Intentional journeys: Small-scale luxury travel trends shaping 2026

January 13, 2026

Travel in 2026 isn’t being reshaped by where we go, but by why and how we choose to travel. Across global trend reports, one shift stands out: luxury travel is becoming more intentional, more emotional, and deeply personal. Today’s travelers are no longer guided solely by destinations or status, but by values — seeking journeys that reflect who they are, how they want to move through the world, who they want to connect with, and how they want to feel along the way.

At REMOTE Latin America, this evolution strongly reflects what we witness in the field each year through our community of lodgings, DMCs, and travel designers committed to more meaningful forms of travel. To better understand where travel is heading within our own context — luxury that is independent, small-scale, and rooted in responsibility — we reviewed eight of the most relevant travel trend reports and analyses released for 2026. Viewed through a Latin American lens, we identified the shared threads shaping the year ahead.

What emerges is not a checklist of trends, but a clear mindset shift: slower, more intentional itineraries; authentic local stories and voices at the center of experiences; wellbeing as a core motivation rather than a nice add-on; and journeys designed to feel truly personal and meaningful. Latin America and the Caribbean naturally sit at the heart of this movement. Here, nature, culture, creativity, and human connection aren’t layered onto travel — they are the foundation.

Below, we share key insights and inspiring findings drawn from leading global voices in travel and lifestyle — including Black Tomato, Skift, BBC Travel, Skyscanner, National Geographic, HBX Group, Lemongrass PR, and Modern Currency PR — offering a snapshot of what will shape intentional, small-scale luxury travel in 2026 and beyond.

Trend #01 — Identity-Driven Travel

Travel in 2026 is increasingly shaped by identity. Travelers are seeking journeys that reflect their values, passions, and worldview — rather than simply collecting destinations or experiences. Luxury, in this context, is no longer about excess or visibility, but about alignment: with personal ethics, curiosity, and purpose. Where you go matters less than why you go, who you travel with, and what the journey says about you.

This shift explains the growing appeal of independent, values-led travel brands and destinations that offer authenticity, depth, and a sense of belonging rather than spectacle.

Trend #02 — Slow, Intentional Journeys

Fewer places. Deeper experiences. More time.

Slow travel continues to gain momentum in 2026, with travelers prioritizing extended stays, unhurried itineraries, and meaningful time on the ground. Rather than rushing between highlights, travelers are choosing to immerse themselves — spending longer in one place, forming relationships, and engaging with landscapes and communities at a human pace.

Reports consistently point to a growing desire for travel that allows space for reflection, connection, learning, and presence, making the journey itself as meaningful as the destination.

Trend #03 — Authenticity & Local Stories

Luxury travelers are increasingly looking beyond icons and hotspots toward local voices, everyday culture, food traditions, and real human stories. What resonates today are experiences shaped by the people who live in a place — not performances designed solely for visitors.

Story-driven journeys are replacing superficial sightseeing. Travelers want to understand how places work, not just how they look. This trend reinforces the role of local guides, community-based experiences, family-run lodges, and independent operators as essential storytellers of place.

Trend #04 — Wellbeing-Led Travel

Wellbeing is no longer an added amenity — it is a core motivation for travel.

Across trend reports, wellbeing emerges as a primary driver, understood in a much broader sense than traditional “wellness.” Travelers are seeking journeys that support mental health, emotional balance, and physical vitality through connection with nature, movement, stillness, and time outdoors.

Fresh air, open landscapes, immersion in natural rhythms, and moments of presence are increasingly seen as restorative — even necessary — in a fast, hyperconnected world. Luxury travelers want travel to replenish rather than exhaust them, favoring experiences that feel grounding, calming, and genuinely nourishing.

Trend #05 — Hyper-Personalization

Travelers in 2026 expect journeys to feel deeply personal and tailor-made. Bespoke itineraries, curated moments, and flexible planning are no longer “nice to have” — they are expected.

Technology and AI are supporting this shift behind the scenes, but human expertise remains central. The role of travel designers, local specialists, and on-the-ground knowledge is more important than ever, allowing trips to be shaped around individual interests, pace, and preferences. Small-scale luxury today is defined by fit, not scale.

Trend #06 — Latin Fever: The Rising Allure of Latin America

Travel interest in Latin America and the Caribbean is heating up in 2026 — not just as a backdrop for scenic beauty, but as a vibrant region with diverse cultural experiences, emerging destinations, and strong growth in tourism demand. National Geographic highlights that interest in places such as El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama has surged, with visitor numbers increasing significantly as travelers seek new rhythms, landscapes, traditions, and locally rooted experiences.

This trend underscores that Latin America is no longer simply on the list — it is becoming a focal point for travelers looking for authenticity, natural wonder, and meaningful connection.

Trend #07 — Indigenous Tourism: Deep Cultural Encounters

A powerful movement shaping travel in 2026 is the continued rise of Indigenous tourism — an estimated £35.5 billion global industry. These experiences are led directly by Indigenous peoples and communities and are centered on cultural knowledge, traditions, storytelling, and place-based wisdom.

This trend reflects a broader desire for travel that moves beyond sightseeing and into the realm of respectful cultural exchange and genuine learning. Indigenous tourism invites visitors to learn from local stewards of land and heritage, contributing to community wellbeing while deepening travelers’ understanding of identity, place, and belonging — values that strongly resonate with the intentional travel mindset shaping 2026.

Trend #08 — Hotels as Destinations: Where Stay Becomes Experience

In 2026, accommodations are no longer just a stopover — they are becoming destinations in their own right. Travelers are gravitating toward properties that offer curated experiences, design-driven spaces, distinctive narratives, and immersive onsite programming. Hotels and stays are increasingly valued for their architecture, atmosphere, and sense of place — not simply as somewhere to sleep, but for the meaning they add to the overall journey.

From boutique lodges deeply rooted in local culture to expansive nature retreats that anchor a trip’s emotional arc, the hotel-as-destination trend reflects a broader shift toward experiences that begin the moment travelers check in.