Travellers plan to increase their spend on travel next year, according to Minor Hotels’ inaugural Travel Trends Report, Travelling Deeper: A Search for Lasting Connection.
The report also says that travellers are shifting away from superficial sightseeing and toward richer, more meaningful journeys that resonate emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Top findings from the report show:
- 94% of travellers expect to travel the same or more in 2026; one-third plan to travel more than in 2025
- 47% intend to increase their travel budgets
- Luxury travellers are particularly bullish, with 61% expecting to travel more.
Affordability remains the top factor shaping travel decisions, followed by seasonality, ease of travel and available time.
Over half book trips within three months of departure, with emerging tech such as generative AI chatbots used by 12% of travellers.
Travel in 2026 is increasingly about connection with others, driven by multi-generational trips and shared experiences. Nearly all respondents plan to travel with companions, primarily partners (66%), immediate family (46%) and friends (32%).
Dining, cultural exploration and simple downtime are cited as the most meaningful shared moments.
Even when travelling with others, many will be seeking moments of solitude and digital detox.
- 71% value breaks from work and technology
- 44% plan to include more wellness or mindfulness in their travels (73% among existing wellness enthusiasts). Top wellness activities include spa treatments, nature-based experiences and fitness.
Cuisine is the strongest gateway to local culture for 85% of travellers, followed by architecture and nature.
Local immersion influences destination choice for 83%, and 76% say they would return to a place where they felt a genuine personal connection.
Sustainability increasingly shapes loyalty, with 47% saying environmental and social credentials influence where they stay. More than half believe that responsible initiatives enhance their connection to a destination.
Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, said today’s travellers “want stories, connections and meaning”, with a growing appetite for authentic engagement and conscious choices.
Overall, the report signals a continued evolution toward travel that is slower, more intentional and deeply rooted in personal connection.
