From crowd-free itineraries to multigenerational adventures, the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Trend Report reveals how high-end travel is becoming more personal, purposeful, and experience-driven.
In an era where luxury means more than fine hotels and first-class flights, the newly released 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Trend Report offers a window into how affluent travellers are planning to explore the world in the year ahead. Drawing on insights from more than 2,400 travel advisors across 58 countries within the Virtuoso network, the report looks beyond destinations alone, focusing instead on how people want to travel.
The big takeaway from the 2026 report is that luxury travel is becoming more personal and more intentional. Travellers are still willing to invest, but they want those investments to translate into experiences that feel meaningful, restorative, and genuinely memorable — not just impressive on paper.
Top Travel Trends to Watch
According to the report, ten key motivations are shaping how luxury travellers plan their journeys in the year ahead:
Family and Multigenerational Travel Trips are increasingly designed to be shared, with families travelling together across generations to create lasting memories.
Active and Adventure Travel From remote hikes to wildlife encounters, adventure remains central — especially when paired with comfort, expertise, and thoughtful pacing.
Cultural Immersion and Authenticity Travellers are prioritizing experiences that offer real insight into local traditions, food, and communities.
Cruising and Expedition Voyages Ocean, river, and expedition cruising continue to grow, with a stronger focus on meaningful time ashore.
Gastronomy and Spirits Travel Food and drink are no longer just part of the journey — they’re often the reason for choosing a destination in the first place.
Together, these trends point to a larger shift: luxury travel is moving away from checklist tourism and toward experiences that feel story-worthy and deeply personal.
Where Travellers Are Heading in 2026
Italy, Japan, Greece, France, and Croatia continue to lead as the most-requested destinations, offering a mix of culture, cuisine, history, and scenery that appeals across traveller types. Canada also makes the top 10, reflecting growing interest in wide-open landscapes paired with vibrant urban culture.
At the same time, emerging destinations are gaining ground. Places like Iceland, Antarctica, and Morocco are attracting travellers looking for experiences that feel fresh, uncrowded, and emotionally resonant.
How Travellers Have Changed
Beyond destinations, the report highlights several mindset shifts shaping luxury travel today:
Crowd Control Is the New Luxury Avoiding peak crowds has become a priority, with travellers opting for shoulder seasons, alternative routes, and quieter regions to preserve a sense of calm.
Experience Drives Inspiration Film, television, and social media continue to influence where people want to go, sparking interest in destinations seen on screen and shared online.
All-Inclusive, Reimagined Today’s all-inclusive experience is about freedom, not limitation — with private transfers, elevated dining, and bespoke excursions replacing the one-size-fits-all model.
Wellness Is Now Core to Travel Wellness is no longer a niche category. From spa-focused escapes to nature-led retreats, restorative travel experiences are increasingly central, particularly for solo travellers and couples.
What ultimately emerges from the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Trend Report isn’t a checklist of places to visit, but a broader philosophy. Luxury travel in 2026 is less about how many destinations you can fit into a year, and more about how deeply you experience each one.
Ancient civilizations, wild frontiers, and quietly compelling cities are rising to the top as luxury travellers rethink where they want to go in 2026.
Kensington has released its list of top trending destinations for 2026, drawing on internal booking data and insights from its global team of destination experts. Here’s a look at the destinations rising to the top – and why they matter right now.
Egypt (pictured above) is leading the list, with demand up more than 400 percent. The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum has reignited interest, but the real draw is the depth of experience. Travellers are exploring the pyramids, Luxor, and Karnak alongside private Egyptologists who bring ancient history to life through stories rather than statistics. Add in private food tours and cooking classes, and Egypt becomes as sensory as it is monumental.
Kenya continues to be one of the most emotionally powerful trips travellers can take. Demand is up more than 60 percent year over year, driven by the timeless appeal of safari. From families to retirees, travellers are drawn to the Masai Mara and surrounding regions for close encounters with wildlife and vast, cinematic landscapes. Kensington is also seeing strong interest in pairing Kenya with Egypt – a single journey that spans millennia of history and wildly different worlds.
Bhutan remains one of the most transformative destinations on the planet, and interest is growing through Kensington Expeditions. These journeys focus on sustainability, cultural immersion, and personal enrichment. Days might include meditation, forest bathing, cycling through mountain valleys, or receiving a private blessing from local monks. It’s slow, intentional travel that leaves a lasting imprint.
