New Report Reveals How The Extremely-Rich Will Journey In 2026

Luxury vacationers prioritize exclusivity and avoiding crowds.

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The ultra-wealthy can splurge on journey experiences most others solely dream of, and there are sometimes frequent elements that characterize their decisions. Luxury vacationers prioritize exclusivity and avoiding crowds, they usually typically desire experiences to be curated by a bespoke journey company in order that all the things from transfers to restaurant bookings is dealt with for them.

Even so, developments shift throughout the upscale globetrotting sphere. Virtuoso, a number one world community for luxurious and experiential journey, has recognized the important thing developments for the 12 months forward. The 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report faucets into the collective data of the corporate’s industry-leading journey company members and their groups {of professional} journey advisors.

Findings present that high-net-worth people (HNWIs) are now not glad with luxurious for its personal sake. Instead, they’re pursuing unique encounters, slowing all the way down to savor every second, and curating journeys which are significant, restorative and deeply private. Luxury vacationers are prepared to spend extra however are conscious of rising prices, looking for worth that enhances their experiences.

How the ultra-weathly wish to journey in 2026

Crowd management and local weather change

For immediately’s well-heeled traveler, comfy climates and the liberty to benefit from the vacation spot unencumbered by crowds are the brand new luxurious. This rising need to sidestep overtourism has turn out to be the highest facet of sustainable journey, with rising curiosity in Greenland’s serene fjords, Iceland’s volcanic surroundings and Antarctica’s huge ice fields, in addition to shoulder-season visits to classics like Italy and France.

Bhutan additionally embodies this pattern with its high-value, low-volume strategy, the place each day charges restrict guests and protect authenticity. Forty-five p.c of Virtuoso advisors report that their shoppers are adjusting plans resulting from local weather change. Of these advisors, 76% say shoppers are selecting shoulder-season or off-peak journey, 75% spotlight a desire for locations with reasonable climate, and 43% point out shoppers are buying insurance coverage as a safeguard towards climate-related disruptions.

Main character synergy

There’s no scarcity of inspiration in relation to the place to go subsequent. TikTok, Instagram Reels and phrase of mouth all spark curiosity, however movie and TV are among the many strongest catalysts for journey. The White Lotus continues to show its dramatic locations into must-sees, whereas Ok-dramas and the brand new KPop Demon Hunters are calling followers to South Korea. In the U.Ok., Cornwall’s rugged coast and fishing villages – filming areas for House of the Dragon and Poldark – pull guests into the narrative.

Findings present that high-net-worth people (HNWIs) are now not glad with luxurious for its personal sake.

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Advisors say leisure creates a pure synergy between stepping right into a beloved story and discovering the tradition round it via meals excursions, native markets, artwork districts and different genuine experiences. This aligns with the rise of cultural immersion, which has climbed 4 spots since final 12 months to turn out to be a top-five pattern for 2026.

From FOMO to slow-mo

The worry of lacking out is propelling globetrotters to extraordinary adventures, equivalent to monitoring Kenya’s Great Migration and exploring the Galápagos’ outstanding ecosystems. Boomers and Gen X, particularly, really feel this urgency, spurred by world environmental modifications and a sharpened consciousness that “someday” can’t wait.

Yet as soon as they arrive, the tempo shifts. River cruisers are requesting longer port stays to wander markets and neighborhoods at leisure. Safari-goers are selecting smaller camps the place they will spend unhurried days watching wildlife. In South America, vacationers linger in Argentina, Chile and Peru to pair journey with meals, wine and heritage. FOMO will get them on the aircraft, however “slow-mo” (gradual movement) defines the expertise. The rarer the situation, the extra vacationers wish to stretch out their keep and savor each second.

Unlimited luxe

For the primary time, the Luxe Report requested advisors about ultraluxe journey, revealing that 45% have seen a rise in latest requests. What’s particularly notable is that ultraluxe is now outlined by having each element seamlessly included. Once seen as mainstream comfort, “all-inclusive” has been elevated to cowl all the things from personal transfers and Michelin-level eating to resort buyouts the place cooks, wellness consultants and guides are totally on the visitor’s disposal.

For the primary time, the Luxe Report requested advisors about ultraluxe journey, revealing that 45% have seen a rise in latest requests.

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Celebration journey fuels demand, with milestone birthdays, anniversaries and household gatherings driving curiosity in personal yachts and secluded estates. Privacy rounds out the highest three ultraluxe experiences, as vacationers hunt down hidden islands and distant retreats the place exclusivity and escapism are the last word indulgence.

The wholesome rich

After years of upheaval, persons are turning to wellness-focused journeys to revive steadiness and resilience. Requests span the globe, together with Ayurvedic applications in India, yoga-and-surf escapes in Costa Rica and retreats within the Canadian Rockies the place silence, itself, is a part of the therapeutic. These journeys may even span generations, with mother and father and grandparents encouraging youthful (not-always-willing) contributors to step away from social media and reconnect with the pure world.

Mental well being and longevity are simply as necessary as bodily health, and plenty of view these journeys as investments in a more healthy future. According to advisors, well being and wellness now ranks because the second-most requested expertise for solo vacationers, who’re drawn to applications that foster construction and self-discovery.

Where are the ultra-wealthy touring in 2026?

Staying cool stays scorching in 2026, with Iceland, Antarctica and Norway topping the checklist of locations on the rise. Morocco holds robust within the prime 5, whereas Egypt jumps three spots, attracting curiosity for personal Nile cruises and early entry to the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Vietnam additionally climbs three spots to quantity six amongst rising locations, standing out for its glorious worth and as a recent different to Asia’s different booming hotspots. Japan is dominating throughout the board – rating simply behind Italy as the highest world vacation spot and household journey choose, coming in third for solo journeys, and touchdown within the prime 10 for honeymoons and cruises.

Vietnam additionally climbs three spots to quantity six amongst rising locations.

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For the primary time, Kyoto joins Tokyo among the many prime cities to go to in 2026. Canada good points momentum throughout classes, showing within the prime 10 for world, household and journey journey, and within the prime 5 for solo vacationers. Stylish options to European icons are stealing the highlight, together with Riga, Latvia, with its hanging Art Nouveau structure, Albania’s sun-soaked Riviera, Montenegro’s intimate Adriatic resorts and Malta’s historic cities brimming with Mediterranean attraction. Each serves as a cheaper, much less crowded different to extra touristed nations like Italy and Croatia.