British holidaymakers are planning more ambitious and multi‑layered trips in 2026, according to Kuoni’s new Travel Reimagined report.
*All details correct at time of publish (13 March 2026)
Based on the company’s latest booking data, three major shifts are shaping how people travel this year: a sharp rise in multi‑centre journeys, increased demand for shoulder‑season travel, and a growing focus on intentional rest woven into longer itineraries.
Travellers are seeking more contrast, more connection and more breathing space from their holidays, turning to expert, conversation‑led planning to design trips that work seamlessly from start to finish.
Kuoni data shows that two and three‑centre trips are up 10% year on year, with multi‑island Caribbean itineraries growing by 50% and 65% of Canada bookings now featuring five or more stops.
June and September are now the fastest‑growing travel months, with June up 6% and September up 12% across all destinations as bookings continue to shift away from high summer.
The Maldives remains Kuoni’s top destination for 2026, with most travellers adding five‑to‑seven‑night stays into wider itineraries.
Interest in digital detox retreats, quiet escapes and sleep‑focused breaks is also rising, signalling a growing desire for restorative moments within bigger adventures.
Travellers are embracing a more à la carte approach to holiday upgrades, choosing to elevate the moments that matter most. Private guides, cultural experiences and food‑led excursions are increasingly shaping itineraries.
30% of bookings now mix four and five‑star hotels, with 20% upgrading to Premium Economy or Business Class, rising to 30% for longer‑haul destinations like Australasia and the Caribbean. This is a shift from blanket luxury to smarter, more intentional indulgence.
Mark Duguid, Managing Director at Kuoni, said: “People want holidays that feel richer, more thoughtfully designed and perfectly balanced. Multi‑centre travel is on the rise because travellers want variety, but also the reassurance that every part of their journey will work beautifully together.
“That’s where our travel experts make the difference. Customers really value having a real human in their corner with destination expertise and travel know-how who will be on hand to support them from the very first spark of a holiday idea to the moment they land back home.”
Kuoni also revealed its top 20 bestselling destinations for 2026, led by the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Here are the top 20 bestselling destinations (vs 25).
The full report, including detailed data and travel ideas for each trend, is available at www.kuoni.co.uk/trends or download here.
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