Luxury, Wellness, Adventure: The Biggest Travel Trends This Year

Alright, the new year is here, and if you’re like me, you’re already mentally sipping wine on a rooftop in Italy, hiking through a rainforest, or lounging poolside at a wellness retreat. The world is calling, and this year, travelers (ahem, us) are making up for lost time by prioritizing unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of bucket-list adventures, a luxe escape, or solo trips that are all about you, these travel trends are going to define the way we see the world this year.

So grab your journal, your Pinterest board, or a glass of wine (I’ve got mine) it’s time to get inspired for your next great adventure!

1. The Rise of “Revenge Travel 2.0″

Let’s call it what it is: this year is going to be another big year for revenge travel but this time, we’re getting smarter about it. Forget chaotic itineraries where you try to see everything; this is the year of choosing thoughtful, bucket-list-worthy experiences that don’t leave you needing a vacation from your vacation. Whether it’s sailing on a luxury cruise or staying in that dreamy Amalfi Coast villa, we’re focusing on meaningful, high-quality trips.

Where to Go:

• A once-in-a-lifetime safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
• A luxury cruise through the Greek Islands, because why not?
• A scenic road trip along Portugal’s stunning coastline.

2. Solo Travel is Booming (and It’s Not Just for 20-Somethings)

Solo travel used to be something people thought you did when you were young and figuring it out, but let me tell you: traveling solo in your 30s and 40s is next level. 

Why? Because you know what you want, you’re not compromising on anything, and you’re embracing the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s a yoga retreat in Bali or a food-and-wine tour in Tuscany, solo trips are empowering, fun, and totally rewarding.

Hot Solo Spots:

• Vietnam: Stunning scenery, incredible food, and easy solo-friendly tours.
• Morocco: Perfect for culture lovers – think markets, spice tours, and stunning desert camps.
• Italy: Cooking classes, wine tastings, and enough romance (for yourself) to go around.

3. Luxury Escapes and “Splurge-Worthy” Travel

This is the year to treat yourself, and I mean really treat yourself. After the last few years, people are leaning into luxury travel, whether that’s staying at a five-star resort in Bora Bora, chartering a small yacht to explore Croatia’s islands, or checking into a destination spa that feels like heaven on earth. The focus is on quality over quantity, and I am 100% here for it.

Indulgent Ideas:

• Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives.
• Hop on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the ultimate rail journey.
• Book a wellness week at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain.

4. Experiential and “Slow Travel” is Trending

Raise your hand if you’ve ever returned home from a trip feeling exhausted because you packed too much into one week. Yep, we’ve all been there. The name of the game is slow travel, spending more time in fewer places, diving deeper into local culture, and really savoring the experience. Whether you’re staying a week in one Tuscan village or taking a leisurely river cruise through Europe, this trend is all about quality time, not quantity.

Slow Travel Ideas:

• Spend a week exploring the lavender fields and small towns of Provence, France.
• Take a Danube River cruise through Austria, Hungary, and Germany.
• Relax in a cozy villa in Bali and explore the island at your own pace.

5. Wellness Travel is Going Mainstream

If there’s one trend I’m fully embracing this year, it’s wellness travel. We’re talking trips that focus on restoring your mind, body, and soul – think spa retreats, meditation escapes, and yoga classes with ridiculous views. It’s the perfect excuse to unplug, recharge, and return home feeling like the best version of yourself.

Where to Go for a Wellness Getaway:

• Bali: Yoga retreats, organic food, and peaceful beach vibes.
• Iceland: Geothermal spas, stunning landscapes, and fresh, clean air.
• Thailand: Holistic retreats that combine mindfulness with luxurious spa treatments.

6. Multi-Generational and “Skip-Gen” Travel

Another big trend this year? Families are traveling together in creative ways, whether that’s multi-generational trips with the grandparents, parents, and kids in tow, or “skip-gen” trips (grandparents taking the grandkids while mom and dad get some alone time – bless). 

It’s all about making memories and connecting across generations, often with activities and destinations that everyone can enjoy.

Perfect Picks for Family Adventures:

• A European river cruise: Relaxing for adults and fun for kids.
• Costa Rica: Nature, adventure, and plenty of wildlife spotting.
• Disney cruises: The ultimate stress-free, multi-gen family trip.

7. Sustainable Travel is a Priority

I love that sustainability is becoming more important to travelers. It’s all about making mindful choices: staying in eco-friendly accommodations, choosing small-group tours that give back to local communities, and opting for experiences that focus on preserving culture and nature. It’s travel you can feel good about.

Sustainable Travel Ideas:

• Stay in an eco-lodge in Costa Rica or the Amazon.
• Visit Bhutan, the world’s only carbon-negative country.
• Explore Slovenia’s green countryside and vineyards, it’s Europe’s most underrated eco-friendly gem.

Ready to Make This Year Your Best Travel Year Yet?

Whether you’re hopping on a solo adventure, treating yourself to a luxurious escape, or planning a big family trip, this is the year to travel with intention, excitement, and a little extra sparkle. The world is waiting, and let’s be real – you deserve this.

Ready to book your next adventure? Send us a message, and we’ll help you plan a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come. Let’s make this year your year of unforgettable travel!

Now let’s start planning! Where are we going first?