Travel’s moving fast — and this week’s trends are all about purpose, pace, and deeper experiences. This week’s data is painting a clear picture: travellers are getting more intentional about what they want from their trips, and that’s creating some interesting opportunities for agents who know how to spot the patterns.
Let’s break down what’s actually moving the needle right now.
TL;DR: This Week’s Agent Takeaways
- Gen Z is driving an all-inclusive renaissance — 42% now prefer AI resorts, but they want elevated experiences, not basic buffets
- Wellness travel isn’t just spa days anymore — it’s becoming a booking category that spans everything from hiking retreats to digital detox escapes
- “Experiential dining” is the new room upgrade — travellers are prioritising unique food experiences over thread counts
- Booking windows are getting shorter — last-minute decision making is becoming the norm, not the exception
- Multi-generational trips are surging — families are planning bigger, longer vacations that work for everyone from toddlers to grandparents
Gen Z Hearts All-Inclusive (But Not the Way You Think)
Here’s the headline: 42% of Gen Z travellers now list all-inclusive as their preferred accommodation type. Expedia and Hotels.com are reporting a 60% jump in “AI” searches, and resorts are scrambling to upgrade everything from food quality to wellness offerings to match rising expectations.
But here’s what’s interesting — this isn’t your parents’ all-inclusive experience. Gen Z travellers are looking for curated, Instagram-worthy properties with diverse dining options, fitness classes, and experiences that feel authentic to the destination.
Why this matters: All-inclusive used to be a “budget family” category. Now it’s becoming a luxury lifestyle choice. That shifts how you position these properties and what questions you ask during client consultations.
Agent tip: When a younger client mentions all-inclusive, dig deeper. Ask: “What draws you to that style — is it the convenience, the dining variety, or something else?” Their answer will tell you whether they want traditional AI or the new elevated version.
Wellness Travel Gets a Reality Check
Wellness travel is exploding, but it’s not what you might expect. We’re seeing bookings for everything from forest bathing retreats in Costa Rica to digital detox weekends in the Cotswolds. The common thread isn’t luxury spas — it’s intentional experiences that help people reset.
The data shows travellers are booking wellness-focused trips at 3x the rate they were pre-pandemic, but the definition has expanded way beyond massage tables and green juice.
Why this matters: This trend opens up destination conversations you might not have had before. That client who’s “not really a spa person” might be perfect for an adventure wellness trip or a mindfulness retreat.
Agent tip: Frame wellness travel as “reset trips” rather than spa vacations. Ask clients: “What would help you feel most recharged — being active in nature, trying new experiences, or having time to completely unplug?”
Food Experiences Are the New First Class
Travellers are increasingly choosing destinations and accommodations based on dining experiences. We’re talking cooking classes with local chefs, farm-to-table experiences, street food tours led by locals, and restaurants that tell the story of a place.
This isn’t just about finding good restaurants — it’s about food as a gateway to understanding culture and creating memories.
Why this matters: Food experiences can be the differentiator that justifies higher trip budgets and longer stays. They’re also easier to add to existing itineraries than completely changing accommodation or flights.
Agent tip: During trip planning, ask: “Are there any foods or cuisines you’ve been wanting to try?” Then build experiences around those answers. A cooking class in Tuscany or a sake tasting in Tokyo can become the highlight that makes everything else feel worth it.
The Last-Minute Booking Surge
Booking windows are getting shorter across the board. Data shows a 40% increase in bookings made within 30 days of travel compared to last year. This isn’t just about spontaneity — it’s about flexibility in uncertain times and the confidence that good options will still be available.
Why this matters: This changes how you manage client relationships and supplier negotiations. It also means being ready to move quickly when inspiration strikes.
Agent tip: Set up “inspiration alerts” for clients who’ve expressed interest in spontaneous travel. When you see a great last-minute deal that fits their style, send it over with: “Spotted this and thought of your wish list. Available to chat if it sparks something?”
Multi-Gen Travel Grows Up
Multi-generational trips aren’t just family reunions anymore. We’re seeing sophisticated itineraries that work for teenagers, parents, and grandparents — often involving multiple accommodations, varied activity levels, and built-in flexibility for different interests.
The sweet spot seems to be trips that offer both together time and apart time, with something genuinely engaging for each generation.
Why this matters: These trips often have higher budgets and longer planning cycles. They also require more consultation time, but the payoff in commission and client satisfaction can be significant.
Agent tip: For multi-gen planning, ask each generation separately: “What would make this trip feel perfect for you?” Then find the overlaps and build in the differences. Villa rentals with varied bedroom setups often work better than hotels for these groups.
Got a client in mind for one of these trends? Try it out this week and see what lands.
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