Luxury Travel Trends 2023

Europe is trending as the top region for enquiries and bookings globally, with strong demand for classic destinations such as Italy, Greece and France. Lots of guests are heading to Sicily this summer, inspired by the latest season of the hit TV show The White Lotus, set at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina. For guests based in the USA, Portugal is trending thanks to its incredible wine and food culture. Meanwhile, skiing fanatics are hitting the slopes in France – the top destination for luxury ski trips in 2023.

As family travel specialists, one of our favourite holidays to plan is an epic family adventure packed full of experiences to suit parents and teenagers alike. In 2023, families with teenagers are choosing to visit long-haul destinations that offer plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and learn a new skill. These adventurous family holidays range from an incredible safari in South Africa to jungle adventures in Costa Rica and immersive cultural experiences in Japan.

We’ve spotted a new trend among our family guests – one parent taking one child away for a bonding holiday. This special one-on-one time gives both parent and child a chance to spend quality time together, away from the stresses of daily life. Mother-and-daughter trips are on the rise, ranging from European city breaks to relaxing wellness retreats. Similarly, we’ve planned father-and-child trips focused on a shared interest be it learning to surf in the Indian Ocean or trekking in Nepal.

In 2023, lots of our guests are eager to get outdoors and stay active while on holiday. What better way to uncover a destination than on horseback? We’ve noticed a rising travel trend for horse-riding journeys around the world, whether it’s riding through the olive groves of Alentejo on a Lusitano horse or galloping gaucho-style through the wild terrain of Argentine Patagonia.

There is something undeniably romantic about travelling by train. It gives us a glimpse into the past, forcing us to slow down and savour the journey while passing by iconic landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the Peruvian Andes. Scott Dunn guests are keen to travel more responsibly in 2023, with increasing demand for rail journeys instead of flights where possible, as well as multi-night train journeys being incorporated into luxury tailormade itineraries around the world.

While our Travel Specialists are big advocates for adventurous trips, sometimes the perfect holiday is one where you do nothing except relax. Beach destinations are the number two most in-demand of all our product groups in 2023, with the Maldives, Mauritius and Antigua proving popular. Where better to unwind and finally read that book you’ve had on your bedside table for weeks than on the powder-white sand of a secluded beach? From solo wellness breaks to family beach holidays, Scott Dunn guests are heading to the beach in 2023 for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

In 2023, demand for Asian destinations is exceeding pre-pandemic levels led primarily by a rising interest in Japan. Japanese journeys themed around art and design are trending, with guests requesting bespoke itineraries to uncover the ancient and contemporary traditions of Japan’s art culture. Families are also eager to explore this fascinating destination, booking incredible cultural experiences from a photography tour in the backstreets of Tokyo to private samurai lessons.