I’m a Luxury Travel Expert: 4 Trends the Ultra-Wealthy Are Booking for 2026
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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A new year often brings new travel plans. Many are likely planning to head to the beach, go on a road trip or visit family. But how are the ultra-wealthy traveling in 2026?
GOBankingRates consulted travel experts about ways the ultra-wealthy are spending their time off. Here are four travel trends the ultra-wealthy are booking for 2026.
Also see three “true” luxuries of the modern ultra-rich.
‘Forever Travel’ Trips
In 2026, the many of those who are ultra-wealthy are booking “forever travel” trips. “Forever travel is about replacing speed with depth,” said Mischa Mannix-Opie, director of client experience at Greener Pastures. “Rather than sampling multiple destinations, families spend extended time in one place, living like a local, as though the move has already been made.”
For example, instead of going to a frantic, populated city, the ultra-wealthy are doing things like taking three-week test drives in New Zealand. These trips serve a dual purpose: to relax in a beautiful area and test out a potential Plan B life.
“They explore schools, neighborhoods, farmers markets, and daily routines, alongside moments of discovery and enjoyment. For globally mobile families, this kind of immersion is a more thoughtful way to assess their potential future than making long-term decisions based on a brief visit,” Mannix-Opie said.
An average day on a forever travel trip might look like a morning hike and a vineyard lunch, followed by the afternoon school run to see where the kids would go to school. After a long day, they might head back to a private villa in a specific neighborhood that is on their radar. Between leisure activities, they can plan out what life would look like if they were to make the destination their permanent home.
Yachts and Private Boat Tours
The next type of travel trend the ultra-wealthy may be booking for 2026 is yacht or private boat tours. Instead of sailing on a crowded cruise ship, the ultra-wealthy are booking entire yachts or chartering private boats to destinations such as Italy, Greece, the French Riviera and the Caribbean.
“Yacht charters continue to define the ultimate luxury experience, with our internal data highlighting that yacht trips are consistently among the most requested luxury services,” said Thanasis Mougios, founder and managing director at Kinglike Concierge. “For many guests, a yacht day is the highlight of their vacation, sailing between islands, enjoying fine food and drinks, and spending quality time together.”
Private yachts offer personalized luxury. A typical day might entail breakfast on the deck, followed by some type of relaxation activity, such as sunbathing, reading or using the spa. Other activities throughout the day may include water activities, visiting local towns and enjoying chef-prepared meals.
Sustainability and Cultural Trips
Many ultra-wealthy people are also booking sustainability and cultural trips. This type of travel often is an immersive cultural experience, filled with local cuisine and a community-focused approach. One of the goals of a sustainability trip is to minimize the travel impact and maximize the societal contribution. For example, travelers might use local transportation and support local businesses.
“The travel industry has changed a lot, as wealthy travelers are now becoming more selective with how they spend their time and not just their wealth,” said Evelyn Duran, travel expert at Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders. “Conservation and impact-transparent travel are big themes, as travelers are more interested in destinations where their money will go to protecting the environment.”
For many ultra-wealthy individuals, philanthropy and sustainability are core values. While these trips might not be the epitome of luxury, they balance personal enjoyment with care for the planet and community.
Wellness and Longevity Trips
Another travel trend emerging in 2026 is wellness and longevity trips. According to Elite Traveler, the global wellness economy is rapidly growing, and wellness tourism is one of the sectors growing the fastest. Citing research from the International Luxury Travel Market, Elite Traveler noted that over 90% of luxury travelers seek out wellness programs when making their travel plans.
These trips typically focus on physical and mental well-being. While they may have an underlying purpose, they also have a luxury component. For example, Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland is known for its diagnostics and cellular health, while Palazzo Fiuggi in Italy offers a combination of ancient thermal waters and modern medicine.
An average day might involve enjoying a meal prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, attending therapy or treatment and relaxing in a peaceful setting.
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