Across Norway and the Nordic region, travellers are leaning into nature-forward experiences with private access. Think exploring dramatic fjords by Zodiac, diving into Copenhagen’s design and Viking history, or joining an Arctic expedition timed to witness a solar eclipse. These trips balance raw landscapes with thoughtful, expert-led planning.
In Asia, Vietnam is gaining serious momentum, with growth nearing 70 percent. Travellers are drawn to its energy – the food, the markets, the history, and the warmth of daily life. Vietnam offers cultural immersion that feels immediate and genuine, especially when experienced alongside knowledgeable local guides.
China is also seeing renewed interest, helped by new visa-free options for Canadian travellers. Demand is rising as travellers rediscover the country’s mix of ancient landmarks and modern cities, from Beijing and Xi’an to Shanghai, all made more accessible through expert-led itineraries.
Costa Rica, long loved for its biodiversity, is being rediscovered from the water. Private yacht journeys allow travellers to reach secluded beaches and marine-rich areas inaccessible by land. The yacht becomes a floating home base, with each day tailored to the guest – swimming, snorkelling, wildlife watching, or simply slowing down.
Costa Rica
Peru
Peru continues to stand out as a “complete” destination. With demand doubling in the past year, it appeals thanks to direct flights, manageable travel times, and an incredible range of experiences – from Machu Picchu and Cusco to Lima’s world-class dining scene and the Amazon. It’s a destination that offers depth without complexity.
Closer to home, Toronto is stepping onto the global stage as a World Cup host city. Beyond the matches, Kensington is curating VIP experiences that showcase the city’s personality – private stadium transfers, helicopter flights over Lake Ontario, behind-the-scenes neighbourhood tours, and hard-to-get restaurant reservations.
Alaska, explored by luxury cruise, is also surging, with bookings up 125 percent. Sailing the Inside Passage offers an intimate way to experience glaciers, wildlife, and remote landscapes, often paired with pre- or post-cruise experiences in Western Canada like glacier flights or wine tours in British Columbia.
Finally, Croatia continues its rise as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. Whether explored by private yacht or on land, travellers are drawn to its island-hopping ease, historic cities like Dubrovnik, and vineyard-rich regions along the Dalmatian Coast – all without the crowds of Western Europe.
With travellers continuing to value authenticity, access, and ease, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for journeys that are not just beautiful, but deeply meaningful.
A new flexible hotel voucher is making the case for giving experiences over things.
If you’ve ever tried to buy a gift for someone who already owns everything they want — or insists they don’t want anything at all — you know the struggle. This year, one idea is quietly gaining traction among frequent travellers and minimalists alike: a single hotel gift card that can be redeemed at a huge range of luxury properties around the world.
Unlike traditional “one brand only” gift certificates, the new Hotel & Spa Resorts voucherworks across thousands of hotels, from big-city towers to remote spa resorts. The appeal is obvious. Instead of guessing where someone might want to go, you give them the freedom to decide — whether that’s a quick weekend escape or a long-dreamed-of trip they finally have a reason to book.
It also taps into a broader shift toward gifting experiences instead of physical items. In an era where people are trying to declutter, travel feels like a splurge that doesn’t add more stuff to their lives. And for last-minute gifters (we see you), this kind of present is instant, elegant, and doesn’t require knowing someone’s clothing size or décor preferences.
Most importantly, it’s the rare gift that becomes a memory: a sunrise somewhere new, a pool they didn’t want to leave, a hotel bathrobe they definitely considered taking home. And on that note, if you’re set on wrapping something, we love the idea of tucking the gift voucher into a plush new robe. Happy gifting!
The tour operator's annual “Voice of a Generation” survey reveals how Gen Z and Millennials plan to explore the world next year.
Every November, Contiki takes the temperature of the next wave of travellers, asking thousands of Canadians aged 18 to 35 what’s actually shaping their plans for the year ahead. The 2025 edition of the Voice of a Generation survey offers a surprisingly candid portrait of what young travellers want — and what they’re willing to sacrifice to make a trip happen.
A few patterns stand out.
Experience wins over everything else
The Netflix-scroll “Where should we go?” debate is real. Seventy percent of respondents say the destination itself is the number-one priority. They’re looking for places that feel right, and they’re increasingly choosing itineraries that are sustainable, culturally immersive, or simply less crowded. Meanwhile, more than one-third say they actively seek out brands that prioritize sustainability.
