Kuoni’s newly published Travel Reimagined report reveals three major changes shaping how people travel this year. There’s a marked rise in multi-centre journeys, increased demand for shoulder-season travel, and greater focus on intentional rest being planned into longer itineraries.
During holidays, travellers who are seeking more contrasts, more connection and more breathing space are conversing with experts, such as agents, to design trips.
Kuoni’s data shows that two and three-centre trips are up 10% year-on-year. Meanwhile, multi-island Caribbean itineraries have grown by 50% and 65% of Canada bookings now feature five or more stops.
Bookings continue to shift away from high summer. June and September are now the fastest-growing travel months, with June up 6% and September up 12% across all destinations.
The Maldives remains Kuoni’s top destination for 2026, with most travellers adding stays of between five and seven nights into wider itineraries.
Interest in digital detox retreats, quiet escapes and sleep-focused breaks is also rising. This signals the growing desire for people to appreciate restorative moments during adventures.
Travellers are embracing a more selective approach to holiday upgrades, choosing to elevate the moments that matter most. Private guides, cultural experiences and food-led excursions are increasingly shaping itineraries.
There’s a shift from blanket luxury to more intentional indulgence. Approximately 30% of bookings now mix four and five-star hotels.
About 20% upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class flights. That rises to 30% for longer-haul destinations like Australasia and the Caribbean.
Kuoni’s top-selling destinations for 2026 are led by the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Mark Duguid, Managing Director at Kuoni, said: “People want holidays that feel richer, more thoughtfully designed and perfectly balanced. Multi-centre travel is on the rise because travellers want variety – but also the reassurance that every part of their journey will work beautifully together.”
“Customers really value having a real human in their corner with destination expertise and travel know-how who will be on hand to support them from the very first spark of a holiday idea to the moment they land back home,” continued Duguid.
