Many travellers are rethinking what it means to head out into the world, trading bucket lists for experiences that feel restorative and deeply personal. According to a new industry report, this shift goes beyond choosing where to go; it reflects a growing desire to travel with intention and emotional purpose.
The insight comes from Minor Hotels’ inaugural Travel Trends Report, which outlines how travellers in 2026 are prioritising connection, wellbeing and cultural meaning over the sheer number of destinations visited.
The report, titled ‘Travelling Deeper: A Search for Lasting Connection’, highlights a clear rise in travellers seeking multidimensional experiences. Published by global hospitality group Minor Hotels, it suggests a shift in what people want from their time away. As Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, noted in the launch announcement, “Today’s travellers want more than destinations, they want stories, connections and meaning.”
Despite economic uncertainty, the findings show optimism for the year ahead. Minor Hotels reports that 94% of respondents plan to travel as much or more in 2026, and nearly half intend to increase their travel budgets. Luxury travellers are especially enthusiastic, with 61% expecting to travel more frequently than they did in 2025. The study suggests that although travellers remain price-conscious, many are willing to invest in trips that feel personally rewarding.
Planning behaviours are shifting too. More than half of travellers book their trips within three months of departure, reflecting a blend of flexibility and caution. Hotel websites remain the most influential tool for planning, while emerging technologies such as generative AI are beginning to take a place in the decision-making process. Yet even as digital tools grow, travellers express an equally strong desire to disconnect once they arrive.
Connection stands at the heart of the report. In 2026, shared journeys are expected to define travel patterns, with partners, families and friends leading the list of preferred companions. The experiences travellers value most are often simple, from dining together to unwinding by the pool or exploring cultural sites at a relaxed pace. According to the report, 86% prioritise quality time above all else, and more than half favour activities kept exclusively within their own group.
Still, the desire for togetherness coexists with a growing need for solitude. Many travellers plan to incorporate moments of quiet or nature-based experiences to recharge. Seventy-one percent say digital breaks are important for their wellbeing, while interest in wellness-led activities continues to rise. Spa treatments remain the top choice, followed by time in natural landscapes and fitness-focused pursuits.
Culinary exploration continues to be a major travel motivator. The report shows that 85% of travellers see food as their primary gateway into local culture, a finding that aligns with ongoing trends in experiential dining and regional cuisine. Historic architecture and natural settings follow closely, and a large majority of travellers prefer to explore independently, seeking out unstructured opportunities to connect with local life. When travellers feel emotionally connected to a destination, the report notes that 76% are likely to return.
Values-driven decisions are increasingly shaping where people stay. Nearly half of respondents report that a hotel’s sustainability commitments influence their booking choices. Many travellers view environmental and cultural initiatives as extensions of their broader desire to feel grounded in place. For hotel brands, this trend signals a shift toward experiences that educate and engage guests in more conscious ways.
The findings paint a picture of travellers who are optimistic, curious and eager for depth. For those planning journeys in 2026, the message is clear: meaningful experiences matter more than mileage. Travellers can learn more about these emerging preferences through the full report, available from Minor Hotels.
