Luxury Travel Trends 2026

From regenerative escapes and precision wellness to solo sojourns and multigenerational milestones, these are the luxury travel trends defining 2026.

The 2026 traveller is intentional. They’re looking for immersive, meaningful travel moments and connection with both the places they visit and the people they meet. At Lightfoot, we see a growing desire for transformative, human-led experiences – vacations shaped by connection, nuance, and purpose. Here's our guide to the trends defining luxury travel in 2026.

01.

Human First

Planning in the AI Era

As AI reshapes the way we plan trips, the most discerning travellers still crave a human touch. Algorithms can suggest; experts can understand. At Lightfoot, our expert team draws on lived experience, intuition, and long-standing relationships – knowing when to pivot a plan, how to open a closed door, and who to call on the ground. As digital tools evolve, the value of personal expertise only deepens.

02.

Hyper-Personal

Precision Wellness

Generic spa escapes are no longer enough. In 2026, luxury travellers are seeking specific health outcomes: cognitive enhancement, cardiovascular reset, sleep optimisation, and even longevity diagnostics. From COMO Shambhala in Bali to Rakxa Wellness in Bangkok, these wellness retreats offer science-backed programmes that deliver tailored results and real, lasting renewal.

03.

Multi-Generation

Celebratory Travel

Multi-gen trips are in full force – spanning grandparents, parents, teens, young adults, or close friends who feel like family. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or simply rare time together, these shared trips feel more meaningful than ever. Interconnecting rooms, private villas and tailored experiences are making it easier than ever – from riding across Mongolia’s vast steppe to reuniting in Thailand or the Med. In today’s world, uninterrupted time together may be the ultimate luxury.

04.

Solo Journeys

Shaped Around You

Luxury solo travel is booming, especially among women – but the expectation is for full-service, tailormade itineraries with private guides and seamless logistics. Great Plains Conservation in Kenya and Botswana sets the standard, offering deeply personal safaris where solo guests are embraced, not just accommodated. Elsewhere, travellers are heading to Peru for guided treks and river journeys that balance independence with immersion, and to Japan for temple stays, forest walks and art-led itineraries designed with precision. The antithesis to cookie-cutter group tours – solo journeys are shaped entirely around you.

Jacuzzi with a view at the Lindis, New Zealand

05.

Elevated

All-Inclusive Resorts

Once viewed as mainstream convenience, the all-inclusive model has been redefined in recent years. Today’s many of the world’s top luxury resorts offer gourmet dining, fine wines, spa rituals, private excursions and world-class experiences – all included, with nothing left to sign for. At places like The Brando in French Polynesia, Nihi Sumba in Indonesia or Jumby Bay in the Caribbean, the freedom to indulge without hesitation is the true luxury. No hidden extras. Just space to savour every moment, uninterrupted.

The Brando, an eco-friendly luxury resort in French Polynesia

06.

Slowing down

the Experience

Luxury is increasingly about time and privacy. Travellers are trading frequent, fast-paced breaks for slower, more intentional escapes – often in remote or overlooked destinations such as Central Asia, Switzerland, Romania, Scandinavia, Bhutan and New Zealand. Trains, boats and off-grid retreats invite stillness, reconnection, and a chance to soak it all in.

07.

Autumn

is the Smart Season

As summer crowds and soaring prices peak, autumn is becoming the insider’s favourite travel window. Cooler weather, cultural vibrancy, and seasonal experiences like truffle hunting in Tuscany, wine harvests in Argentina, or Japan’s changing leaves offer a slower pace and better availability. Perfect for empty nesters post–multi-gen escape, the quest for the ultimate ‘cool-cation’ continues in 2026.

08.

Expert-Led

Escapes

Learning is the new luxury. Discerning travellers are turning to skill-building journeys in inspiring settings – whether it’s painting wildlife in Zambia with Emily Thornton, mastering Peruvian flavours with Chef Penelope Alzamora, or capturing Kenya’s wild beauty alongside conservationists. With Lightfoot’s close-knit network of local experts and specialist guides, these immersive experiences are put together with rare access and expert insight.

Back to Nature

Experiences

The conversation has shifted from sustainability to regeneration – not just protecting, but actively restoring. In 2026, the most sought-after properties don’t just minimise impact; they give back. From rewilding lodges in Scotland to marine sanctuaries in Cambodia and eco-forward stays like Cap Karoso in Indonesia, these retreats blend into their landscapes, support local communities, and leave a lasting legacy.

10.

Travelling

for the Moment

Major events are fast becoming anchors for luxury travel. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy will draw discerning travellers in search of private chalets, insider access and bespoke Alpine experiences. From Art Basel and the Venice Biennale to Grand Slam tennis, Formula 1 and FIFA qualifiers, global moments are shaping itineraries. Increasingly, travellers are also building journeys around personal passions – whether that’s art, design, food or fashion – and timing them to when the world comes alive.

That’s what’s defining luxury travel in 2026. Wherever you’re drawn to next, our expert team is here to design an itinerary shaped entirely around you. Get in touch to start plotting.