Luxury travel adapts, not retreats: Kensington tracks affluent shifts in 2025

Kensington has released its Mid-Year Trend Report: Navigating Uncertainty in Affluent Travel, revealing how high-net-worth travellers are adapting to a complex 2025 shaped by economic and geopolitical instability.

Drawing on proprietary booking and survey data, the report highlights three major shifts:

Luxury closer to home:

U.S.-based travel is up 60 per cent year-over-year, with affluent Americans favouring shorter, flexible itineraries. Demand is driven by convenience, ease of planning, and a desire for control. In response, Kensington is expanding domestic experiences and has launched Kensington Concierge to support short, customizable getaways.

High-touch, high-spend experiences thrive

Despite uncertainty, luxury travellers are doubling down on once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Bookings in the $2,000–$3,000+ per person per day segment are rising sharply, with private yachts, villas, and VIP access in high demand.

Kensington is growing its Villas and Yachts divisions and preparing to debut Kensington Expeditions—land-and-sea adventures led by top experts.

Africa redefined

While safari bookings remain strong (bookings were up over 50 per cent in early 2025). interest is expanding into immersive cultural and off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as gorilla trekking and helicopter tours.

Kensington has broadened its offerings across countries like Uganda, Botswana, and Madagascar to meet this growing appetite for meaningful exploration.

“We’re in a moment where global unpredictability is testing assumptions across the industry,” said Matt Cammaert, SVP of marketing and outside sales, in a press release. “And yet, the data tells a story of travellers who are adapting, not retreating. These shifts aren’t just reactive; they’re purposeful. Whether it’s staying closer to home or seeking out deeper experiences abroad, today’s traveller is making intentional choices.”

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