Audley highlights increasing demand for ‘richer exploration’ in 2026 trends report

Audley Travel has unveiled its 2026 trends report, highlighting a shift away from “destination-first planning toward the intentional investment of time”.

The Luxury Trailormade Travel Trends 2026 report found that cruise clients are seeking “richer, more comprehensive exploration” that goes beyond “the traditional beach, resort or short city stay of a cruise-and-stay itinerary”.

The operator’s country specialists report a 36% increase in the number of travellers requesting a trip with two clear parts that allows them to “maximise their holiday time”, marking a 5% increase on the previous year.

An increasing proportion of clients are also seeking access to private land, out-of-bounds properties, off-the-map locations and to be the first on board new vehicles and vessels, as more travellers define luxury as the “opportunity to do what was once perceived impossible”.

The report highlights growing interest in ‘soft expeditioning’ from adventurous travellers seeking warmer climes than the Antarctic and Arctic.

Popular destinations include lesser-visited corners of Indonesia, the Pacific, the Amazon and Africa.

This trend also addresses the challenge of time scarcity, as Audley reports a rise in enquiries from millennial clients seeking shorter durations to deliver maximum adventure.

The number of women travelling on their own is also growing, as 28% of the operator’s country specialists report a rise in solo female travellers. These clients are increasingly requesting female guides to “reveal cultural layers and local stories that otherwise remain unseen”.

Nearly one in five (18%) of Audley’s specialists also report an increase in the number of trips being booked by a lead female traveller in 2025.

Other trends highlighted in the report include a boost in multi-spoke itineraries to cater to “differing needs and desires”, and excursions and activities that “challenge” clients’ thinking.

Audley has also seen an increase in the number of travellers wanting to partner with its concierge specialists over years to ensure that “experiences are carefully sequenced and personally resonant”.

Audley Private Concierge notes that some clients are reserving trips 18 to 24 months in advance and creating entire calendars of travel.

The Luxury Trailormade Travel Trends 2026 was compiled in partnership with trend forecasting agency Globetrender using research including extensive conversations with Audley’s global network of experts, in-house survey data and third-party resources.

The news comes as the operator expands its offering for 2026 with the launch of a Sardinia self-drive itinerary; a journey on the Al Andalus Train in southern and central Spain; and two new land-and-cruise itineraries in partnership with Ponant.

Audley has also added to its UAE offering to include Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and launched a tailor-made trip to Gujarat on the west coast of India.