Nostalgia is stronger than ever
A wave of “show me where I grew up” travel is building: 83 percent say they’d love to recreate a trip from their childhood. It’s partly sentiment, but also practicality, as familiar destinations often feel safer and more comfortable. Many also want to revisit the places their parents once explored.
Money matters (but not in the way you’d expect)
Young Canadians are famously value-driven, and this survey confirms it. Time is just as important as budget: nearly a third are using Buy Now, Pay Later tools to fund their trips, while 55 percent would happily trade a little paid time off for more cash to travel. Many also prioritize paying for vacations over other big purchases.
Travel is increasingly about recharging
Burnout is the quiet engine behind a lot of 2026 plans. Sixty percent of respondents say they’re desperate to pack a bag and disconnect. Even tech-savvy Gen Z admits the phone can stay home — at least for a day — when the point of the trip is to rest. Wellness, slower itineraries, and nature-forward activities are part of the appeal.
Solo travel is no longer niche
Over the past few years, solo travel has gone mainstream, but according to this survey, Gen Z and Millennials aren’t just comfortable with it — they’re thriving on it. Eighty-eight percent said they’re ready to give up their phones for a free trip, and many say connection doesn’t need to be constant. Online interaction may matter, but the real priority is exploration. A significant number even credit travel with helping them manage anxiety, burnout, or daily pressures.
If 2026 has a theme, it’s intention. Young Canadians are travelling with purpose to recharge, to reconnect with old places, to engage more deeply with new ones, and to spend their limited time and money on experiences that feel meaningful.
Form meets function: These pieces prove that good design always travels well.
Blundstone Originals #2501 Boots
All-day comfort meets understated cool in these dark brown leather classics, with a pop of toffee in the side panels. Designed with a patented shock-protection system, they’re made for travellers who want one pair that works everywhere, from cobblestone streets to countryside trails.
Canadian-designed and built to last, this sleek suitcase features an aerospace-grade shell that expands for extra packing space. Durable 360° spinner wheels and a thoughtfully organized interior make every journey a little smoother.
A lesson in understated luxury, these genuine pebbled-leather zip pouches keep smaller travel essentials in place. Use one for toiletries and the other for tech cords, accessories or supplements.
Vibrant and sturdy, this three-piece set from CRAM is made with premium recycled nylon, breathable mesh tops and heavy-duty YKK zippers. Try them once and you’ll wonder how you ever packed without them.
These noise-cancelling headphones combine immersive sound with a design-forward, sculptural silhouette. They’re perfect for tuning out airplane hums or zoning into a favourite podcast mid-flight.
For the hotel room or red-eye flight, Lunya’s washable silk sleep mask is a sensory upgrade—breathable, soft and indulgent. Slip it on and even jet lag feels a little more luxurious.
This chic trio includes a passport holder with a hidden AirTag pocket, a matching luggage tag and a clear pouch for liquids or cords, all crafted with supple yet durable vegan leather. — $65, ca.beistravel.com
Your guide to the biggest cruise, hotel and tour savings hitting this year’s Black Friday.
Black Friday isn’t just for TVs and air fryers anymore. It’s become prime time to lock in next-year adventures at serious savings. Whether you’ve been eyeing an expedition cruise, a European river sailing or a sun-soaked beach escape, some of these offers are bigger and better than ever.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the standout deals across resorts, cruises, tours and more.
Sandals and Beaches have rolled out what they’re calling their biggest Black Friday sale yet. Travellers can get up to 65% off luxury accommodations, plus stackable perks: up to US$1,500 in instant booking credits, a US$200 spa credit on 5+ nights, a US$300 air credit on 7+ nights, and even a free night at select resorts. The offer runs for a limited time and applies across the Caribbean portfolio, including couples-only Sandals and family-friendly Beaches properties.
Royalton Resorts – Unbeatable Black Friday pricing on 2026 getaways
Royalton Resorts is leaning into advance planners with a new Black Friday sale on 2026 stays across its Caribbean and Mexico properties, including Royalton, Planet Hollywood and Mystique Resorts. The campaign promises “massive discounts on dream getaways,” including deals on Diamond Club™ suites, but the exact percentages vary by resort, season and room category – so this one’s best shopped via a trusted advisor or the brand’s site for your dates.
