British Airways Takes You to Bermuda, St Kitts, Costa Rica, Crete and the United States as 2026’s Most Sought-After Luxury Destinations

Published on December 17, 2025

As we step into 2026, the world of travel is undergoing a profound transformation. British Airways Holidays, in collaboration with the global travel forecasting authority, Globetrender, has unveiled its 2026 Travel Trends Report, offering an intriguing look at how British travelers are evolving in their holiday choices.

What stands out is a shift from the typical vacation mindset—where holidays were merely seen as breaks from daily life—towards more intentional, immersive, and enriching experiences. Today’s travelers are not only seeking escapism but are also deeply invested in their wellbeing, identity, and emotional enrichment.

In this exciting new chapter of travel, luxury is being redefined, with a growing emphasis on experiential depth rather than excess. Gone are the days of simply ticking off bucket-list destinations. The future of travel is rooted in authenticity, wellness, and emotional clarity, and these factors are influencing where travelers are choosing to go and how they plan to experience these destinations.

This article delves deep into the travel trends for 2026, highlighting the rising-star destinations, the shift towards wellness-driven holidays, and how digital and experiential travel is transforming the luxury tourism industry. From stream parks to Chronocations, British Airways Holidays’ 2026 predictions reveal an exciting era for those seeking more than just a vacation.

2026 Rising-Star Destinations: Where the World is Heading

In 2026, some lesser-known destinations are making a significant mark on the travel map, thanks to a desire for emotional clarity and immersive cultural experiences. These destinations are witnessing sharp growth in interest, as travelers seek out places that offer restorative island rhythms, nature-led experiences, and a deeper connection with the local environment.

Bermuda (+38%), St Kitts (+31%), Turks and Caicos (+22%), and Grenada (+20%) are among the standout destinations driving this trend. With their laid-back atmosphere and nature-rich landscapes, these islands offer travelers the opportunity to slow down and rejuvenate, creating the perfect environment for relaxation and reconnection.

In addition, Crete (+18%) and Costa Rica (+15%) are attracting more visitors, particularly those seeking wellness retreats and nature-based experiences. Crete’s Mediterranean charm, with its slower pace of life and deliciously long meals, allows travelers to reset their biological clocks while indulging in local culture. On the other hand, Costa Rica has become synonymous with eco-tourism, providing a sanctuary for adventure seekers and those wishing to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Meanwhile, Nashville (+13%) has seen a surge in interest, attracting those nostalgic for authentic American music history. As a hub of music culture, Nashville offers Vintage Junkets that transport travelers back in time, providing immersive experiences that celebrate imperfection, nostalgia, and authenticity.

For those drawn to the Caribbean’s more exclusive offerings, Antigua (+8%) provides luxurious private stays in boutique hotels and villas, making it a prime spot for high-end travelers looking for seclusion and personal luxury.

These destinations are tapping into a growing desire for emotional clarity, where the natural environment and cultural richness provide travelers with a sense of presence that they are actively seeking.

Evolving Traveler Behavior: The Rise of Intentional and Experiential Travel

The data from British Airways Holidays’ 2026 report highlights an interesting shift in the way travelers are approaching their vacations. It is no longer just about visiting iconic landmarks or taking part in conventional activities. Instead, today’s travelers are seeking to redefine their relationship with time, experience destinations through personal rhythms, and engage in more authentic and emotional forms of travel.

One of the most significant trends emerging in 2026 is the rise of Chronocations—holidays designed around the traveler’s circadian rhythms rather than fixed itineraries. These holidays prioritize instinctive living, allowing travelers to wake without alarms, eat when hungry, and explore destinations at their own pace. In places like Crete or Costa Rica, where the rhythms of the local culture align with this way of living, travelers can enjoy an organic connection to their surroundings, fostering both physical relaxation and mental rejuvenation.

In contrast, another shift driving the 2026 trends is the rise of Uninhibited Holidays. This concept highlights the growing importance of body confidence and cultural release. Travelers are increasingly rejecting hyper-curated social media ideals and embracing their authentic selves. More and more travelers are seeking destinations that celebrate wellness rituals, such as Japanese onsens, Turkish hammams, and Nordic saunas, where vulnerability and equality are central to the experience.

