Luxury Travel Trends to Watch Out for in 2026

Smart & Luxury Micro-Moments

Travellers are shifting away from long, ultra-luxury escapes and instead opting for ‘lux-scapes’ or micro-luxury add-ons to their holiday. For example, some people may decide to book a boutique hotel for a couple of nights as a little add-on before/after the trip. Others may choose to add in an extra bit of wow factor and plan to charter a yacht for a couple of days throughout their trip. Whatever you choose to do, adding a touch of luxury will help you create unforgettable experiences.

Hyper-Personalised & Tech-Enhanced Travel

Throughout 2026, expect to see luxury travel increasingly shaped by advanced tech and personalisation. AI tools have surged in popularity and are increasingly being used to help plan trips, research travel destinations, and create personalised itineraries. As a result, experiences are now based on an individual’s interests and personal circumstances. In addition to this, travel companies have begun to use predictive analytics to anticipate their customers’ needs and create the perfect trips.

Responsible & Regenerative Luxury Stays

People are becoming increasingly eco-aware and opting for greener travel experiences. In 2026, sustainability will no longer be a niche but rather a core part of luxury travel. Travellers expect not just eco-efficiency, but also immersion in their chosen destination. Many want to help local communities and give back in any way possible, so there will undoubtedly be an increase in people supporting local businesses, taking part in conservation projects, and engaging with local communities in a meaningful way.

Slow, Flexible, & Multi-Generational

Luxury breaks are becoming less about ticking destinations off and more about time, connection, and flexibility for more meaningful travel experiences. Outbound travel growth is slowing down, but still growing, indicating a shift to smarter spending during the cost-of-living crisis. People are opting for destinations closer to them, particularly countries throughout Europe. In addition to this, multi-generational holidays are also becoming popular amongst society, with people planning trips with their wider families, including grandparents.

It’s interesting to observe how people’s travel trends evolve over time. In 2026, expect to see people seeking a new kind of holiday, different from the usual fast-paced, box-ticking, sightseeing holiday. The new focus for luxury holidays will be on sustainability and slowing down to allow greater cultural immersion.

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