Travellers are shaking off the old checklist-style holiday and reimagining how they wander the world, craving adventures that hit them emotionally, spiritually and socially. That’s the key takeaway from the newly released Minor Hotels Travel Trends Report, which dishes up a big truth, and that is we are no longer satisfied with simply “going somewhere”. We want to feel something.
The report, Travelling Deeper: A Search for Lasting Connection, explores how modern travellers are seeking a deeper bond with people, places and themselves. Hotels, it seems, are fast becoming curators of meaning, memory and magical moments.
Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, summed it up perfectly:
“Today’s travellers want more than destinations, they want stories, connections and meaning. Our trend report reveals a growing appetite for authentic engagement and conscious travel choices. For Minor Hotels, this is an invitation to continue shaping experiences that prioritise wellbeing and cultural depth, ensuring every journey offers something truly memorable.”
The report highlights a rising hunger for authenticity, wellbeing and travel with a conscience. And for Minor Hotels, the opportunity is to craft journeys that leave guests changed, not just checked in.
Optimism for 2026
Despite the economy doing its usual rollercoaster impression, travellers aren’t backing down. In fact, 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for global wanderlust. A whopping 94% of respondents plan to travel just as much, if not more, compared to 2025, and one-third are gearing up for even more trips. Budget-wise, the vibes remain positive, with nearly half planning to spend more on travel.
Luxury travellers, unsurprisingly, are leading the pack. Sixty-one percent expect to increase their travel frequency in 2026, proving once again that when times get tough, the well-heeled get packing.
The ROI of R&R
But here’s the twist. It’s no longer about squeezing in as many holidays as possible. Travellers are prioritising quality over quantity, seeking trips that deliver emotional value rather than simply ticking boxes. Affordability still shapes decision-making, alongside seasonality, ease of travel and of course, the ever-elusive concept of free time.
More than half of travellers book within three months of their departure date, suggesting that spontaneity is alive and well. And when it comes to planning, hotel websites reign supreme, while trusty personal recommendations and online travel agents still hold their own. Meanwhile, emerging tech including AI chatbots, is quietly creeping into travel planning toolkits.
Connection to others
If 2026 had a slogan, it might just be “the more, the merrier”. Multi-generational escapes, best-friend getaways and private villa takeovers are all firmly on the menu. Almost everyone plans to travel with someone, usually a partner, close family or friends.
And the priorities? Simply uninterrupted quality time. From shared meals to lazy afternoons by the pool and cultural escapades, travellers want shared experiences that feel effortless, intimate and real. Over half prefer to keep activities exclusive to their group because nothing says bonding like arguing over who forgot the sunscreen.
Mapping the inner world
Even in the midst of social trips, travellers are carving out space for solitude, silence and self-care. A strong 71% say that taking a break from technology, social media or work is key to their wellbeing while away. Wellness is also stepping into the spotlight, with spa treatments still wearing the crown.
Nature-based experiences and fitness activities follow closely behind, as travellers tune into restorative, grounding travel rituals. And yes, more than a third still schedule “me time” even when holidaying with others, and that’s just proof that personal peace is non-negotiable.
Connection through taste
When it comes to discovering a destination, travellers are letting their taste buds lead the way. Food is the top cultural gateway, closely followed by iconic architecture and the draw of nature. Local immersion is a major driver of destination choice, with most travellers preferring to explore independently while dipping into guided tours when they want deeper insight.
Authenticity has now become a loyalty engine. Seventy-six percent say they’re likely to return to a place simply because they felt an emotional bond with it. In other words, serve unforgettable flavours, stories and experiences, and they’ll come back for seconds.
A journey shaped by values
Sustainability has moved from the sidelines to centre stage. Nearly half of travellers say a hotel’s environmental or social impact influences where they stay. Whether in buzzing cities or far-flung resort destinations, guests want brands that act responsibly and weave meaningful initiatives into the stay, not just stick a “green” label on the website.
Today’s travellers want hotels that educate, empower and invite them into the sustainability journey. Conscious travel is clearly becoming the default.
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