Contiki Unveils Key Travel Trends for Canadian Gen Z and Millennials

December 1, 2025

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.

Abercrombie & Kent Has Released Its List of Where to Go in 2026

October 7, 2025

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.

Intrepid’s 2026 Not Hot List Reveals 10 Under-the-Radar Destinations

September 23, 2025

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.

New report shows luxury travellers seek purposeful travel beyond the price tag

May 30, 2025

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.

According to this survey, 61% of Canadians crave slow, restful travel

March 17, 2025

A recent Flight Centre survey conducted by YouGov suggests that 61% of Canadian travellers will prioritize slow and restful travel in 2025.

That means choosing destinations away from crowds, opting for slower paced itineraries that highlight life’s simple pleasures, and leaving plenty of time to recharge, reflect, and refocus priorities.

“Soft travel, or the ‘calm-cation,’ looks different for different people,” says Ryan Bond, Travel Expert at Flight Centre Canada. “It puts the emphasis on mental and physical well-being so you return from your vacation with renewed energy and purpose.”

What is slow travel?

There are many ways that Canadians can embrace the “soft travel” movement:

  • Visit healing locales: A whopping 76% of Canadian travellers crave peace away from crowded destinations. This preference holds for every age group: Gen Z (81%), Millennials (80%), Gen X (77%), Baby Boomers (75%) and Silent Gen (75%). Discover quiet havens steeped in nature and community, not other tourists, such as the serene forests and beaches of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia or the volcanic craters of Açores, Portugal.
  • Find balance: More than 3 in 5 (61%) of Canadian travellers say travel is extremely or very important to their mental health and overall wellbeing. Reset mind, body and spirit by touring the Euphoria Retreat in the mountains of the Peloponnese, Greece or the historic monastery turned wellness retreat, Le Monastère des Augustines, Québec City.
  • Indulge in beauty sleep: Enjoying a restful vacation is especially important for Zillennials (Gen Z, 80%; Millennials, 76%), people with children (77% vs. people without children, 53%) and people who work (69% vs. people who don’t work, 48%). Combat stress and sleep disturbances by booking at a secluded riverside eco-lodge with stargazing suites in Trout Point Lodge, Nova Scotia or escaping to Masseria Moroseta, Italy, a stylish farmhouse in Puglia designed for slow living, featuring minimalist decor and quiet countryside views.

“In an uncertain world, Canadians are searching for meaning,” Bond says. “Travel provides the opportunity to take a break from day-to-day life and focus on what really matters: taking care of our bodies and minds, savouring the moment with the ones we love, and making a positive difference in our global community. “

Are these the top luxury travel trends of 2025?

January 6, 2025

Leading luxury tour operator Artisans of Leisure has compiled its latest Luxury Travel Trends List based on the company’s intimate knowledge of the luxury travel market.

“Private, luxurious, highly personalized travel continues to be a priority for affluent consumers,” said Ashley Ganz, founder and CEO of Artisans of Leisure. “They feel that travel brings joy and inspiration to their lives and that it is one of the best uses of their time and money.”

Artisans of Leisure arranges private, customized international tours for high-net-worth travellers. The company’s unique position in the travel industry—catering exclusively to affluent travellers—allows them unrivaled firsthand insight into luxury travel in the world today.

Luxury travel trends list for 2025

  • Mother-daughter trips
  • Trips inspired by social media
  • Big, multi-country trips of regions such as Central Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, the UK, Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean
  • Interest in unique collaborations among hotels, fashion houses, top chefs and illustrators and related activities and merchandise
  • Trips that create one-of-a-kind memories through special experiences such as exclusive access and VIP and behind-the-scenes tours
  • Wine tours in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Georgia, New Zealand, France, Spain and Italy
  • Safaris
  • Multi-generational trips with grandparents, parents and grandchildren
  • Design-inspired travel
  • Active and adventure experiences
  • Cultural interaction
  • Iconic experiences such as hot-air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt or the Serengeti in Tanzania
  • Genealogical travel to explore family history
  • Extending time in a destination to vacation before or after a work trip or a wedding
  • Bucket-list trips
  • Incorporating yacht charters and luxury train journeys into longer tours
  • Avoiding extreme heat
  • Avoiding crowds
  • Over-the-top luxury. High-end travelers continue to splurge on travel. They want to do it right—with exclusive, over-the-top tours that include ultra-luxury services.
  • Private travel at all times
  • Last-minute travel is popular, with many travellers wanting to travel frequently and thinking nothing of booking only a few weeks in advance.
  • Travel with friends
  • Travel inspired by films and TV shows
  • Returning to favourite destinations that feel relaxing

Artisans of Leisure arranges private cultural tours in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.artisansofleisure.com.

