Virtuoso 2025 Luxury Travel Report

Discover the Future of Luxury Travel: Highlights From Virtuoso’s 2025 Luxe Report

Each year, Virtuoso surveys thousands of elite travel advisors around the globe to uncover what’s next in luxury travel. The newly released 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report reveals that today’s travelers are more experience-driven, sustainability-minded, and personally inspired than ever before.

Whether it’s escaping rising temperatures, chasing culinary adventures, or seeking meaningful solo travel, the report offers a roadmap to where high-end travelers are going—and why.

Arctic Cruise Canada Greenland Silversea Roaming Boomers

Exploring an Arctic Iceberg

“Coolcations” Are Heating Up

With global temperatures on the rise, many luxury travelers are opting to go cool—literally. Cooler destinations like Antarctica, Norway, and Iceland are topping the must-see list, offering dramatic landscapes, fewer crowds, and a refreshing escape from the heat.

Nearly half of Virtuoso advisors say climate change is influencing their clients’ destination choices. Interest in shoulder-season travel is growing too, as travelers seek out milder temperatures and smaller crowds.

Solo Cruising Gains Momentum

Solo travel is booming, and cruises—whether ocean, river, or expedition—are at the forefront. Luxury lines are welcoming solo guests with thoughtfully designed single staterooms, waived single supplements, and hosted onboard events to encourage social connection.

It’s never been easier or more rewarding to explore the world independently without feeling alone.

Travelers Are Balancing Adventure and Wellness

Today’s travelers want to hike volcanoes in the morning and unwind at a world-class spa in the afternoon. Destinations like Bhutan, Costa Rica, and Morocco deliver the perfect mix of physical activity, cultural depth, and soul-soothing serenity.

This trend—what Virtuoso dubs “balanced adventuring”—is about nurturing both body and spirit through travel.

The Bucket List Is Evolving

Forget rigid checklists. Travelers are now inspired by stories, photography, and even their family roots. Advisors are curating itineraries around moods, interests, and meaningful moments—offering deeply personal experiences over cookie-cutter sightseeing.

Culinary Travel Takes Center Stage

Luxury travelers are seeking more than five-star meals—they want food that tells a story. Cooking with locals, visiting family-run wineries, or sampling street food with a chef guide are the kinds of experiences turning meals into memories.

Culinary travel is increasingly the driving force behind entire itineraries.

Carol and I in Brussels on a recent Tauck River Cruise.

Recommended Travel Experiences That Align With These Trends

Coolcation Ideas

Silversea Expedition Cruise to Antarctica – Explore the White Continent in ultra-luxury with expert guides, gourmet cuisine, and all-suite accommodations.
Viking Ocean Cruise through the Norwegian Fjords – A breathtaking journey through one of the world’s most scenic regions.
Tauck’s “Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice” Tour – A curated, small-group adventure exploring glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders.

Solo-Friendly Voyages

Tauck River Cruises – No single supplement on select sailings, with hosted excursions perfect for solo travelers seeking camaraderie.
Silversea Cruises – A favorite among solo travelers for its low solo supplements, social onboard atmosphere, and butler service in every suite.
Windstar Cruises – Small yachts, open seating, and onboard social hosts create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for independent guests.

Adventure & Wellness Blends

Abercrombie & Kent’s Bhutan Adventure – Trek through Himalayan valleys and enjoy peaceful spiritual retreats in monasteries.
Tauck’s Costa Rica Tour – Nature hikes, eco-lodges, and volcanic hot springs deliver the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.
Moroccan Magic with Abercrombie & Kent – Camel rides, desert sunsets, hammams, and luxury riads round out a balanced itinerary.

Story-Inspired Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Spotlight Voyages – Tailored experiences designed to ignite your passions and curiosities.
Abercrombie & Kent’s Egypt Tour – Follow in the footsteps of pharaohs with private access to ancient tombs and temples.
Silversea’s Grand Voyages – Extended, immersive journeys that allow time to deeply connect with culture and history.

Culinary Travel

Tauck’s “Savoring France” River Cruise – A food-focused journey through Burgundy and Provence with tastings, markets, and expert-led excursions.
Viking’s “Portugal’s River of Gold” – Explore Portuguese cuisine and wine on an unforgettable Douro River cruise.
Windstar’s James Beard Culinary Cruises – Sail with acclaimed chefs and enjoy cooking demos, local market visits, and inspired cuisine onboard.

Additional Reading:

For more information or expert help implementing one of these travel ideas, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40