What’s Next for the Savvy Traveler: Key Travel Trends & Takeaways from Fora Live Forum
- Christina Gales
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
I just returned from three immersive days at Fora Live—an invitation-only gathering where the world’s top luxury travel advisors meet directly with premier hoteliers, destination experts, and experiential providers across the globe.
The conversations were candid, inspiring, and often surprising. They revealed not just what’s trending, but how the preferences of discerning travelers are evolving for 2025 and beyond. From design-forward cities in Asia to private ranches in the American West, from boutique hotels with soul to emerging destinations rich in heritage—it’s clear that luxury travel is shifting toward the meaningful, the intimate, and the unforgettable.
If you’re planning significant travel in the next 12 to 24 months, here are the five defining luxury travel trends shaping how elevated travelers will explore the world in the coming year.
1. Emerging Destinations Are Having Their Moment
Places like Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Croatia’s evolving Adriatic luxury, Vietnam’s fusion of culture and cuisine, and Seoul’s design-forward scene are capturing attention for good reason: they offer cultural depth, exceptional value, and increasingly sophisticated hospitality.
2. Ultra-Luxury Adventure is Outpacing Traditional Beach Resorts
High-achieving travelers aren’t just seeking rest; they’re seeking richness. Think: private ski mountains in Wyoming, curated wellness ranches in Utah, luxury safari camps, and Patagonian retreats that combine comfort with awe-inspiring adventure.
3. Boutique Properties Are Beating the Mega-Brands
Travelers are increasingly choosing boutique hotels where service is personal, the setting is distinctive, and every detail feels considered. Properties with 40-70 rooms, often family-owned, are outperforming brand-name giants in guest satisfaction and return visits.
4. Multi-Generational Travel is Surging—and Requires New Planning Strategies
Families traveling together across three generations are turning to private villas with staff for more flexibility, space, and privacy. But a successful multi-gen trip requires more than a large home—it requires thoughtful pacing, personalized activities, and deep local expertise.
5. Insider Access is Redefining Luxury
True luxury now lies in the seamless, frictionless experiences most travelers can’t access alone. The Orient Express Yacht launching in 2026, Four Seasons Private Jet journeys, and curated experiences by on-the-ground destination experts (DMCs) are creating moments that feel both exclusive and effortless.
What These Travel Trends Mean for You
Each of these trends reflects a deeper desire: to travel not just luxuriously, but meaningfully. Whether you're dreaming of an emerging destination, an active luxury adventure, or a trip that brings your family together, now is the time to plan thoughtfully.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be unpacking each of these trends in more detail. We’ll explore the destinations, properties, and planning approaches that bring these ideas to life.
If you're ready to elevate your 2025 or 2026 travels with curated insight and personal connections forged at Fora Live, let’s begin the conversation.
Christina Gales is a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor and Fora Pro specializing in personalized travel experiences. She curates journeys from emerging destinations to established luxury classics, with deep expertise in boutique properties, multi-generational travel, and experiential luxury.
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