Minor Hotels Unveils 2025 Travel Trends Report, Revealing a Profound Shift Toward Emotional, Relational, and Spiritual Experiences as Travelers Seek Deeper Connections Beyond Traditional Getaways

Published on December 1, 2025

A new report from global hospitality leader Minor Hotels reveals that travelers are reassessing their approach to travel, now prioritizing experiences that deeply connect on emotional, relational, and spiritual levels.

The first-ever Minor Hotels Travel Trends Report, titled Travelling Deeper: A Search for Lasting Connection, delves into the evolving nature of connections—whether with people, oneself, or the destinations visited. The report highlights a significant shift in the hospitality industry, urging hotels to move beyond traditional service offerings and instead help guests discover deeper meaning in their travels.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels, commented on the report’s launch, “Today’s travellers want more than destinations, they want stories, connections and meaning. Our trend report reveals a growing appetite for authentic engagement and conscious travel choices. For Minor Hotels, this is an invitation to continue shaping experiences that prioritise wellbeing and cultural depth, ensuring every journey offers something truly memorable.”

Optimism for 2026: Travel Continues to Top Priorities Despite Economic Challenges

Despite the ongoing economic uncertainty, travel remains a high priority for many in the coming year. According to a new report, 94% of respondents plan to travel as much or more in 2026, with one-third of them intending to increase their trips compared to 2025. The outlook for travel spending is also optimistic, with 94% planning to maintain or boost their travel budgets for 2026. Nearly half (47%) of respondents plan to increase their travel expenditure. Luxury travellers stand out, as they are nearly twice as likely to travel more than other groups, with 61% expecting an uptick in frequency.

Quality Over Quantity: The ROI of Rest and Relaxation

Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that offer personal value rather than simply increasing the number of trips taken. While there’s optimism for 2026, affordability remains a key factor influencing travel plans for 53% of respondents, followed by seasonality (42%), ease of travel (40%), and time constraints (40%). Over half of respondents (53%) typically book their travel within three months of departure, showing flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Hotel websites are the most commonly used planning tool, with 80% of travelers using them, followed by personal recommendations (35%) and online travel agents (29%). Emerging technologies like AI chatbots are also gaining traction, with 12% of respondents using them for travel planning.

The Power of Togetherness: Travel Buddies in 2026

In 2026, travel is all about shared experiences. The majority of travelers (66%) plan to travel with their partners, while 46% will bring immediate family and 32% will include friends. For 86% of respondents, spending quality time with loved ones is a key consideration when planning leisure trips. The simplest activities, like dining together (67%), relaxing (54%), and engaging in cultural activities (55%), are considered the most meaningful shared moments. Additionally, more than half (56%) prefer to keep activities within their group, opting for group-only experiences.

The Inner Journey: Balancing Connection and Solitude

Even on group trips, many travelers carve out time for themselves to recharge. A significant 71% of respondents agree that disconnecting from technology, social media, or work during their travels is important for their personal well-being. Forty-four percent plan to incorporate more wellness or mindfulness practices into their trips, a figure that rises to 73% among those already engaged in wellness activities. Spa treatments (75%), nature experiences (59%), and fitness activities (49%) top the list of preferred wellness experiences. More than a third (37%) of travelers make time for solitude even when traveling with others.

Tasting Culture: Food as the Gateway to Exploration

Food remains the primary way for travelers to experience local culture, with 85% of respondents ranking it as a key cultural discovery tool, followed by historic architecture (71%) and nature (65%). Local immersion is a major factor influencing destination choices for 83% of travelers, with 79% preferring independent exploration and 44% opting for guided tours to better understand the local way of life. Authenticity plays a crucial role, with 76% of travelers saying they would return to a destination because of the personal connection they felt.

Values-Driven Travel: Sustainability as a Loyalty Factor

Responsible hospitality is becoming a significant factor in travelers’ choices, with 47% of respondents stating that a hotel’s sustainability practices influence their decision to stay there. Environmental, cultural, and social initiatives enhance travelers’ connection to a destination, with 53% of guests feeling more connected to city hotels and 54% to destination resorts when sustainability is prioritized. More travelers are seeking brands that offer guidance on making conscious choices and encourage participatory sustainability.