How will the ultra wealthy travel in 2026?

Forbes has provided a detailed breakdown of the top travel trends for the ultra-wealthy traveler next year.

Not surprisingly, luxury travelers prioritize exclusivity and avoiding crowds. They often prefer experiences to be curated by a bespoke travel agency so that everything from transfers to restaurant bookings is handled for them. Funny that! We are also a huge fans of these services.

The 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report taps into the collective knowledge of the company’s industry-leading travel agency members and their teams of professional travel advisors. Their insight tells us that luxury on its own is not good enough anymore. Instead, travellers are pursuing exotic locations, slowing down to savour each moment and creating journeys that are meaningful, restorative and deeply personal.

From FOMO to slow-mo

Forbes continues that ‘the fear of missing out’ is driving globetrotters to try extraordinary adventures, such as tracking Kenya’s Great Migration and exploring the Galápagos’ intricate ecosystems. Boomers and Gen X, in particular, feel this urgency, spurred by global environmental changes and a sharpened awareness that “someday” can’t wait.

FOMO gets them on the plane, but “slow-mo” (slow motion) defines the experience.

Safari-goers are choosing smaller camps where they can spend unhurried days watching wildlife. In South America, travelers linger in Argentina, Chile and Peru to pair adventure with food, wine and heritage. FOMO gets them on the plane, but “slow-mo” (slow motion) defines the experience. The rarer the location, the more travelers want to stretch out their stay and savor every moment. Privacy rounds out the top three ultraluxe experiences, as travelers seek out hidden islands and remote retreats where exclusivity and escapism are the ultimate indulgence.

Mental health and longevity are just as important as physical fitness, and many view these trips as investments in a healthier future. According to advisors, health and wellness now ranks as the second-most requested experience for solo travelers, who are drawn to programs that foster structure and self-discovery.

Cultural immersion hits the top 5 trend for 2026

Advisors say entertainment creates a natural synergy between stepping into a beloved story and discovering the culture around it through food tours, local markets, art districts and other authentic experiences. This aligns with the rise of cultural immersion, which has climbed four spots since last year to become a top-five trend for 2026. This immediately makes us think of Kigali in Rwanda which is a vibrantly, colourful city that ticks all of the above boxes!