One of Cancun’s buzziest new openings, AVA Resort Cancun, has joined the Black Friday fray with an offer that’s very much “new-kid-on-the-block trying to impress.” Travellers can save up to 55% off, and a five-night stay unlocks US$1,000 in resort credits per room, round-trip transportation, kids and teens staying free, early check-in/late check-out, a hydrotherapy circuit visit, and more. If you want to be among the first to stay at a headline-making property, this is a strong value play.
Excellence is running a broad Black Friday campaign across its adults-only and family-friendly properties in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. With promo code EARLYBLACK, guests can save up to 59% off non-refundable rates for 2026 stays at resorts including Excellence Riviera Cancun, Excellence Playa Mujeres, Excellence Punta Cana, Excellence Oyster Bay and sister brand Finest. It’s a solid chance to lock in suite-level stays at resorts that rarely discount this deeply outside Black Friday.
In Mexico and Los Cabos, Sandos Hotels & Resorts has launched a Black Friday “Big Sale” with up to 35% off, plus layered perks like two kids staying free, US$550 in resort credit, an extra 10% Sandos4U loyalty bonus, interest-free payment plans for some markets and a welcome gift. The promo code RESORT25 applies at Sandos Playacar, Sandos Caracol, Sandos Cancun and Sandos Finisterra for bookings through December 2, 2025.
TAFER Resorts – up to US$2,500 resort credit + kids free
TAFER’s luxury Mexican collection – including Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun – is leaning into value-adds. During the Black Friday sale, travellers can snag up to US$2,500 in resort credits and, at Garza Blanca Cancun, up to two kids stay and eat free, depending on room category. The brand is pushing early access, so many of the best dates will go quickly for 2026 travel.
The Hard Rock all-inclusive properties in Mexico and the Caribbean, including Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, are advertising an Early/Black Friday sale with up to 55% off and “kids stay free” at select resorts. The offers vary by property, but if you’ve been eyeing a music-themed family escape with lots of built-in entertainment, this is the time to price it out.
Hyatt is taking a broad approach this year with a Cyber/Black Friday sale that covers more than 750 properties across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. World of Hyatt members can save up to 30% off, while non-members receive slightly lower discounts (typically around 20–25%). The deal applies to stays from November 20, 2025 through April 30, 2026, with a booking deadline of December 11, 2025. Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection is also participating, with up to 40% off select all-inclusive resorts — a strong option if you’re eyeing AMR Collection-style brands like Secrets, Dreams and Zöetry.
Marriott’s Black Friday/Cyber sale runs November 25 to December 2, 2025, and it’s one of the easiest promos to take advantage of if you’re already a Bonvoy member. Travellers who book through the Marriott Bonvoy app can save up to 25% off, while members booking on the website get 20% off. The offer covers stays between November 30, 2025 and February 22, 2026 across most Marriott brands — from Courtyard and Westin to W Hotels, St. Regis and more. Individual properties may offer deeper reductions around the 30–40% range, but the headline is a clean, globally valid discount that covers everything from city stays to beachfront resorts.
Virgin Voyages is back with its now-signature Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer: buy one Sailor, get the second 80% off, which effectively works out to 40% off for two on most itineraries, plus up to US$400 in bar tab credit depending on the length of the cruise. The promo applies broadly, including new 2027 Alaska sailings from Seattle and Vancouver, Panama Canal routes and Eclipse Voyages.
Royal Caribbean – up to US$1,000 instant savings + combinable Kids Sail Free
Royal Caribbean is running a Cyber Week/Black Friday promotion with up to US$1,000 in instant savings per stateroom, tiered by sailing length and cabin category, on departures from November 2025 onward. On many dates, you can layer this with a Kids Sail Free offer on select sailings of three nights or longer, making family cabins particularly attractive. This one covers a wide range of itineraries, from Perfect Day at CocoCay to Europe and Alaska.
Celebrity’s Black Friday preview is a good fit for couples and groups. The line is offering 75% off the second guest’s cruise fare, up to US$800 in additional savings per stateroom and an extra US$100 bonus savings on Caribbean sailings, including the new Celebrity Xcel. Some third, fourth and fifth guests can sail free on select itineraries, making suite life much more attainable for families.
Norwegian has labelled this its “biggest sale of the year”: travellers get 50% off all cruises, plus the return of the Free at Sea package, which can include unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and more. On top of that, current Black Friday language mentions up to US$1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom on applicable sailings. The offer covers the fleet, including the new Norwegian Aqua and soon-to-launch Norwegian Luna.
