Pavlus Travel Spotlights Top 2026 Travel Trends

As February gets underway, Pavlus Travel & Cruise, Inc., has identified five major 2026 travel trends shaping consumer vacation planning this year.

These trends are based on client inquiries and booking patterns for January 2026 when Pavlus’ sales were up more than 10 percent, compared with the same month a year ago.

1. Soaring Strength in Luxury Travel

“Luxury demand remains the single strongest trend we’re seeing,” said Craig S. Pavlus, founder and CEO, Pavlus Travel & Cruise. “Our clients continue to prioritize high-end experiences—whether at sea or on land—and that momentum carried strongly into January.”

Luxury ocean and river cruises, upscale escorted tours, and premium hotel and resort stays remain popular. Within the luxury segment, Pavlus also cited three notable developments:

• Growing interest in expedition cruises to remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Arctic, Australia’s Kimberley region, and the South Pacific. The big draws are gorgeous, pristine scenery and wildlife spotting!

• Increased demand for yacht-style cruising offered by luxury hospitality brands, including the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Orient Express Sailing Yachts.
• Rising popularity in luxurious river journeys, often coupled with pre- and post-voyage land stays, on AmaWaterways, Viking, and other upscale river lines.

2. Top 2026 Travel Trends: More Solo Travel

Among other top 2026 travel trends? Solo travel continues to expand across multiple age groups and life stages. “More suppliers are offering attractive solo pricing with reduced or eliminated single supplements,” said Pavlus.

One emerging trend involves married travelers taking separate solo trips during the same year. While couples still plan major vacations together, many now also schedule individual trips to pursue personal interests—from golf and gaming to culinary experiences or cultural travel.

3. Remote Work Blended with Leisure Travel

Advances in connectivity and the expansion of remote work continue to reshape travel habits. “We’re seeing more travelers combining work and leisure in meaningful ways,” explained Pavlus.

Clients are extending stays on cruises, tours, and resort vacations while maintaining remote work schedules. While exploring Europe and other international destinations, travelers can often structure their days around sightseeing, dining, and cultural experiences outside standard U.S. business hours.

4. Top 2026 Travel Trends: Europe is Hot!

Demand for European travel remains robust in 2026, particularly for longer itineraries. “Short one-week European trips are becoming far less common,” said Pavlus. Many clients now plan vacations lasting 10 days to two weeks or longer, frequently combining cruises with pre- and post-trip stays.

“Arriving one or two days early has also become standard practice, allowing travelers time to acclimate and reducing concerns over flight disruptions,” he added. Extended stays after cruises and tours, often involving rail travel to additional cities, are also on the rise.

5. Travel Centered on Friends and Family

Group travel among friends and family members also is on the rise. Pavlus Travel is seeing increased bookings from multiple couples traveling together.

Plus, the agency is seeing strong demand for multigenerational family vacations such as those created by Tauck Bridges, Disney Cruise Line, and others.

Small groups of friends—including solo travelers—are increasingly planning shared experiences focused on culture, cuisine, and connection.

So, have you planned your 2026 vacation? If not, give Pavlus Travel a call! The advice is free and a skilled personal travel planner will make and manage your vacation booking at no fee.

Plus, you’ll receive the best pricing! Just tap into the helpful contact information below.

Important Information from Pavlus Travel