On November 17, 2025, two major developments sent ripples through the world of travel: a comprehensive new report from Audley Travel and Globetrender redefined the meaning of luxury journeys, while a dramatic surge in interest for cheap flights to Quito, Ecuador, signaled shifting priorities among global explorers. Together, these stories reveal a travel landscape in flux—one where time, purpose, and accessibility are reshaping how, why, and where people venture.
Audley Travel’s Luxury Tailormade Travel Trends 2026 report, produced in partnership with the trend forecasting firm Globetrender, captured a defining shift in the mindset of affluent travelers. As reported by Globetrender, the new luxury is less about ticking off destinations and more about the thoughtful use of time. Travelers are increasingly investing in journeys that deliver emotional returns and personal enrichment, rather than simply financial value. "Audley’s findings confirm a broader behavioural shift we’re observing across the luxury sector: high-net-worth travellers are re-evaluating how they invest their time. As wealth becomes more liquid and work more flexible, people want journeys that deliver emotional return as well as financial value. The future of tailor-made travel lies in intelligent time design," said Jenny Southan, editor, founder, and CEO of Globetrender.
This trend is not mere speculation. The report draws on global expert insights, proprietary data, and deep industry analysis. It highlights that affluent clients are now planning trips around how they want to spend their time—with purpose, rhythm, and a sense of emotional fulfillment—rather than simply picking a place on the map. The message is clear: in 2026, luxury travel is about meaningfully spending your time once you get there, not just where you go.
Several key trends underpin this new philosophy. One standout is the “Port +” approach, which builds upon the popularity of cruising but adds a twist: travelers are now combining sea voyages with in-depth land explorations. Think pairing an Antarctic cruise with a visit to the spectacular Iguazu Falls, or sailing around Japan before immersing in the volcanic valleys of Hakone. According to the report, there’s been a 36 percent rise in demand for itineraries with two distinct yet connected components—suggesting that travelers crave both variety and depth in their experiences.
Another trend, dubbed “Edgebound,” sees luxury seekers venturing into places that were once off-limits. Private lands, isolated eco-camps like the Cosmoledo Atoll in the Seychelles, and other rarefied locales are now on the table. These journeys promise adventure and rarity, but they’re orchestrated with a keen eye on environmental sensitivity. In parallel, “Soft Expeditioning” is gaining traction among time-poor professionals. Instead of grueling, extreme adventures, these travelers are opting for two-week expeditions in lesser-known parts of Indonesia, the Pacific, and the Amazon—experiences that strike a balance between challenge and restoration.
The empowerment of women is also shaping travel in fresh ways. The “Women 2 Women” movement, highlighted in the report, reflects a surge in solo female travel. Nearly 30 percent of Audley’s country specialists have noted growing demand from women seeking female guides to gain deeper cultural perspectives and support women-owned businesses. Remarkably, over half of all UK bookings are now made by women, underscoring their rising influence in shaping travel trends.
Family travel, too, is evolving. The era of one-size-fits-all trips is fading, replaced by “Multi-Spoke Itineraries” that cater to diverse interests and energy levels within a single journey. Seventy percent of Audley’s specialists report that clients want bespoke plans: for instance, younger family members might explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat by mountain bike, while older relatives tour by tuk-tuk. These varied experiences are then woven together through shared storytelling and collective memory.
Intellectual curiosity is also taking center stage. The trend labeled “Brain Waves” marks a shift from passive sightseeing to active engagement. Travelers are increasingly seeking encounters that challenge their thinking—whether by meeting conservationists in Baja or community leaders in the Pacific. This approach transforms curiosity into genuine connection, turning knowledge into insight.
Perhaps most striking is the rise of “Concierge Curation.” The wealthiest travelers are no longer satisfied with planning trips a few months in advance; instead, they’re seeking strategic partners to choreograph their time over years. These multi-year itineraries are designed to align with major life events, family milestones, and personal wellbeing. For this elite group, travel has become a defining framework for living, rather than a mere lifestyle accessory.
While luxury travelers are reimagining their journeys around time and meaning, another seismic shift is underway in the broader travel market. According to a report by Meyka AI PTY LTD, interest in affordable flights to Quito, Ecuador, has exploded—searches have surged by an astonishing 600 percent in recent months. This spike is transforming not just travel dynamics, but also the fortunes of the city itself.
Quito, known for its rich culture and historic sites, is fast becoming a top destination for both travelers and investors. Airlines are responding swiftly, offering competitive fares, expanding routes, and increasing service frequencies. The effect? The city is more accessible to international visitors than ever before, and the local economy is reaping the rewards.
The influx of tourists is providing a significant boost to Ecuador’s hospitality, retail, and service sectors. Restaurants, hotels, and tour operators are experiencing a surge in business, leading to job creation and economic growth. The report notes that this injection of capital is helping to upgrade local infrastructure and services, underlining how strategic pricing by airlines can have far-reaching economic impacts.
Airlines, for their part, are locked in a competitive race to win over price-sensitive tourists. By enhancing their offerings and keeping fares low, they hope to attract a growing traveler base. This heightened competition could, in turn, lead to even better service and expanded reach for carriers operating in and out of Quito.
Looking ahead, Quito’s ambitions are clear. The city aims to cement its status as a major travel hub in South America. Sustainable tourism and investment in eco-friendly developments are top priorities, ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the expense of local culture or the environment. As the city’s global standing rises, stakeholders are keen to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving what makes Quito unique.
The simultaneous rise of thoughtfully curated luxury travel and the democratization of global exploration through affordable flights paints a vivid picture of an industry in transformation. Whether it’s the top one percent seeking meaning and rhythm in their journeys, or budget-conscious adventurers chasing new experiences in places like Quito, the future of travel is being rewritten—one purposeful trip at a time.
