Collette shares top trends, destinations & experiences for 2026

As travellers look ahead to 2026, Collette reports a clear shift in how people want to explore the world.

Rather than rushing from landmark to landmark, today’s travellers are seeking deeper meaning, cultural connection, and experiences that feel personal, immersive, and responsible, the tour operator says.

Drawing on insights from its global travel experts, Collette has identified the top trends shaping the year ahead, including solo adventures, historical and cultural immersion, food-focused travel, journeys that give back, and small group exploration in both classic and emerging destinations.

“As a third-generation family member to lead Collette, I’ve spent my life witnessing the transformative power of travel,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president and CEO of Collette, in a press release.

“What we’re seeing for 2026 is a shift toward travellers being intentional with their choices in both destination and unique experiences, creating a more meaningful connection. Today’s modern travellers aren’t focused on checking off major sights; they want a more immersive understanding of the places they visit and the people who live there. They want to spend time in real communities, learn from local perspectives, and experience a destination in a way that feels genuine and connected.”

Solo adventures continue to rise

Solo travel remains one of Collette’s fastest-growing segments, particularly among savvy female travellers aged 50 and over.

These travellers are drawn to the independence and personal growth of solo travel, paired with the comfort, safety, and camaraderie of a guided group experience, the company said.

Extended stays in walkable cities, flexible pacing, and built-in free time allow travelers to explore independently while still enjoying the connection of a group.

Collette’s most popular solo-friendly tours include:

• Spotlight on Paris, celebrated for its art, cuisine, and timeless charm
• Spotlight on London, offering history, culture, and effortless urban exploration
• Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos & Crete, combining ancient wonders with island serenity
• Colours of Morocco, featuring vibrant markets, desert landscapes, and rich traditions

History deep dive

In 2026, travellers are prioritizing tours that bring history and culture vividly to life.

Collette customers are seeking meaningful engagement with local and Indigenous communities, immersive musical and artistic experiences, and opportunities to understand a destination’s origins and identity.

Popular history- and culture-rich tours include:

• France Magnifique, exploring WWII sites alongside medieval and royal French history
• The Balkans: From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece, highlighting war history, religious heritage, and ancient civilization, including a visit to a Byzantine icon workshop in Meteora

Food is the experience

Food has also evolved from a travel highlight to a central reason for the journey.

Collette’s in-destination designers work with local communities to weave culinary storytelling into every itinerary, introducing travellers to regional traditions, hidden gems, and hands-on experiences.

Standout food-focused tours include:

• Essential South America, featuring wine-paired lunches, empanada cooking classes, and memorable local dining
• Journey Through Northern Vietnam, with a Vespa-led Hanoi food tour and a home-hosted dinner in Lac Village
• Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside, where travellers join a truffle hunter and dog, followed by tastings and a pasta demonstration
• Flavours of Portugal and Spain, including a petiscos cooking class and a pintxos-focused Basque dinner

Giving back

In 2026, travellers are also aligning their travel choices with experiences that support local economies, women-run enterprises, and community-based initiatives.

Impact-driven tours and experiences include:

• Japan and South Korea, featuring meetings with Japan’s ama pearl divers and a homestyle cooking class with the Women’s Association of Korea
• Plains of Africa, including a visit to Ocean Sole, where discarded flip-flops are transformed into colorful art supporting conservation and local artisans
• Wonders of Thailand, highlighting the ethically-vetted ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary
• Coasts and Countryside of England, with a visit to Strawberry Field, the iconic Beatles site that supports local youth through training and employment

Small group travel

Small group explorations and off-the-beaten-path destinations also continue to gain momentum.

Travellers are prioritizing fewer locations, longer stays, and deeper engagement with local life—spending more time experiencing destinations rather than traveling between them, Collette says.

The company reports strong demand for perennial favourites such as Ireland, Italy, France, and Japan, alongside growing interest in Africa, Portugal, and Italy.

Among the most popular tours are:

• Cape Town to Cairo: The Ultimate African Experience
• Countryside of the Emerald Isle in Ireland

“Every year, we see travellers asking for deeper, more culturally grounded experiences. They want small-group moments, more time in local communities, and itineraries that go beyond the major sights,” said Diana Ditto, VP of product marketing and growth strategy at Collette, in a statement. “Our tours are designed by travellers, for travellers with in-market experts living and working in these destinations. It allows us to create innovative itineraries with unexpected experiences that feel personal, memorable, and meaningful.”

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.