2026: Where Are You Flying?

365 Aviation
3 days ago
3 min read

Calmer, more conscious, and more connected than ever, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of intentional travel. Wellness journeys designed to restore, experience-led getaways with a focus on authenticity, and itineraries built around connection.

From Iceland’s volcanic plains to the expanses of Antarctica, travellers are leaning into adventure. Meanwhile, shoulder-season escapes to Italy and France remind us that timing is the ultimate travel hack. Here’s what to look forward to in luxury travel in 2026.

Image courtesy of Dassault Aviation

#1 The Shoulder-Season Shift

After dominating 2025, shoulder-season travel is no longer a secret. Travellers are trading peak-season chaos with quieter streets, pleasant weather and richer local experiences. These in-between months bring springtime tulips to the neverlands, sun-dappled vineyard hikes in northern Italy and blissfully thinner crowds at Catalonian beaches.

Hot for 2026: With the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, all eyes will be on Milan and the iconic ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo as they host the events in February and March—making an off-peak visit to the Dolomites more enticing than ever.

#2 Micro-Trips & Short Weekend Breaks

The rise of spontaneity travel continues. In place of the annual summer escape, there’s a movement toward shorter, more frequent getaways, spontaneous micro-trips that keep burnout at bay. Whether it’s a last-minute hop to Ibiza or a ski weekend in Verbier, travellers are reclaiming their downtime in flexible, fly-now style, often made effortless by private jet charter.

One to watch for 2026: Barcelona, which will honour the 200^th anniversary of Antoni Gaudi’s death and celebrate the long-awaited completion of his masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia.

#3 The Art of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)

In a world that moves faster each day, embracing rest has become the greatest indulgence. Travellers are trading jam-packed itineraries for moments of stillness.

Few places capture this spirit more effortlessly than Lime Samui Villas, the latest addition to our Live365 collection. Perched high above the Gulf of Thailand, this serene retreat invites guests to embrace an unhurried mindset, where each day begins with sweeping sea views and ends with Samui’s legendary sunsets.

Explore Lime Samui

#4 Set-Jetting

Following the “White Lotus Effect” of 2025, cinematic storytelling continues to shape travel. With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey set to debut in 2026, a new wave of set-jetters is expected, chasing the film’s mythic Mediterranean backdrops.

Destination to Watch: Favignana, one of the filming locations for the epic, is also believed to be the ‘goat island’ where Homer imagined Odysseus landing. A well-kept secret among locals, this tiny Sicilian Island off the northwest coast remains an undiscovered haven for many.

#5 Staying Cool Remains Hot

“Coolcation,” a travel buzzword that has continued to pop up since 2023, shows no signs of slowing. Iceland, Norway, and Antarctica are leading the charge, offering cinematic landscapes and dazzling remote wilderness far off the traditional tourist trail.

#6 Astrotourism and Noctourism is set to Shine in 2026

With a total solar eclipse sweeping across mainland Europe for the first time in nearly 30 years, trips focused on celestial events are surging. Nights are no longer just for sleep, travellers are drawn to the magic of after-dark adventures, from stargazing in dark-sky reserves to moonlit hikes, astronomy-themed lodges, and kayaking among bioluminescent waters.

Don’t miss: On 12 August 2026, Greenland will play host to a breathtaking total solar eclipse, offering an unforgettable spectacle.

#7 Luxury at Sea

As the demand for privacy and personalised experiences rises, luxury yacht charters have taken centre stage, guiding guests to remote, lesser-known harbours while immersing them in the richness of local culture. Stealing the spotlight is OCTAVE (36.5m), an exceptional vessel within Live365 partner Burgess Asia’s charter fleet.

Based in Phuket for the winter, this fine yacht invites guests to uncover the true spirit of Thailand, stopping at secluded coves and pristine, untouched islands.

Explore OCTAVE (36.5m)