Travels Trends 2026: Africa answers the call…
When it comes to seeking out what’s new in the world of travel trends, the ‘usual suspects’ continue to dominate; think multi-gen travel, solo travel, set-jetting, slow travel, along with sports and pop-culture travel – we’re looking at you Swifties!
That said, some new movements are gaining momentum as travellers increasingly crave serenity paired with stunning natural vistas and interactive experiences; something Africa has always delivered to those exploring its bounty of attractions. The commonality is a desire to visit destinations that are often lesser known, attract fewer tourists and allow for longer, flexible stays that tap into local cultures and traditions.
- The Anti-Tourist
Overcrowding has been systematically pushing travellers away from visiting some of the world’s most popular destinations – mandatory tourist taxes, high travel costs and inflated accommodation prices (especially during high seasons) are seeing travellers seeking out ‘destination dupes’, lesser known locations that are worthy of being explored in and out of season – with the bonus of fewer crowds, undiscovered local attractions often at lower prices.
Anti-Tourist journeys are about going deeper and discovering more – this is travel that rewards taking the path least taken….
Consider mixing it up…
Nairobi instead of New York; Morocco over Mongolia; escape to Diani Beach, Kenya instead of battling crowds in Ibiza; Namibian horse treks versus Yellowstone cowboy culture; there’s a dupe for almost every kind of traveller…
- Five-star hotels at sea
What’s the trend? When you picture a five-star hotel at sea, names like Ritz-Carlton or Six Senses might leap to mind — but the traditional idea of a cruise ship is rapidly being redefined. Ultra-luxury cruising continues to surge, and boutique operators are transforming vessels into floating sanctuaries that rival the world’s top shoreside hotels.
In the Indian Ocean, Aqua Expeditions’ elegant superyacht Aqua Lares offers just this: an intimate explorer experience through Seychelles and East Africa, combining heartfelt service, bespoke cabins, and curated excursions into rare wildlife havens with fine dining and personalised luxury aboard.
Meanwhile, Ad Nile Cruises invites guests to glide along the iconic Nile in comfort and style, where each moment on the water feels as thoughtful and refined as any land-based palace. And for those drawn to untouched ocean realms, Blue Safari’s bespoke catamaran journeys around remote atolls let you savour barefoot elegance with all the touches of a five-star hideaway complete with champagne on deck, expert guides, and a spectacular marine wilderness just beyond your cabin.
As luxury travellers seek deeper connection with place without sacrificing sophistication, these hotel-at-sea experiences are turning cruising into one of 2026’s most enticing ways to explore Africa’s legendary shores and seascapes.
- Mobility and neo-nomad living
In an era of young billionaires and remote work options, mobility and neo-nomad living has taken root within UHNW lifestyles.
With travel, work and lifestyles merging together the option to get up and go is now a reflection of freedom, exclusivity, and a command of time not just anyone can access. Private aviation, mega-yachts and mobile residences have changed how the world can be freely navigated, within a private sanctuary tailored for comfort that’s aligned with both work and leisure.
- Touching Grass Travel
Fuelled by social media’s love affair with the outdoor aesthetic, #touchinggrass is a TikTok sensation shaping a real life travel movement.
Travellers are challenged to resist the urge of doing more – ‘Touching Grass Travel’ is all about slow mornings and fresh air in natural settings. Picture a vacation free from frustrating queues and frenzied rushing, where leaning into the calm of being present is the only goal.
With the shift towards nature-first experiences, how good one feels becomes the mark of a successful trip. Beach walks over busy streets, forest bathing instead of food markets and mountain air over crowded tourist traps is where real relaxation can be found.
From the rise of slower, longer journeys with intention, to hidden escapes that allow guests to truly disconnect in solitude, travel professionals are uniquely positioned to curate journeys that are life-changing.
Which trend do you see accelerating most in 2026?