Kensington, the global leader in private guided luxury travel, is sharing its list of the top trending destinations for 2026 based on internal data and insights from its team of experts. The findings reflect continued demand for the themes highlighted in its inaugural Trend Report including the appeal of lesser-known destinations, a growing desire for personalized and exclusive experiences, a preference for more seamless travel, and the desire for more private, highly customized itineraries. 

Helen Giontsis, President of Kensington, noted that the trends emerging for 2026 reflect similar momentum outlined in both the company's inaugural Trend Report and its Mid Year Trend Report. “Our travelers continue to prioritize experiences that feel rare and deeply personal,” said Giontsis. “Demand for once in a lifetime travel remains incredibly strong, even in the face of external uncertainties. We are also seeing significant growth in private yachts, villas, and VIP entry to special events ranging from global sports events to concerts.” 

Top Trending Destinations for 2026 

Egypt 
Egypt leads the list with demand rising more than 400%. The surge is tied to regional stabilization and the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Stacy Alderson, Regional Vice President at Kensington, recently previewed the museum during its soft opening and explored sites such as the Pyramid Complex and the Luxor Temples. "My guide shared remarkable stories about ancient life. It felt like traveling with a deeply knowledgeable friend.  Our Egypt guides are not just guides. They are true Egyptologists and historians who bring the past to life in unforgettable ways.”  Travelers are also discovering Egypt's culinary traditions through private tasting tours and cooking classes. 

Kenya  
The lure of a traditional safari continues to grow with year-over-year demand rising more than 60% . Travelers are drawn to the opportunity to witness the Big Five on guided safaris across the wide plains of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, where lions, elephants, and cheetahs roam in their natural habitat. “A safari is one of the greatest bucket list adventures in the world,” added Alderson. “It appeals to every generation, from families with young children to multi-gen groups and retirees seeking a once in a lifetime journey. The sense of connection you feel to the wildlife and the landscapes stays with you forever.”   

To experience the best of both worlds, Kensington also offers an itinerary to visit both Egypt and Kenya  allowing visitors to experience everything from the great Pyramids and the legendary Sphinx in Giza, the archaeological treasures of Karnak and Luxor with a private Egyptologist guide to a private safari in the Masai Mara. 

Bhutan 
Interest in Bhutan continues to rise through the recently launched Kensington Expeditions, the company's newest division offering highly customized trips across land, sea, air, and space. "Bhutan is one of those places that changes the way you see the world,” said Neal Bateman, Head of Kensington Expeditions. “As with every expedition, this itinerary is created with sustainability, conservation, and cultural immersion at its core.” Guests fly deep into the Himalayas to witness ancient rituals that are still practiced today, join guided forest bathing sessions, take part in meditation, cycle across sweeping highland routes, ride horseback through quiet valleys, and receive private blessings from local monks. Travelers can also spend time with regional ecologists to support conservation initiatives and observe Bhutan's celebrated crane migration.   

Norway and the Nordic Region 
Demand across the Nordic countries continue to grow as travelers seek nature-forward journeys and private access to unique experiences. Kensington itineraries include Iceland's Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle, Copenhagen's design districts and Viking sites, and Norway's dramatic fjords explored by private boat or Zodiac. The company's Solar Eclipse Voyage is timed for guests wishing to witness the upcoming eclipse during an eleven-night Arctic expedition. 

Vietnam and China  
While Japan continues to remain Kensington's destination in Asia, Vietnam is gaining momentum with growth of nearly 70% on the year as travelers look for immersive cultural experiences paired with history and standout cuisine. “Vietnam has an energy that people fall in love with immediately,” said Jessica Vandermey, Regional Vice President, Kensington. “The food culture, the markets, the history, and the warmth of the people create a travel experience that feels genuine from the moment you arrive.” China – which now offers a new 10-day visa free travel pass for U.S. and Canadian passport holders - is also showing strong growth, rising by 56% as travelers seek a mix of ancient history, modern cities, and approachable value across regions like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. “China and Hong Kong appeal to a wide range of travelers because they offer depth, contrast, and a surprising level of accessibility when planned with local experts,” said Abigail Tsao, Destination Expert, East Asia for Kensington. A popular option is the eight-day China Discovery itinerary, which traces imperial landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, continues to Xi'an for the Terracotta Warriors, and ends in Shanghai with time to explore its traditional water towns. 