Carnival’s Black Friday Early Saver Sale is built around sharp lead-in pricing and low deposits: 2-for-1 deposits, up to US$50 in onboard credit, free room upgrades and up to 40% off cruise rates on sailings through April 2028. It’s classic Carnival – lots of dates, lots of short Caribbean and Mexico runs, and plenty of value for families and first-time cruisers.
Hurtigruten – up to 50% off Norway’s Coastal Express
For something completely different, Hurtigruten has launched a Black Friday sale with up to 50% off its legendary Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries – including the full 12-day roundtrip and shorter northbound/southbound segments – on departures from December 2025 through October 2026. The brand’s newer, premium Signature Voyages (North Cape Line and Svalbard Line) are also in the mix with up to 25% off. If Northern Lights or slow coastal travel have been on your list, this is a rare chance to book at a serious discount.
Uniworld – 12 Days of Christmas event with up to 50% off
Luxury river line Uniworld is bringing back its 12 Days of Christmas event starting on Black Friday. Each weekday for 12 days, a new offer drops – ranging from up to 50% off popular cruises to free trip extensions and waived solo supplements on select sailings in Europe, Egypt, South America and Asia. It’s a bit of a “check daily” situation, but a good one for flexible travellers willing to jump when the right itinerary appears.
Avalon Waterways, Globus & Cosmos – “From Here to Anywhere” sale
The Globus family of brands has packaged its Black Friday promotions into a single “From Here to Anywhere” sale across river cruises and guided tours. For Avalon Waterways, that means savings of up to US$5,200 per couple on select 2026 cruises, with free air and free prepaid gratuities on some departures. Globus tours are offering up to US$1,350 off per couple and up to 30% off select Globus Escapes itineraries, while Cosmos has savings of up to US$550 per couple on value-focused tours.
Toronto-based G Adventures has launched a month-long Black Friday sale with up to 30% off more than 400 trips departing through April 30, 2026, plus additional 10% discounts on over 500 trips for travel between May 1 and August 30, 2026. The sale covers everything from family-friendly Costa Rica and Peru itineraries to classic small-group “18-to-Thirtysomethings” adventures and polar expeditions.
Beyond packages, Exoticca’s Black Friday campaign also reads like a global tour brochure on sale: the company has dropped prices by up to 70% on all destinations, with additional weekly “Hot Deals” that spotlight a rotating cast of best-sellers (think Egypt & Nile, Japan, South Africa, Italy, etc.). The discounts apply to departures through 2026, with limited inventory at the lowest fares.
If you prefer coach touring with most logistics handled, both Globus and Cosmos have layered Black Friday discounts that mirror the river-cruise offers above. Globus is advertising up to US$1,000–1,350 off per couple on select 2026 tours worldwide and 30% off a set of Globus Escapes itineraries in Europe and beyond, while Cosmos trips come with up to US$550 off per couple, depending on destination and date.
From crisp alpine getaways to breezy seaside escapes, these space-saving finds will keep you warm, dry, and stylish — no matter how far the mercury drops.
Kathmandu Epiq SE Jacket Warm yet ultra-packable, this lightweight puffer is made with Q-CYCLE® yarn, a groundbreaking fabric spun from post-consumer waste (including end-of-life car tires).
Fulton Tiny-2 Umbrella Small enough to slip in a crossbody bag, this sturdy windproof umbrella unfolds to shield you from sudden showers without adding bulk to your daypack.
Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves 2.0 Designed for warmth and made with special conductive fibres, these gloves let you snap photos or check maps without peeling them off in the cold.
Prohibition The Lip Balm Blended with premium hemp seed oil, this nourishing, Canadian-made lip balm repairs and protects lips from winter dryness.
From Kenya’s newest safari lodge to Peru’s hidden Incan citadel, these are the destinations luxury travellers will be talking about next year.
After years of shifting travel priorities, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of meaningful exploration. According to Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury travel company that pioneered adventure by day and indulgence by night, travellers are looking beyond bucket lists for journeys that connect them more deeply with culture, nature, and purpose.
“Our guests aren’t just seeking beautiful destinations — they want experiences that challenge perspectives and create lasting impact,” says Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about collecting moments that define a lifetime.”
From Africa’s untamed plains to the icy glow of the Arctic north, A&K’s experts have unveiled the destinations that promise the most transformative experiences in 2026.
