5 Travel Trends Shaping Luxury Travel in 2026:

Our advisors are seeing unprecedented demand for hosted journeys. These expertly curated itineraries, led by Travel Associates advisors, transform a trip into something far more enriching than a traditional group tour. Thoughtfully designed experiences offer the perfect balance of structure and spontaneity, community and privacy, and expert insight delivered at every stage. 

Travel Associates 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, demonstrates how hosted travel can cater to niche interests while maintaining that essential layer of personalised care and insider knowledge that only an expert travel advisor can provide. 

What distinguishes Travel Associates' approach is a commitment to curation over coordination. Our hosted journeys aren't simply escorted; they're elevated by advisors whose deep destination knowledge and established relationships unlock experiences that remain out of reach for even the most resourceful independent traveller.

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.

Travel Associates’ bookings to Sri Lanka have surged this year, and it's easy to see why. Our advisors are fielding more enquiries about this island nation than ever before, inspired by what we're calling the ultimate trifecta: world-class beaches, rich wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences that feel both ancient and alive. 

The beaches alone are worthy of the journey. Unawatuna’s golden sands and turquoise waters invite hours of swimming and snorkelling, while nearby Dalawella Beach features the iconic palm tree rope swing soaring over the Indian Ocean. Further east, Arugam Bay draws surfers from around the globe, yet even non-surfers find themselves captivated by the laid-back energy, beachside cafés, and stunning sunrise views paired with fresh seafood. 

Beyond the coast, Sri Lanka delivers surreal inland experiences. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress rewards those who climb its 1200 steps with sweeping views and a tangible connection to the island's royal past. The train journey from Ella to Kandy winds through lush tea plantations and misty forests, offering one of the world's most scenic rail experiences. In Nuwara Eliya, known affectionately as "Little England", travellers can wander through emerald-green tea estates before settling in for high tea surrounded by colonial architecture and mountain views. 

Our advisors have noticed particular interest from travellers looking for a destination that offers variety without requiring constant flights or lengthy transfers. Sri Lanka delivers it all within a remarkably compact space.

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.