The U.K. is enforcing ETAs for Canadian travellers as of this January

November 22, 2024

The U.K. government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors, including Canadians, who don’t currently need a visa for short stays.

This new system is part of efforts to improve border security and prevent misuse of the U.K. immigration system. Canadians can apply for an ETA starting Nov. 27, 2024 and will need it to travel to the UK from Jan. 8, 2025.

The ETA costs £10 and allows multiple visits to the U.K. for up to six months at a time. It will be valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Everyone, including babies and children, will need an ETA and you can apply for others as well. The ETA will be required for visits such as tourism, business, visiting family and friends, short-term study or even just transiting through the UK. Other visits include stays of up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession or for a permitted paid engagement.

How to apply

The easiest way to apply is through the UK ETA app. Most applications will be processed within three working days, but sometimes it may take a little longer. The new system will help make travel easier while ensuring stronger security at the UK border.

To find out more about the ETA and how to apply, visit GOV.UK. The website also has helpful videos to explain the process. GOV.UK is the official site for UK government services and information.

Wilderness Scotland adds new adventure-style trips for next year

November 13, 2024

Wilderness Scotland, known for offering exceptional small-group guided hiking and cycling trips, as well as wildlife-focused journeys and wilderness retreats across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, has unveiled a range of new trips for 2025.

Catering to those who crave outdoor adventure led by exceptional local guides, these brand-new trips offer everything from thrilling gravel rides and luxury trekking adventures to in-depth explorations of Scotland’s serene lochs, ancient forests, and heather-clad mountains.

About the new tours

Luxury Walking – Highlights of the West Highland Way

The magic of walking in Scotland can be distilled into the iconic West Highland Way, a classic long-distance trek covering 96 miles/154 km from Milngavie to Fort William in the Highlands. On this new, 10-day luxury adventure, guests will explore some of this route’s most beautiful sections, along with stunning Glencoe and the wild West Coast, whilst enjoying stays in upscale accommodations (think five-star country houses and baronial mansions) and exclusive experiences along the way.

The tour begins in Glasgow, before heading north to Milngavie, the trailhead for the West Highland Way. Over 10 perfectly paced days, travellers will enjoy a carefully curated itinerary that balances engaging hiking with iconic sites, culturally rich experiences, and upscale dining and lodging.

2025 departures: May 4-13, June 1-10, and Aug. 31-Sept. 9 || Pricing: Starting at US$7,462.00 per person.

Wilderness Walking – Perthshire & Loch Lomond 

This brand-new, seven-day guided journey of Perthshire and the Southern Highlands, including the opportunity to go into the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, leads guests past lochs, deep forests, and soaring heather-cloaked mountains. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Wilderness guide, travelers will learn about both the folklore and the faultlines of the region as they hike a spectacular section of the West Highland Way and up Ben A’an’s pyramidal peak.

2025 departures: May 4-13, June 1-10, and Aug. 31-Sept. 9 || Pricing: Starting at US$7,462.00 per person.

Wilderness Walking – Perthshire & Loch Lomond 

This brand-new, seven-day guided journey of Perthshire and the Southern Highlands, including the opportunity to go into the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, leads guests past lochs, deep forests, and soaring heather-cloaked mountains. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Wilderness guide, travellers will learn about both the folklore and the fault lines of the region as they hike a spectacular section of the West Highland Way and up Ben A’an’s pyramidal peak.

2025 departures: May 10-16, August 9-15, and Sept. 6-12 || Pricing: Starting at US$3,382.00 per person.