Kenya: A New Chapter in Safari Luxury
Amboseli National Park, with its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and vast herds of elephants, continues to captivate travellers. In 2026, the debut of Kitirua Plains Lodge — a new A&K Sanctuary property featuring 13 organic suites within a private concession — will elevate Kenya’s safari scene once again. Together with Olonana in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the trio offers a modern circuit for travellers seeking immersive wildlife encounters and hands-on conservation.
Peru: Machu Picchu’s Secret Sister
While Machu Picchu draws the headlines, Choquequirao — accessible only on foot — remains a rarefied destination for those willing to trek. Often called its “sister city,” the archaeological site receives fewer visitors in a year than Machu Picchu does in a single day. A&K’s new Peru: Trek to Choquequirao expedition blends challenge with cultural reward, tracing Incan history from the heights of the Andes to the Sun Gate itself.
Nile Seray, Egypt
Baines' Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Egypt: The Long-Awaited Reveal
Nearly two decades in the making, Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum is finally set to open in November 2025, housing 100,000 artefacts, including all of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time. A&K is marking the moment with the launch of Nile Seray, a sleek 32-suite cruiser offering rooftop pool decks and private access to the Valley of the Kings. For ultimate seclusion, the Zein Nile Chateau, an intimate dahabiya, channels the spirit of Cleopatra.
Lapland: Northern Lights and Nordic Wellness
The aurora borealis will reach its brightest and most frequent peak in over a decade in 2026, making this the year to head north. A&K’s Adventures in Lapland and Christmas in Lapland itineraries combine light-chasing with reindeer sleigh rides, glass cabins, and ice therapy — the kind of coolcation that restores body and spirit beneath a sky ablaze in green and violet.
Madhya Pradesh, India: Tigers Return to the Spotlight
Half a century after Project Tiger began, India’s wild tiger population has soared by more than 160 percent — a conservation success story best experienced in Madhya Pradesh, where new luxury stays such as Oberoi Vindhyavilas await. A&K’s Tailormade Tiger Tracking in India itinerary combines wildlife viewing with visits to tribal communities and rewilding projects, redefining what a modern safari can be.
Mongolia: Life on the Open Steppe
Thanks to new direct flights from Tokyo, Mongolia is finally on the map for cultural explorers. A&K’s small-group journeys — Naadam Festival & Gobi Desert Adventure and Golden Eagle Festival — offer a front-row seat to nomadic life, from wrestling tournaments and horse races to the centuries-old bond between Kazakh hunters and their eagles.
Okavango Delta, Botswana: Privacy, Perfected
In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, remoteness itself is the new luxury. The newly rebuilt Baines’ Lodge, with just six suites suspended above the floodplains, provides a front-row seat to the rhythms of the wild — from dawn safaris to starlit baths on private decks. Expect to see more elephants than people during your stay.
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: The Wild Coast
Only accessible by boat, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula offers one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet. On A&K’s Cruising and Wildlife in Costa Rica itinerary, guests explore this pristine region aboard a nine-suite luxury yacht — combining jungle treks, guided snorkeling, and slow mornings at sea.
Seoul, South Korea: Asia’s Next Capital of Cool
As Virgin Atlantic launches new nonstop flights from London in early 2026, Seoul is poised for a global spotlight. A&K’s South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies itinerary uncovers the real city behind the K-wave — from palace architecture and temple stays to cutting-edge design and Michelin-starred dining.
Dolomites, Italy: After the Games
With the 2026 Winter Olympics heading to nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s Dolomites are seeing a luxury renaissance. New openings — including Aman Rosa Alpina, Mandarin Oriental Cortina, and the reimagined Hotel Ancora — will welcome guests long after the medals are awarded. A&K’s Venice and the Dolomites trip offers alpine adventure paired with Italian elegance, from cheese tastings to Prosecco picnics in the highlands.
In a world where 80 per cent of travellers visit just 10 per cent of destinations, Intrepid Travel is steering adventurers elsewhere. The company’s 2026 Not Hot List, developed with trend forecasters Globetrender, spotlights 10 places often overlooked but poised to welcome visitors—from Central Asia’s vast mountain ranges to North America’s least-visited national park.
Among the highlights is Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025. Here, travellers can overnight in rainforest lodges and embark on river cruises while supporting local communities that reinvest tourism revenues into conservation and development.
In Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail—a grassroots trekking network expanded to 2,000 km—opens up alpine valleys and glacial lakes. Trekkers stay in yurts and share meals with nomadic families, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for generations.
Closer to home, Great Basin National Park in Nevada remains one of the United States’ quietest parks, drawing just over 150,000 visitors in 2024. With expanded campgrounds and new programming planned, a visit here is both a retreat into solitude and a statement of support for preserving fragile landscapes.
Other destinations on the list include:
Sierra Norte, Mexico, where Zapotec villages operate under a pioneering community-led tourism model.
Vis Island, Croatia, an antidote to overtourism with no airports or cruise stops.
Southeastern Anatolia (pictured in feature image), Türkiye, home to UNESCO sites and renowned culinary traditions.
Arunachal Pradesh, India, celebrating its first Sunrise Festival in 2026.
Via Transilvanica, Romania, a 1,400 km trail dubbed the “Camino of the East.”
Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador, a highland route famed for coffee and culture.
Oulu, Finland, the European Capital of Culture 2026, merging Arctic gastronomy with bold climate programming.
“While some places receive millions of visitors each year, many others go virtually unnoticed,” said Erica Kritikides, Intrepid’s General Manager of Experiences. “Our Not Hot List reflects an approach to tourism we’ve long championed: better tourism, not less tourism.”
For the curious and conscientious, the 2026 Not Hot List is an invitation to take the road less travelled—and to leave a positive impact along the way.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand representing more than 600 hotels across 80 countries, recently released its first Luxury Travel Report— a comprehensive luxury consumer trends study developed in partnership with The Harris Poll.
The findings affirm that the desire for travel remains robust, with luxury travelers planning an average of eight leisure trips this year — including three international journeys — and over half expecting to spend more on travel than in 2024.
The Luxury Travel Report by Preferred Hotels & Resorts reveals that today’s affluent travelers are investing not just money but meaning into their journeys. Luxury travelers seek immersive, curated experiences that feel personal and enduring— avoiding generic, mass-produced offerings in favor of authenticity and emotional connection.
Five key trends revealed
The Luxury Travel Report identifies The Five Emerging Forces of Luxury Travel, signaling a new era of expectations:
1. The Beige-ification of Travel Is the Industry’s Wake-Up Call
Luxury travelers are turning away from sameness in design, service, and experience—nearly 70% say modern luxury hotels have lost their soul to standardization. The rise of “dupe culture” and algorithm-driven itineraries has fueled a wave of “destination disillusionment,” where cities and stays feel indistinguishable. Today’s affluent traveler craves the unrepeatable: places that excite, environments that surprise, and experiences rooted in individuality. Nearly three-quarters say they won’t pay for luxury accommodations that feel generic.
2. Legacy Moments Are the New Luxury Currency
Luxury is less about accumulation – it’s about transformation. Today’s affluent travelers seek rare, authentic experiences that fundamentally shift their worldview and create lasting memories. Over four-in-five say that insider connections unlock the most unforgettable travel moments and 64% prefer to navigate a destination with advice from locals rather than AI-driven concierge services and digital guides.
3. Curation is the New Standard of Luxury
Curation is now as essential as five-star service. Over 90% of luxury travellers say the best journeys feel effortless yet are expertly crafted, with 89% expressing interest in seeing local charm reflected in hotels. Travel advisors are the new power brokers, with 84% of survey respondents agreeing that a trusted travel advisor is more valuable than unlimited internet research.
4. Heritage Is the New Frontier
Luxury travellers don’t want to just observe history – they want to be part of it. Over 90% seek experiences that immerse them in history and culture, favouring heritage-rich stays. Additionally, with 71% planning multi-generational trips in 2025, demand continues to rise for spacious accommodations that foster connection to each other and their own family roots.
5. Loyalty Programs Are Lifelines to Consistency and Customization
Amid economic pressures and rising costs, loyalty has become more valuable than ever. For 82% of luxury travelers, loyalty programs are very important to ensuring hotel quality, while nearly two-thirds say a great past stay drives repeat bookings. Today’s loyalty isn’t transactional — it’s deeply personal, driven by human touch, customization, and consistent excellence.
The Luxury Travel Report was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Preferred Hotels & Resorts from February to March, 2025, among over 500 affluent U.S. travellers. Respondents met criteria including an annual household income of more than $250,000, at least $1 million in total assets, and a minimum spend of $10,000 on leisure travel annually.
