel prices, economic downturns, and geopolitical events creates volatility affecting profitability. creating operational difficulties that must be addressed business resilience.
  • Intense Competitive Pressures: Intense competition from global carriers and low-cost airlines pressures pricing power, margins, and market growth. creating operational difficulties that must be addressed strategic objectives.
  • Regulatory Environment Pressures: Stringent environmental regulations, labor agreements, and safety standards increase compliance costs and operational complexity. throughout the business cycle. requiring careful strategic planning.
  • Labor Relations Challenges: Union negotiations, pilot contracts, and labor pressures create operational disruptions affecting service quality and margins. affecting long-term sustainability and growth financial stability.

  Final thoughts on International Consolidated Airlines

  International Consolidated Airlines Group leverages its strong brand portfolio and extensive network to navigate the competitive and volatile airline industry. While benefiting from merger synergies and a diversified market approach, it remains highly exposed to external shocks, intense competition, and regulatory pressures. Like a fleet of aircraft navigating turbulent skies, IAG continues to adapt to changing market conditions and global challenges to maintain its position as a leading airline group.

• Booking (NYSE:BKNG)

  Booking Holdings is a global leader in online travel and related services, connecting millions of travelers with accommodations, transportation, and experiences worldwide. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, the company has grown into one of the most influential players in the travel industry. Through its portfolio of brands, including Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, and Kayak, Booking Holdings facilitates seamless travel planning across more than 220 countries and territories.

  The company`s core business revolves around providing a digital marketplace where users can book hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. Leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, Booking Holdings enhances the travel experience with personalized recommendations and competitive pricing. By continuously innovating and expanding its services, the company remains at the forefront of the global travel sector, helping millions of customers navigate their journeys with convenience and confidence.

  Booking financial statements

  Analysts recommendation: 1.7

  Financial Health

  • Return on assets (ROA): 20.25%
  • Return on equity (ROE): N/A
  • Return on investment (ROI): 55.88%

  Profitability

  • Gross margin: 86.99%
  • Operating margin: 44.9%
  • Net profit margin: 19.37%

  Growth

  • EPS (past 5 years): 9.08%
  • EPS (current): 153.46
  • EPS estimate (next quarter): 49.81
  • EPS growth (this year): 13.5%
  • EPS growth (next year): 14.93%
  • EPS growth (next 5 years): 15.77%
  • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): -55%
  • Sales growth (past 5 years): 9.52%
  • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 12.7%

  💡 Why invest in Booking?

  Booking Holdings offers several potential advantages for investors seeking exposure to the online travel industry:

  • Worldwide Market Presence: The company operates in over 220 countries and territories, providing access to a vast network of travel suppliers and customers while generating diversified revenue streams across global markets.
  • Market Leadership Position: Dominant position in online travel booking creates network effects, pricing power, and durable competitive advantages in market. in the current economic environment. requiring proactive approaches.
  • Dominant Brand Portfolio: The Booking.com brand is well-known and trusted by travelers worldwide, driving customer loyalty, repeat bookings, and strong market positioning in the competitive online travel agency landscape.
  • Advanced Technology Platform: Booking Holdings leverages artificial intelligence, data analytics, and technology to provide a seamless and efficient booking experience, personalized recommendations, and competitive pricing for customers.

  🐌 Key considerations before investing in Booking

  Investors should consider Booking's competitive pressures and regulatory exposure in online travel booking sector:

  • Travel Demand Cyclicality: The travel industry is highly cyclical, and economic downturns, recessions, or global disruptions can significantly impact travel demand, booking volumes, and overall revenue performance.
  • Intense OTA Competition: The online travel market is highly competitive, with other OTAs, metasearch engines, and direct-to-consumer channels vying for customers, creating ongoing pressure on commission rates and market share.
  • Foreign Exchange Exposure: Booking Holdings' operations span multiple countries, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates can significantly impact financial results, revenue translation, and profitability across international markets.
  • Regulatory Oversight Exposure: Regulatory scrutiny on commissions, data privacy concerns, and market concentration issues may impact financial performance. which necessitates careful management and planning stakeholder value.

