New 2026 travel trends research reveals travellers are trading minimalism for ‘maximalisation’, embracing more destinations, experiences and indulgence to get the most out of every trip.
This year, travellers will prioritise multi-destination itineraries, luxury stays and authentic cultural encounters, showing a clear swing toward “more is more” travel experiences. Here’s how travel advisors can stay ahead of the 2026 travel trends.
Travel tech company HBX Group’s 2026 Travel Trends Report also found that AI and social media will dominate travel decision-making with half of all travellers (50%) still choosing a destination through social media alone.
It’s an opportunity for travel businesses to leverage social media platforms and AI tools to attract new clients and showcase value to a wider audience.
Maximilisation marks a mindset shift for 2026 travel trends
Maximalisation is emerging as 2026’s defining trend with travellers wanting to experience diverse landscapes, cultures and travel modes in a single itinerary.
Instead of one long stay, travellers are seeking modular itineraries that blend city and nature, luxury and simplicity, and fast-paced exploration with relaxation, driving demand for hybrid packages, combined stays and high-value products.
Travellers still want to ‘live like a local’ through traditional festivals and markets and cultural experiences, such as cooking classes, artisan workshops and locally guided tours.
Accommodation providers are increasingly tapping into this demand, transforming hotels into destinations in their own right.
Many properties are integrating gallery-style spaces, local design influences and community-focused activities to offer a more authentic and immersive stay and more personalised experiences.
This ties into a growing desire for the journey itself to be part of the experience with scenic rail journeys, road trips and island-hopping itineraries transforming travel days into highlights rather than transitions.
Other enduring trends that are now part of the new tourism framework in 2026 are sustainability in action, nature and coolcations, wellness travel, multi-gen holidays and set-jetting and sportcursions.
Read the full report here.
KARRYON UNPACKS: The rise of ‘maximalisation’ marks a mindset shift from escape to enrichment. As travellers chase more layered, high-value journeys, the opportunity for advisors lies in curating seamless, story-driven itineraries that balance indulgence with authenticity.
