Classic Vacations® reveals 2026 Luxury Travel Trends Report

Classic Vacations® — the #1 rated luxury travel advisor resource — today released its first luxury travel trends report, offering exclusive insights into booking behaviors, motivations, and emerging trends among discerning travelers.

Key Travel Motivations
- Milestone Celebrations (81%) → Anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, graduations, and other life events.
- Rest & Relaxation (67%) → Escapes focused on rejuvenation and calm.
- Family Time (66%) → Multigenerational trips to maximize shared experiences.

Most In‑Demand Destination Types
- Beaches (76%) → Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico remain top choices.
- Cultural Capitals (56%) → Rome, Japan, and other heritage‑rich cities.
- Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path (29%) → Puglia, Dolomites, Loire Valley, Bordeaux.

Top Destinations for 2026
- International: Italy, Greece, Japan, Portugal, Croatia, France.
- Domestic (U.S.): Hawaii, Florida Keys, Napa/Sonoma, New York City, Scottsdale.

Emerging Travel Trends
- Whycations: Purpose‑led travel focused on meaning, heritage, and identity.
- Hushpitality: Wellness escapes emphasizing peace, digital detox, and mental restoration.
- Luxury, Elevated: Bespoke itineraries, micro‑luxury touches, suite‑cations, and short impactful trips.
- Connectivity: Social travel trends like “bestie‑moons,” “buddy‑moons,” and skip‑gen trips.
- YOLO Resurgence: Bucket‑list adventures with a “why wait?” mindset.

Booking Behaviors
- Advance Planning: 75% of travelers book 5–11 months ahead.
- Budget & Cost: 74% cite cost as a key factor.
- Personal Motivations: 67% prioritize new experiences.
- Family Schedules: 60% shape travel timing around household needs.

Why It Matters
The report shows luxury travel in 2026 will be defined by intentional, immersive, and elevated experiences—with travelers willing to spend more for meaningful journeys that combine wellness, heritage, and social connection.