Destinations Rising: Our Top Ten Luxury Destinations Right Now

As we researched this list of 2026’s Rising Destinations for our first Luxury Travel Update, it became clear that we were seeing a larger shift in traveler intent. Because for affluent travelers today, it’s not about where they’re going, it’s about why.

According to Helen Giontsis, President of Kensington Tours, the luxury travel booking trend we’re seeing from our recent data (as well as wider industry trends) is that as people choose where to go next, they’re prioritizing experiential travel for 2026 and beyond, where they will enjoy many opportunities for meaningful experiences.

^{Kensington President Helen Giontsis discusses rising luxury destinations for 2026, including South Korea, Croatia, Hawaii and Peru.}

South Korea: Cultural Powerhouse

South Korea is the leader of Kensington’s emerging Asia travel destinations, with almost 600% growth in sales from March to June 2026.

“South Korea posted a record number of foreign tourist arrivals in March, thanks to high interest in Korean arts and culture,” says Helen.

Pop superstars BTS kicked off a wave of interest in South Korea with the start of their new global tour earlier this year. There’s also the ongoing global passion for Korean cuisine, with its strong and recognizable flavors (such as kimchi and gochujang) and naturally social atmosphere, with a spread of banchan (small side dishes) encouraging sharing and creating lots of activity. And the country is also becoming a popular alternative to Japan for experiencing the beauty of cherry blossoms.

Croatia: The Other Mediterranean Escape

Croatia is a rising alternative to better-known Mediterranean hotspots such as the Greek islands, southern Italy, and the French Riviera, especially for shoulder-season luxury travel. We know because Kensington sales to Croatia have grown 61% between March and June 2026.

According to our president, “With quieter shoulder season access and beautiful islands to explore by yacht, it’s not hard to see why bookings to Croatia are up.”

There’s something for everyone here: gorgeous beaches and sparkling clear waters, ancient history, wonderful local wine and food, and of course the Adriatic’s exceptional sailing. And to meet the expectations of affluent travelers, the luxury options have continued to improve in Croatia, with more private villas, yachts, and other experiences readily accessible.

Hawaii: Paradise Closer to Home

Kensington sales to Hawaii have grown 196% since March 2026, and according to our president this is no surprise.

“Hawaii is our closer-to-home hit, with demand and visitor spending both up this year... proving that you don’t have to fly across the world to experience a place with its own unique cultural identity,” says Helen.

It’s a paradisal place that offers a unique cultural experience and scenery unlike anywhere else in the world, all while offering all the comforts that come from being part of the U.S. From pristine beaches to stunning coastal mountains, Hawaii offers so much to travelers.

Peru: Full of Revelations

Peru is our bucket-list pick, based on Kensington sales to Peru rising 62% between March and June 2026. And it’s not only the mystery and majesty of Machu Picchu that’s drawing travelers.

As Helen says, “Beyond Machu Picchu, our travelers are interested in Lima's food scene, local communities, and adding on the Amazon or Lake Titicaca to their trip.”

From eco-tourism in the towering rainforests of the Amazon to exploring the floating islands of Uros in Lake Titicaca, from Lima’s internationally renowned chefs to the unforgettable Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru gives travelers so many ways to explore their passions.

Also Rising: Other Growing Luxury Destinations

Japan is one of our rising destinations because it offers an unmatched range of immersive experiences: from private tea ceremonies, to sushi making classes, to samurai and ninja experiences, to Zen meditation. Moments like these create meaningful connections with Japanese culture and give travelers compelling reasons to return.

“Every city and region has its own unique character,” says our president Helen, “which means clients can return to Japan multiple times and still have a completely different experience each time.”

Vienna: Today’s luxury travelers are discovering this historic city through a more human lens, seeking a deeper connection to the city’s everyday culture.

“There are more intimate experiences that reveal the living Vienna, such as coffeehouse culture, traditional Heuriger wine taverns, urban vineyards, and exceptional restaurants that all offer a more personal perspective,” says Helen.

In Scotland, this year's signature ask from Kensington clients is the private Highland estate day: think falconry, deer stalking, golfing a world-famous course, or a whisky blending session in a distillery's private cask room with the master blender, rather than a standard tasting stop.

According to Helen, “It's less about seeing Scotland and more about gaining access to a special part of it: a working estate, a family-run distillery, a loch reserved just for you.”

Poland is a rising destination because Warsaw tells a remarkable story of resilience and renewal, while Krakow brings together medieval charm, royal heritage, and deep connection to Polish traditions. It’s a country that appeals to those who seek a European experience that feels authentic and culturally rich, while offering off-the-beaten-path luxury destinations.

“Cities like Warsaw and Krakow offer the history, architecture, cuisine, and traditions that luxury travelers tend to love about Europe, while still providing a strong sense of place and discovery,” says our president Helen.

China: While first-time visitors still prioritize destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, Kensington is seeing growing demand for longer, more immersive itineraries that incorporate regions such as Guilin, Yunnan, Zhangjiajie and Chengdu.

“China is becoming an interesting and accessible alternative to Japan,” says Helen. “It offers many similar cultural experiences, plus incredible food, long history, and beautiful landscapes, often at a lower cost and with fewer international travelers.”

Rwanda is renowned for mountain gorilla trekking, one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife encounters. The chance to spend a quiet, intimate hour with a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable... but there’s more.

According to Helen, “Conservation shapes every Rwanda itinerary that Kensington creates. Mountain gorilla trekking is Rwanda's signature experience, and every permit directly contributes to protecting mountain gorillas and preserving their habitat. And we prioritize partners and lodges that share a genuine commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. We design experiences that allow travelers to experience Rwanda as a destination where wildlife protection, local communities, and luxury travel genuinely go hand in hand.”

Dreaming of Your Next Destination?

Whether it’s one of these top ten rising destinations, or your own long-anticipated dream journey, when you’re looking for your next place to explore in a more meaningful and memorable way, simply connect with one of Kensington’s Destination Experts.

They’ll work with you to custom tailor an inspiring itinerary that reflects your passions and interests, then take care of booking and managing it all for you. And they’ll find the right local private guides for you, to make each day of your journey unforgettable.