Costa Rica by Private Yacht 
Costa Rica remains a favorite for its pristine beaches and exotic wildlife, but more travelers are choosing to explore it by private yacht for a fully private and customizable experience that allows access to areas inaccessible by land. “Traveling through Costa Rica by yacht allows guests to experience the country in a way that simply is not possible from land,” said Edita Sgovio, Vice President of Yachts and Villas. “Every moment is tailored to the client's specific needs and interests, and your yacht becomes a private base for swimming, snorkeling, and watching marine life, all with a crew focused solely on creating the perfect day on the water.”  

Peru 
For American travelers, Peru appeals as a destination because it's easily accessible via direct flights from several major U.S. cities and can be visited in a week contributing to its growth in demand that has doubled in the past year. “Peru is an unmatched blend of ancient Inca marvels like Machu Picchu, vibrant Andean culture in Cusco, world-class gastronomy in Lima, and incredible biodiversity from the Amazon to the coast, offering adventure, history, and unique stories for every traveler,” says Tracey Nichol, one of Kensington's Latin America experts.  “It's a 'complete experience' balancing cultural immersion with natural wonders and culinary delights, making it a top South American choice for 2026.  

Toronto
Toronto is drawing global attention as one of the host cities for the World Cup. Kensington will offer VIP seating, private stadium transfers, and curated experiences such as a Prohibition-themed walking tour in the Distillery District, a private helicopter flight over Lake Ontario, and reservations at some of the city's top restaurants.  For international visitors coming to the United States for World Cup games, Kensington is also offering World Cup itineraries to New York, Los Angeles Boston and Philadelphia.  

Alaska by Cruise  
Bookings to Alaska are up 125% from last year with luxury cruises through the Inside Passage as one of the best ways to explore the region.  In addition, guests can experience the beauty of Western Canada as their port of embarkation with opportunities to fly over Vancouver's glaciers in a private helicopter or unwind with a curated wine tour in British Columbia. “Alaska often takes travelers by surprise,” said Joelle Davis, Vice President of Kensington Cruise. “The combination of luxury sailing and incredible wildlife create a sense of connection to the landscape that is powerful and lasting.”  

Croatia 

Croatia is quickly becoming one of Europe's most sought-after destinations, whether explored by private yacht or on land. Travelers can wander the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, kayak along the country's white pebble beaches, and discover the vineyards of Central and South Dalmatia, home to some of Croatia's most celebrated wines. Private yacht itineraries offer a seamless way to experience multiple islands and coastal towns while maintaining complete privacy and flexibility. 

In response to the demand for more Ultra Luxe experiences, Kensington is introducing several itineraries that elevate travel even further. These elite itineraries span the globe to always popular destinations such as Paris where guests can master French cuisine with a Michelin chef in their private Paris home, sail Koh Samui's waters in Thailand by private yacht, or explore Istanbul, Turkey with a renowned historian, sail the Bosphorus on a private yacht, and float over the sunrise over Cappadocia's surreal landscapes by private hot air balloon. 

As travelers continue to prioritize authenticity, privacy, access, and ease, Kensington's private guided model is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. The company's Destination Experts, global network of expert private guides, trusted destination partners, and commitment to designing fully customized itineraries allow travelers to experience each destination in a way that feels seamless, personal, and deeply meaningful. With these trends gaining momentum, Kensington expects 2026 to be another standout year for travelers seeking journeys that are transformative, enriching, and crafted with true expertise. 

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