Luxury travel trends to watch in 2026

From serene spa retreats to far away expeditions, luxury travel is evolving. In 2026, luxury is no longer defined by the most glamorous destinations and opulent hotels, but rather by meaningful, mindful, and culturally rich experiences.

For travel advisors, the luxury segment is a significant business opportunity.

Drawing from Expedia Group’s data and insights from Expedia TAAP’s leading luxury partners, here are the trends shaping the next evolution of premium travel. 

According to Expedia TAAP luxury advisor partner, Kataryna Blewaska, clients today are craving more authentic moments throughout their trip. For example, she has seen an uptick in requests for experiences like cooking traditional Italian recipes with local nonnas (Italian grandmothers) and exploring historic landmarks with private guides.

For today’s luxury client, true prestige comes from feeling completely understood.

Beyond cultural immersion, luxury travelers want itineraries that reflect their individual passions, values, and tastes - whether that’s a private art tour in Paris, a personalized wellness retreat in Thailand, or a chef-led culinary weekend in Tuscany.

Andrea Mereghetti, Expedia TAAP partner and CEO and founder of Dreamsteam Group, shared that she’s increasingly seeing luxury clients invest in exclusive tours and unique experiences that align with their personal interests. In fact, she anticipates that the experiences may even begin to outweigh flights and hotels in importance for luxury travelers in 2026.

This shift mirrors broader patterns in the luxury sector. A recent article from The Economist shows that affluent consumers are increasingly prioritizing rare, high-touch experiences over physical goods. Exclusive, personalized moments have become the new benchmark of status and value.

These insights are also reinforced by Expedia TAAP’s Decoding the Travel Advisor Client report, which found that personalization is the top driver of loyalty among luxury clients. As luxury travelers invest more in private tours, tailored activities, and premium services, personalization also unlocks higher-value bookings and greater revenue potential for advisors.

Luxury travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that aren’t just exclusive, but also responsible. From eco-luxury lodges that support conservation to properties designed with reclaimed materials, sustainability is becoming a new marker of sophistication.

Blewaska notes that this shift is reflected across the supplier landscape, with more partners pursuing green certifications and integrating sustainability into every stage of the guest experience. 

Industry data echoes this trend. Just earlier this year, for instance, one resort in the Maldives garnered attention for its commitment to sustainability — investing in solar power and eco-conscious design to reduce its environmental impact without compromising on comfort or style.*** It’s a strong example of how the industry is redefining indulgence through responsibility, setting a new standard for conscious luxury.

For many luxury travelers, the quality of the trip is also defined by time spent with loved ones.

Laura Thedy, Expedia TAAP luxury advisor partner and founder of YourMoon Travel, notes that larger groups are increasingly seeking travel advisor support to coordinate every detail, from private villas and multi-room stays to exclusive tours and timely logistics.

Smaller groups may handle simple plans themselves, but the larger the group becomes, the more logistics there are to coordinate. This increases the likelihood of clients turning to trusted advisors to make the trip possible.

These travelers value privacy, exclusivity, and the kind of tailored experiences only a well-connected advisor can provide.

In 2026, the luxury travel experience will be measured less by extravagance and more by meaning and personal significance. Travelers are seeking experiences that connect them—to a destination, to people, and to themselves.

No matter how trends change, luxury clients will always value responsiveness, seamless service, and personal attention from their trusted advisor. From last-minute reservation changes to spontaneous restaurant bookings, the ability to act quickly and confidently is what defines exceptional service.

Expedia TAAP’s tools, combined with flexible cancellation policies and a world-class global inventory, empower advisors to deliver the reliability and service excellence luxury travelers expect—no matter what new trends emerge.