Travel trends come and go, but some genuinely improve how a holiday feels. The ones below are the shifts I’m seeing most often in client enquiries, and they’re worth paying attention to if you want a trip that feels smoother, richer and better paced.
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1. Sustainable tourism and slow travel
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Slow travel is about pace, connection and enjoying the journey, not just the destination.
Slow travel is about taking your time, soaking up the detail, and building an itinerary that feels calm rather than crammed. For many trips, rail is a brilliant way to do that. You see more, you avoid airport hassle, and the journey becomes part of the experience.
Why rail works so well for slow travel
- Lower emissions than flying for many routes
- Less time lost to transfers, early check-in and airport queues
- More comfortable travel with space to relax and watch the scenery
- A more immersive sense of place as landscapes change around you
If you’d like ideas and routing options, my guide to slow travel by rail is a good place to start.
2. River, ocean and expedition cruising
Cruising can be a smart way to see multiple places without repacking every day.
Cruising continues to appeal across different ages and travel styles. The big advantage is simplicity: your accommodation moves with you, and you can visit multiple destinations without constantly managing logistics.
There’s a world of difference between cruise types, so matching the right ship and itinerary to the right traveller is key. I help clients choose options that fit their pace, interests and comfort level, whether that’s a European river route, classic ocean sailing, or an expedition-style voyage.
If cruising is on your radar, browse sailing and cruise holidays for inspiration, or speak to me and I’ll narrow it down quickly.
3. Wellness travel
Wellness travel is often about reset, rest, and returning home feeling better than when you left.
Wellness travel isn’t only about yoga retreats. For many travellers it’s simply the desire to slow down, sleep properly, eat well, spend time outdoors, and come home feeling genuinely refreshed.
This can be a dedicated retreat, a spa-led itinerary, or a wider trip that’s designed around wellbeing rather than relentless sightseeing.
Take a look at wellness holidays if you’d like to explore the options.
4. Experience-led tourism
Experience-led travel is about moments you remember, not just places you tick off.
More travellers are choosing trips built around experiences and connection, rather than rushing between tourist hotspots. It might be food and culture, nature and wildlife, or one unforgettable activity that becomes the anchor of the whole itinerary.
Examples that work brilliantly
- Cooking with local chefs or joining small food-led experiences
- Guided walking or cycling routes in national parks
- Learning through music, craft, art or local traditions
- Community-led visits that support local livelihoods
- Wildlife experiences that prioritise conservation
If you’re drawn to culture-rich itineraries, browse culture and food tours. If nature is your priority, explore wildlife and nature holidays. And if responsible travel matters to you, you’ll find my approach on responsible travel.
Ready to plan a trip that fits you?
Trends are only useful if they help you travel better. If you’d like me to shape an itinerary around your interests, your pace and your budget, I’d love to help.
I’m Bridget, your personal Adventure Specialist at World Class Adventures. I plan seamless, well-organised holidays so you can relax, enjoy the journey and know everything has been taken care of.
