5 Travel Trends Shaping Luxury Travel in 2026

Our Travel Associates advisors have a front-row seat to how people choose to explore the world - and 2026 is revealing some fascinating patterns. From the destinations they select to the experiences they favour, we’re seeing travellers seeking deeper connections, expert guidance, and moments that truly matter. Here are five trends shaping luxury travel in 2026.

As 2026 approaches, hosted journeys are becoming one of the most requested experiences among our clients. On these journeys, Travel Associates advisors craft every detail, hand-pick the group of travellers, and accompany guests throughout the experience. Unlike a standard group tour, hosted journeys are more thoughtful, more personal, and offer access built from years of trusted relationships. Every step of the way, our advisors strike the perfect balance of structure and spontaneity, community and privacy, with expert insight enriching each moment.

Our advisors are master architects of these experiences, and hosted journeys are now resonating across every style of travel. Candice Free recently guided travellers through the enchantment of European Christmas Markets on a river cruise that felt both festive and refined. Edward Yee continues to lead his highly anticipated annual hosted trips, taking groups to Japan, Morocco, Sicily, the South of France, and Portugal, with Alaska and the Canadian Rockies in the calendar for 2026. 

Specialised journeys are also expanding. The Noller and Turner team’s Barcelona-to-Rome cycling tour, departing in September 2026, offers travellers the opportunity to pursue unique passions while enjoying the insider knowledge that only an expert advisor can provide. 

What sets Travel Associates apart is a focus on thoughtful curation rather than simply escorting a journey. Our hosted trips are guided by advisors whose extensive destination knowledge and trusted connections open doors to experiences that are otherwise hard to access. 

We're seeing a fundamental shift in how travellers approach trip planning. More than ever, our advisors report that clients are choosing their destination not purely for the sights, but for the stay itself. The hotel has moved from supporting player to headline act. 

Travellers are placing the atmosphere, design, and singular experience of a property at the centre of their decision-making. Rather than asking what there is to see nearby, they’re now considering whether a hotel offers something truly distinctive – an aesthetic, an energy, or a sense of place that cannot be replicated elsewhere. For many, the property itself becomes the story they bring home. 

New research shows this is a cross-generational trend, with Gen Z and Millennials in particular seeking hotels that anchor their journey. What was once a niche preference is now reshaping how people envision their ideal escape. 

A great hotel can set the tone for an entire retreat, offering the opportunity to unwind in one beautifully designed setting without the pressure to constantly move around. We're booking more stays that feel like self-contained worlds – places where the poolside lounging, the restaurant, the architecture, and the service all combine to create an experience that doesn't need a packed itinerary to feel complete.

Egypt is quickly becoming a favourite among our clients, with demand climbing as they look for culture-rich journeys in 2026. At Travel Associates, travellers are keeping Egypt front of mind, with a surge in enquiries for Nile journeys, curated luxury desert escapes, and immersive archaeological experiences that bring this ancient civilisation to life.

Long considered a once-in-a-lifetime destination, Egypt is now a standout choice for travellers seeking depth, indulgence, and storytelling woven into every moment. For many, the allure begins with Egypt’s icons, but clients are increasingly seeking to experience them in elevated and unhurried ways. Private Egyptologist-led tours of the Pyramids at Giza, sunrise access to the temples of Luxor, and boutique dahabiya cruises drifting quietly along the Nile are now among our most requested experiences. These journeys pair world-renowned landmarks with special touches: gourmet dining on deck as the river glows at golden hour, or exclusive access to archaeological sites that few ever see.

Beyond the classics, our advisors are crafting itineraries that highlight Egypt’s sophisticated modern side. Cairo’s art districts, stylish rooftop lounges overlooking the Nile, and luxury desert lodges positioned among sweeping dunes are capturing the attention of well-travelled clients looking for something fresh. It’s no wonder Egypt is emerging as one of 2026’s most sought-after destinations, with its extraordinary mix of culture, comfort, and discovery that appeals to travellers craving both meaning and wonder. 

Family travel is experiencing a renaissance, and our advisors are at the forefront of designing itineraries that bring multiple generations together in ways that truly work. Rather than simply holidaying side by side, these journeys offer the chance to build lasting memories, deepen family bonds, and foster meaningful connection. 

This year, we're seeing more grandparents, parents, and adult children choosing to travel together, not out of expectation or routine, but from a genuine desire to reclaim shared time. Recent research reflects this shift, with Gen Z adults increasingly travelling with their parents, while many Millennials journey with both their own children and their parents. Hotel bookings using family-friendly filters have also risen globally, signalling how widespread this movement has become. 

The key, our advisors have learned, is thoughtful planning that respects different energy levels, interests, and travel styles. This might mean booking interconnecting suites, choosing resorts with activities that appeal across age groups, or building in downtime so everyone can recharge without feeling like they're missing out. 

What makes this trend particularly meaningful is the recognition that time together is precious. Travellers are investing in experiences that will be remembered and cherished for years to come, and they're trusting our advisors to make sure every generation feels considered, included, and collectively excited about the journey.