This trend is a response to the constant pressure of social media-driven beauty standards, allowing travelers to experience freedom and self-acceptance in environments where they can shed their insecurities and embrace authenticity.

Stream Parks: The Next Evolution in Digital Travel

In a world increasingly dominated by digital media, a new phenomenon is emerging in the travel industry: Stream Parks. These immersive, tech-powered environments allow travelers to step into the worlds of their favorite movies, shows, and games. According to the British Airways Holidays 2026 trends, 38% of UK travelers are eager to explore these digital realms in person.

Streaming platforms like Netflix and iQIYI, as well as gaming giants like Minecraft, are leading the charge in transforming this idea into reality. Netflix House in the US and Minecraft attractions in both the UK and US are just the beginning of a new era in narrative-driven travel. These attractions offer a unique blend of fiction and reality, where travelers can live out their favorite stories and engage with them in real life.

Orlando, long known for its traditional theme parks, is rapidly evolving into a hub for these narrative-driven experiences, making it an exciting destination for tech-savvy travelers who crave both digital entertainment and real-world interaction.

The Valueverse: Luxury Through Loyalty

In 2026, luxury travel is being redefined by a new trend known as The Valueverse. While economic pressures and the rising cost of living have caused many to reassess their spending habits, travelers are becoming smarter in how they access luxury experiences. Instead of spending large sums on extravagant hotels and flights, they are leveraging loyalty points and rewards programs to gain access to luxury experiences that were once out of reach.

British Airways Holidays reports that 82% of their customers consider loyalty programs an essential part of their travel planning. By converting everyday spending into travel points, travelers can unlock exclusive experiences such as private villas, luxury transfers, in-destination dining, and wellness experiences. This trend highlights a shift in the definition of luxury—it is no longer about excess, but about access to meaningful experiences.

Neurosurfing and the Evolution of Wellness Travel

As the wellness tourism industry continues to expand, a new trend called Neurosurfing is gaining traction. Neurosurfing focuses on cognitive health and mental well-being, moving beyond the traditional “doing nothing” holidays. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that actively shift brainwave states and promote mental clarity.

In Costa Rica and the Caribbean, where the environment is lush and calming, wellness retreats are incorporating activities like breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and ecstatic dance. These high-impact relaxation techniques are not just about resting the body—they are designed to enhance cognitive performance, making them a perfect fit for travelers looking to rejuvenate both physically and mentally.

Vintage Junkets: Nostalgia and Imperfection in Travel

In an age where everything seems curated and algorithm-driven, travelers are increasingly seeking out experiences that celebrate imperfection and nostalgia. The trend of Vintage Junkets is all about embracing the authenticity of the past and finding meaning in experiences that connect travelers with the true essence of a place.

In destinations like Nashville, travelers can immerse themselves in the city’s rich music history, while exploring heritage hotels, flea markets, and vinyl record shops. It’s not about recreating the past, but about resonating with it, discovering destinations through the lens of history and emotional connection rather than polished, modern-day narratives.

A Redefinition of What Holidays Are For

As the world of travel continues to evolve, British Airways Holidays has recognized that holidays are no longer just about getting away from it all—they are about actively expanding and enriching our lives. According to Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, wellness culture, loyalty innovation, and experiential depth are at the heart of the traveler’s journey in 2026.

The future of travel is not about escaping reality but about embracing it in a new and deeper way. Whether through Chronocations, Uninhibited Holidays, or stream parks, the 2026 travel trends reveal that travelers are seeking personal growth, authenticity, and experiences that enhance their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Travel

The 2026 travel trends unveiled by British Airways Holidays paint a picture of a new era in travel, where luxury is measured not by excess, but by the depth of the experience. As wellness, digital experiences, and authenticity become the guiding principles for future travelers, it’s clear that the landscape of tourism is undergoing a profound shift.

The destinations, experiences, and travel behaviors highlighted in this report demonstrate that travelers in 2026 are no longer just passive tourists—they are active participants in the crafting of their own travel stories. Whether they are resetting their biological clocks, embracing body confidence, or immersing themselves in digital worlds, travelers are seeking meaningful experiences that align with their personal values and desires.

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the future of travel promises to be more personal, authentic, and emotionally enriching than ever before.