British holidaymakers are planning more ambitious and multi‑layered trips in 2026, according to Kuoni's new Travel Reimagined report. 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). 

1 -   Maldives
2 -   Thailand 
3 -   Mauritius 
4 -   Sri Lanka
5 -   South Africa (+1)
6 -   Tanzania (+10)
7 -   Kenya (-1)
8 -   Antigua 
9 -   Vietnam 
10 - Canada 
11 - Barbados (+2)
12 - Malaysia (-1)
13 - USA (-1)
14 - Saint Lucia (+4)
15 - Indonesia 
16 - Greece (-1)
17 - Seychelles (-3)
18 - Australia (-1)
19 - UAE
20 - Japan (+3)

Beyond our top 20 other places are quietly gaining momentum – often smaller in volume but growing as travellers seek space, wildlife and a sense of discovery. Bookings to Dominica in the Caribbean are 129% up year on year whilst Southern Africa's next wave is also taking shape with Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe all showing growth as travellers move beyond the classic safari circuit. 

As the appetite for more complex travel increases, in what can be a turbulent global landscape, Kuoni's breadth of worldwide destination knowledge, industry connections and deep operational expertise allows the business to stay ahead of shifting demand and respond swiftly to world events. Prioritising customer wellbeing, offering flexibility, reassurance and expert support throughout every stage of a trip is what we're renowned for.  

This is being put into action now as the challenges continue in the Middle East, our experience gives customers peace of mind knowing Kuoni can navigate change confidently while delivering the exceptional service it's known for.

The full report, including detailed data and travel ideas for each trend, is available at www.kuoni.co.uk/trends or download here. 

For further information please contact Kuoni Press Office - pressoffice@kuoni.co.uk

ENDS 

Notes to Editors

The Kuoni Trends Report 2026 is based on internal booking data captured on 31 January 2026, as well as customer insights and global enquiry patterns. The latest information on Middle East disruption is here. 

About Kuoni 
Kuoni Travel UK is part of DERTOUR UK, one of Europe's leading travel groups. Kuoni has continued to set the pace in premium worldwide travel in the UK market for almost 60 years and is regularly voted one of the best holiday companies in the country by readers of national newspapers and travel industry titles as well as being a Which? Recommended Provider. Kuoni are experts in their travellers' needs and craft holidays and honeymoons, with flair, to more than 90 destinations around the world. Their knowledgeable, enthusiastic, friendly and passion filled team understand what it takes to deliver unforgettable holiday experiences. Kuoni has a retail network of 25 stores across the UK and can be found on premium high streets and in selected John Lewis department stores. Each store is unique in design and showcases Kuoni's Personal Travel Experts and personalised customer service. Kuoni holidays are also available to book at kuoni.co.uk, by calling our team of destination experts, or through travel agents.