Travellers are seeking experiences that resonate emotionally, relationally and spiritually, according to the inaugural Minor Hotels Travel Trends Report, titled “Travelling Deeper: A Search for Lasting Connection.”
The report looked at travel intentions for 2026, including what travellers are seeking at hotels and in destinations. It also considered who people were travelling with and why, and much more.
Optimism and Intention
Notably, despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the outlook for 2026 is overwhelmingly positive, with 94% of respondents expecting to travel at least as much as they did in 2025. One-third said they are planning more trips than in 2025. Similarly, 94% plan to spend the same or more on travel in 2026, with almost half (47%) intending to increase their travel budgets. (When looking at luxury travellers, they are nearly twice as likely to travel more in 2026 compared to all respondents, with 61% expecting an increase in frequency.)
That said, affordability remains a leading factor for the group at large, with 53% citing this as the top consideration when booking travel. This was followed by seasonality (42%), ease of travel (40%) and time (40%).
Quality Time and Experiences
While intention to travel more is up, those surveyed said they are still prioritising quality over quantity, seeking experiences that deliver personal value. To that point, Minor Hotels said travel in 2026 will be all about “togetherness, with multi-generational escapes, shared adventures and private stays defining the year ahead.”
Nearly all respondents plan to travel with companions, led by partners (66%), immediate family (46%) and friends (32%). Quality time matters most, with 86% citing it as a key priority when planning leisure trips. The most meaningful shared moments are also often the simplest, with dining together (67%), relaxation (54%) and cultural activities (55%) chosen as the preferred experiences to share with travel companions.
There is also a clear preference for keeping activities within their group, with over half of all respondents (56%) opting for group activities exclusively with their travel companions. Even on group journeys, however, travellers are carving out space for solitude and nature to recharge. Specifically, more than a third (37%) make time for themselves even when traveling with others.
Wellness, Food and Sustainability
In addition, 71% of respondents agree that taking a break from technology, social media or work during their travel is important for their personal well-being. Forty-four percent also plan to integrate more wellness or mindfulness into their trips, rising to 73% among those already engaged in wellness practices. Spa treatments lead as the top activity (75%), followed by nature-based experiences (59%) and fitness (49%).
According to respondents, culture is most often discovered through food, according to 85% of travellers. This was followed by historic architecture (71%) and nature (65%). Along those lines, local immersion influences the destination choice for 83% of travelers. Once in a destination, 79% of travellers favor independent exploration, while 44% opted for guided tours.
Perhaps most interestingly, 47% of travellers reported that a hotel’s sustainability record or proposition influences their choice in where to stay. The majority agree that environmental, cultural and social initiatives enhance their connection to a destination and they are increasingly seeking brands that educate, guide and enable conscious choices and participatory sustainability.
