Demand for hybrid holidays is on the rise, combining elements like cruises with land tours, as observed by Audley Travel partners.
- Audley Travel reports that 77% of agents see increased bookings for holidays with two distinct components, such as rail journeys with hikes.
- The trend towards early bookings is prevalent, with 72% of agents noting clients are planning ahead to secure popular travel experiences.
- There is an upsurge in tours led by expert guides, with 55% of agents reporting higher demand for such personalized travel experiences.
- Family-friendly cultural tours are gaining traction, with 74% of agents noticing enhanced interest in educational trips tailored for children.
Audley Travel partners have highlighted a significant surge in the popularity of ‘hybrid holidays,’ which are trips combining distinct travel experiences. For example, tourists might enjoy a ‘rail-and-trail’ experience, like taking the Indian Pacific train across Australia, followed by a hiking tour. Alternatively, holidaymakers might pair classic safari adventures in Kenya with relaxing beach retreats in the Seychelles, a combination that offers both adventure and relaxation.
A survey conducted by Audley Travel underscores this growing trend, revealing that 77% of partner agents have seen an increase in bookings for holidays featuring two distinct components. Such hybrid holidays offer the appeal of diverse experiences within a single trip, catering to the evolving preferences of travellers seeking multifaceted holidays.
Travellers are not only exploring these hybrid options but are also booking their trips earlier than usual. According to 72% of agents, there’s a noticeable shift towards securing travel plans in advance to ensure access to popular destinations during peak events. This trend is evident with trips planned for Canada’s bear lodges, the cherry blossom season in Japan, and locations along the path of the total solar eclipse in August 2026.
Furthermore, the demand for expert-guided tours is on the rise, with more than half of the surveyed agents noting an increased interest. These tours often feature guides with deep personal or professional connections to the destinations, offering travellers unique insights and experiences. For instance, food tours in India led by local chefs or photography tours of Cambodia’s hidden temples are examples where expert guidance significantly enhances the travel experience.
Cultural touring, especially those designed for families, is also witnessing a revival. Seventy-four percent of agents report heightened interest in itineraries that educate and entertain younger travellers, such as ninja classes in Japan or mythological tours in Greece. This interest aligns with the broader travel shift towards educational and experience-based tourism that appeals to all age groups.
Additional motivations for travellers include the desire for sustainable travel options and celebrating milestone events like anniversaries or graduations. Avoiding peak travel times in over-crowded tourist spots by exploring less-travelled destinations or opting for off-season travel are strategies being adopted more frequently.
The top destinations for 2025, as indicated by Audley Travel, include India, Canada, Japan, the US, and Thailand. Trips are extending in length as well, with an average duration of 16 nights, as travellers choose to indulge in a more comprehensive experience across their chosen locales.
The shifting landscape of travel preferences highlights a move towards richer, more diverse experiences with advance planning as a key element.
