2026 Travel Trends: ‘Maximalisation’ Ushers in a New Era of Luxury and Adventure
The HBX Group has unveiled its 2026 Travel Trends Report, pinpointing ‘maximalisation’ as this year’s defining theme in the travel industry. Released on January 13, 2026, the report indicates a significant departure from 2025’s emphasis on digital detox vacations and wellness travel, heralding a new age of luxury travel, modular itineraries, and imaginative escapes.
Maximalisation encapsulates the travelers’ quest for more in their experiences—more destinations, more activities, and more luxury, all within a single trip. This trend mirrors the travelers’ longing for extravagant, multi-centre journeys where they can explore a variety of destinations, alternating between luxury accommodations and adventurous pursuits. This approach is a stark deviation from the recent minimalist trend where less was deemed more.
Entertainment remains a significant motivator for travel in 2026, with sports events, music festivals, and eSports tourism prompting travelers to organize trips around these experiences. The phenomenon of ‘set-jetting,’ where travelers visit locations popularized by films and TV shows, is expected to continue its growth trajectory as travelers strive to immerse themselves in the worlds they’ve witnessed on screen. Additionally, gaming tourism is on the rise, with the eSports industry anticipated to fuel destination visits for tournaments and conventions.
Social media platforms are set to exert an increasing influence on travel choices, with nearly 50 percent of travelers selecting destinations based solely on their online discoveries. Furthermore, AI-based trip planning tools are becoming an essential part of the travel process—40 percent of travelers are already utilizing these tools, and over 60 percent express willingness to use them in the future.
Source: Travel and Tour World