Gravel Biking – Highland Gravel Trail 

A new trip and a new trip style for Wilderness Scotland, this seven-day itinerary is one of the two brand-new gravel trips available from the company in 2025, complementing its ever-expanding roster of guided cycling vacations, which also includes various road cycling and E-bike adventures.

On this fully guided adventure through the dramatic Highlands, guests will pedal along gravel highways, forest tracks, and paths that twist and turn all the way from Milngavie to Aviemore in the Cairngorms. A journey that strikes the perfect balance between excellent riding, diverse landscapes, and fascinating historical sites, it was the path taken long ago by highland drovers and their many heads of cattle, connecting the historic towns and villages of Scotland, making them perfect for a point-to-point cross-country trip.

2025 departures: June 2-8 and Aug. 16-22 || Pricing: Starting at US$3,787.00 per person.

For trip options in England and Ireland, including many new additions for 2025, visit WildernessEngland.com and WildernessIreland.com.

 

Backroads adds 40 new walking & hiking trips just for women

October 4, 2024

Backroads has expanded its Women’s Adventures with more than 40 walking and hiking trips and 125 departures available in 2025.

Exclusively for women—solo travellers, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends—Women’s Adventures were an instant hit after the announcement last fall, with 2024 trips quickly booking to capacity.

The first trip ran in May, and the offering continues to gain momentum and garner rave reviews as word spreads. The company projects more than a 200 percent increase in Women’s Adventures guests for 2025. The collection features the same expert trip design, flexible itineraries, exceptional Trip Leaders and world-class support that are hallmarks of all Backroads trips.

“Women of all ages have been a significant part of the growth in active adventure travel so we expected our Women’s Adventures would be well received, but we are thrilled with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response,” said Backroads executive vice-president, Avery Hale Smith. “We’ve heard from many women—solo travellers and those who travel with friends or family—that the trips feel supportive, inspiring and rejuvenating and they love how the camaraderie and bonding is so organic.”

New tours launching in 2025

Backroads Women’s Adventures are available for immediate booking. For the complete collection and for more information, visit Backroads.com.

According to this study, one in four Canadians like to plan their vacations early

September 4, 2024

Canadians are redefining what it means to go on vacation, with a new study from Flight Centre revealing that the vacation experience begins long before travellers board the plane.

According to data collected by YouGov, 25 per cent of Canadians feel that their holiday starts during the planning and booking stage, with those who use travel agents being almost twice as likely to experience this early surge of excitement compared to their DIY counterparts.

Key insights

Early Planners: One in four Canadians (25 per cent) believe their vacation begins the moment they start planning their trip. This early onset of vacation vibes is particularly pronounced among Millennials, with 29 per cent of this group reporting that their excitement kicks off during the planning phase, compared to only 19 per cent of Gen Xers.

Airport Enthusiasts: Nearly two in five Canadians (37 per cent) find themselves slipping into vacation mode as soon as they arrive at the airport. This sentiment is especially strong among women, 40 per cent of whom feel that their holiday begins at the airport, compared to 34 per cent of men.

Destination Arrival: For others, the journey truly begins upon arrival at their destination, with around 28 per cent of Canadians saying they only consider themselves on vacation once they’ve reached their travel spot. Gen Xers, in particular, are more destination-focused, with 33 per cent feeling the vacation vibes only upon arrival, compared to 24 per cent of Millennials.

Accommodation Check-in: Just under one in ten (seven per cent) believe their vacation starts when they check into their accommodation.

Where to next?

When it comes to choosing travel destinations, Canadians lean heavily on the opinions of friends and family (65 per cent), available sales and travel deals (52 per cent), and the advice of travel experts (36 per cent).

Plus, the current market dynamics also offer a golden opportunity for budget-savvy travellers. With exclusive deals and cheaper flights available online now, including savings of up to 20 per cent as summer demand wanes, Canadians can enjoy their dream vacation destinations while stretching their dollars.

Flight Centre travel experts offer more than just bookings. With the help of trusted experts, Canadians are extending their vacations into the planning phases, making every step of the journey—from the first connection to the final destination—a memorable part of their holiday.