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.
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.