  Final thoughts on Booking

  Booking Holdings demonstrates commanding market position in online travel with high-margin business model supporting consistent profitability and strong cash generation. The platform benefits from network effects, pricing power, and data advantages that create durable competitive moats in the global travel booking industry. For investors seeking exposure to travel recovery with strong cash generation, Booking represents an attractive platform opportunity.

• Qantas Airways (AX:QAN)

  Qantas Airways Limited is Australia's largest domestic and international airline operating passenger and freight services across Australia, Asia, the Americas, and other global destinations. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Sydney, the company has established itself as Australia's flag carrier with a portfolio of airline brands including Qantas, Jetstar, and QantasLink serving premium and value market segments. The company has demonstrated operational resilience through strong domestic market positions, strategic international partnerships, and diversified revenue streams across passenger travel, freight, and loyalty programs.

  The company's core business encompasses full-service and low-cost airline operations, freight services, aircraft maintenance, and the Qantas Frequent Flyer loyalty program serving millions of members across Australia and internationally. Qantas operates an extensive domestic network with dominant market share, strategic international routes leveraging partnerships with oneworld alliance members, and complementary businesses that enhance profitability and customer retention. Looking ahead, the company continues to modernize its fleet, expand premium offerings, optimize network capacity, and pursue operational efficiencies while navigating competitive pressures and evolving travel demand patterns in the post-pandemic aviation environment.

  Qantas Airways financial statements

  Analysts recommendation: N/A

  Financial Health

  • Return on assets (ROA): 6.99%
  • Return on equity (ROE): 298.05%
  • Return on investment (ROI): N/A

  Profitability

  • Gross margin: 33.36%
  • Operating margin: 9.01%
  • Net profit margin: 6.74%

  Growth

  • EPS (past 5 years): N/A
  • EPS (current): 1.04
  • EPS estimate (next quarter): N/A
  • EPS growth (this year): 93%
  • EPS growth (next year): N/A
  • EPS growth (next 5 years): N/A
  • EPS growth (quarter-over-quarter): N/A
  • Sales growth (past 5 years): N/A
  • Sales growth (quarter-over-quarter): 8.2%

  💡 Why invest in Qantas Airways?

  Like a dominant flag carrier with diversified operations, Qantas Airways demonstrates compelling competitive advantages:

  • Domestic Market Leadership: Commanding market share in Australian domestic aviation provides pricing power, network advantages, and competitive moats through slot control at major airports and established customer relationships.
  • Strong Brand Leadership: Strong brand recognition as Australia's leading carrier supports premium pricing, customer loyalty, and market share protection. which necessitates careful management and planning stakeholder value.
  • Multiple Revenue Streams: Multiple revenue streams from passengers, cargo, and ancillary services provide diversification reducing reliance on single source. throughout the business cycle. necessitating careful monitoring.
  • Geographic Protection Benefits: Australia's isolated geography and limited competition on key international routes provide natural barriers to entry and support premium pricing on long-haul services to major global destinations.

  🐌 Key considerations before investing in Qantas Airways

  Investors should consider Qantas Airways' cyclical challenges and external pressures affecting financial stability and returns:

  • Fuel Cost Volatility: Significant exposure to jet fuel prices creates earnings volatility and margin pressure when energy costs rise faster than the company can adjust fares or implement hedging strategies effectively.
  • Economic Sensitivity Exposure: Economic sensitivity, travel demand fluctuations, and consumer spending patterns create earnings volatility affecting predictability. in the competitive marketplace. necessitating careful monitoring.
  • International Competition Intensifying: Growing competition from Middle Eastern and Asian carriers on key routes pressures international market share and profitability while limiting pricing power on competitive long-haul services.
  • Market Cycle Vulnerability: Airline industry cyclicality exposes the company to demand fluctuations during economic downturns, travel disruptions, and external shocks that can rapidly deteriorate profitability and cash flow generation.

  Final thoughts on Qantas Airways

  Qantas Airways' domestic market leadership, loyalty program value, and dual brand strategy provide strong competitive positioning in the Australian aviation market. However, investors must weigh the company's fuel cost volatility, labor relations challenges, intensifying international competition, and economic cycle sensitivity that can impact returns. Like a dominant national carrier with geographic advantages, Qantas offers exposure to Australian travel demand and premium international routes with the benefits of market leadership balanced against the inherent volatility and operational complexity of the global airline industry.

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