10 Trends Shaping Luxury Travel in 2026, According to the Virtuoso Luxe Trend Report

December 29, 2025

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. 

Kensington’s Top Luxury Travel Destinations for 2026

December 29, 2025

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.

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.