As we look back on 2025, one thing is clear: our clients are more curious, more intentional, and more adventurous than ever. This year’s journeys spanned 89 countries and every continent, from classic Africa luxury safaris to storied European cities and remote corners of Asia and South America. Taken together, these trips tell a beautiful story about how, and why, our travelers choose to explore the world with Ker & Downey’s bespoke travel experiences.

Here’s a glimpse into where they went, what luxury travel trends emerged in 2025, and what we expect to see in 2026 travel.

Africa & Europe Lead the Way in 2025 Luxury Travel

Two regions clearly defined 2025 for our travelers: Africa and Europe—the pillars of global luxury travel.

For many travelers, 2025 was the year of the “safari and beyond”: combining time in Africa with a few days in a European city, or pairing a classic safari itinerary with a more off-the-beaten-path experience. This trend reflects a growing desire for private guided travel, tailored experiences, and deeper connection.

Top African Luxury Destinations

In Africa, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya were the most visited destinations. Zambia and Zimbabwe were also popular for travelers who extended their classic safaris with a visit to Victoria Falls or more remote wildlife conservancies. Africa continues to be the heart of transformative, soul-stirring journeys at Ker & Downey World Travel.

Top European Luxury Destinations

In Europe, Italy was the undisputed favorite. With Italy’s mix of food, wine, culture, and coastline, it’s no surprise it ranked as a top destination for luxury travel in 2025. Our travelers also ventured to France, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Croatia & the Balkans, and Switzerland.

A key European trend for 2025, and heading into 2026, is the rise of multi-country itineraries, allowing travelers to explore several cultures in one exquisite journey.

Asia & South America: Thoughtful, Experiential Journeys

Beyond Africa and Europe, we saw a growing interest in Asia luxury travel and South America private touring. These itineraries tended to be longer, slower, and more immersive—mirroring the global trend toward experiential travel and meaningful, transformative journeys.

Leading Asian Destinations

Top destinations in Asia included Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Deeper cultural destinations such as Bhutan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan appeared frequently among travelers seeking a sense of discovery and heritage.

Leading South American Destinations

In South America, our clients explored Chile, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Guyana. From the Atacama Desert and Patagonia to cloud forests and wine regions, this continent attracted those seeking adventure with refinement.

Oceania & the Polar Edges

Four our intrepid travelers, these regions added some of the year’s most memorable journeys.

Oceania saw travelers journey to Australia and New Zealand, often as extended, bucket-list trips full of wilderness, wine country, and coastal luxury.

A handful of clients headed toward truly remote frontiers via Antarctic expedition-style travel, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Luxury Travel Trends We Noticed in 2025

1. Depth Over Distance

Travelers are increasingly choosing fewer stops and deeper experiences—a core hallmark of slow travel. Many stayed longer in one lodge or villa, embracing private guiding and all-inclusive hosted experiences.

2. The Classics, Elevated

Even in well-loved countries like South Africa, Italy, France, and Japan, travelers sought:

• Exclusive access
• Boutique, owner-run properties
• Authentic, locally grounded experiences

Classic destinations remain popular, but the emphasis is on personalized luxury.

3. A Taste for the Unexpected

For clients asking, “We’ve done the classics. What’s next?”, we saw rising interest in destinations including Oman, Bhutan, Uruguay, Guyana, Mozambique, Rwanda, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. These “hidden gem” destinations underscore the trend toward customized, highly intentional travel.

If these top destinations are on your list for 2026 luxury travel, we strongly recommend planning early to secure the best guides, lodges, and private experiences.

Luxury Travel Forecast: What to Expect in 2026

Based on this year’s data and global travel behavior, here’s what we anticipate:

1. Strong Demand for Africa & Europe

Expect continued demand for:

• May–June safaris
• August–September Great Migration travel
• European spring and fall (May, June, September, October)

2. Continued Growth in Asia’s Cultural Destinations

Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Bhutan will remain highly sought-after, especially for experiential luxury travel.

3. South America Will Keep Rising

Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Uruguay are poised for increased interest in 2026.

4. Earlier Planning Will Be Essential

Because 2025 saw peak demand in late spring and early fall, prime 2026 dates will book quickly. Many travelers are already securing trips 9–12 months in advance.

Plan Your 2026 Journey with Ker & Downey World Travel

Our clients see depth, meaning, and beauty in the way they travel. As we look to 2026, our Travel Designers are crafting journeys that reflect those desires—blending iconic highlights with quietly extraordinary moments, tailored entirely to each traveler.

Whether you’re dreaming of a September safari, vineyards in May, cherry blossoms in Japan, Christmas markets in Europe, or somewhere beautifully unexpected, now is the perfect time to begin planning.

Let’s design your 2026 journey, tailored completely to you. Contact us to start planning your luxury travels for 2026 and beyond.