What 2026's top luxury travel styles mean for you

As we head into 2026, we know our luxury travellers aren’t just seeking out new destinations—they're keen to explore in new ways. That can mean journeys that foster family traditions, offer privacy, or are entirely tailored to their preferences and passions.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re seeing travellers look to more niche styles of travel so trips can fit their specific needs, but also because doing so allows them to connect more deeply to the communities they’re visiting,” says Kristi Elborne, B&amp;R’s Chief Experience Officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;These four trip styles each offer their own unique take on an active adventure.&nbsp;<h2>Multi-generational&nbsp;</h2>A trend that started as travel resumed post-pandemic has only grown—and the demand for inventive itineraries that can spark joy and offer diversity of activity is key now more than ever. B&amp;R travellers are using multi-generational trips to kick-start new traditions and foster legacy, so much so that this fall we launched <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/bespoke/multi-gen-legacy">Multi-Gen Legacy</a> trips. The key to a successful Multi-Gen Legacy trip, Kristi says, is to “balance shared adventures with space for each person in the family to experience the journey in their own way.” Where others see logistical complexity, B&amp;R Experience Designers seize opportunity for insider access and include in multi-generational trips everything from private entry to iconic sites, candlelit abbeys and chapels, to access to secret farms and wineries. At B&amp;R, multi-generational travel has seen a 52% increase year-over-year in 2025.&nbsp;<h2>Customization&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>The demand for personalized journeys is higher than ever before. Whether the group size is two or 80, the customization available through our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/bespoke">Bespoke</a> travel is unmatched and can apply to everything from cultural journeys to family history trips. Customization allows you to pursue your interests—whether culinary, design, spiritual or sports—at the exact pace you prefer, for whatever timeframe you choose, whether it’s a weekend escape or a multi-country trek.&nbsp;

<h2>Private Cruising&nbsp;</h2>The industry is seeing the growth of micro-cruising and B&amp;R travellers are no exception. “Our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/bespoke/by-sea">By Sea</a> trips are thriving, with departures growing 130% compared to 2024,” says Kristi. Adventure by luxury yacht allows for intimate sailing holidays, privacy that can’t be found at on-land hotels and access to quiet marinas and off-the-radar ports that allow you to quickly immerse themselves in local culture. By Sea travellers also cover more geography than is typically doable during a week on land. “Croatia, Greece, Türkiye and the Galápagos are leading the way as travellers embrace the ease, comfort and intimacy of private yacht exploration,” she adds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Villas&nbsp;</h2>For groups, whether family or friends, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/bespoke/villa-stays">villa stays</a> offer a flexible space not easily found at hotels. With villas and private estates, everyone has room to spread out when they need to and can come together in communal spaces when they want. They also allow for tailored local immersion. “We bring the destination to you—private wine tastings, live music in the evenings, kids’ cooking classes and storytelling under the stars,” says Kristi. On top of this, you get concierge-level planning through every part of their stay so that group can simply arrive and unwind.&nbsp;

Luxury travel in 2026 is personal, private and purposeful. Explore the four trip styles shaping the future of active, bespoke travel according to Butterfield & Robinson travellers. 