After decades spent saving for retirement, you might find that world travel tops your list of post-work adventures. If so, you might opt for a relaxing cruise, a round-the-world trip, or an all-out solo adventure.

With a new year comes a whole host of travel trends that industry experts expect us to embrace in 2026.

Here are just five of them.

1. Climate-conscious travel

If you plan to travel in 2026, you might be conscious of your environmental impact. The world’s billionaires and superstars might make use of private jets, but if you want to limit your carbon footprint, there are ways to do so while seeing the world.

The concept of climate-conscious travel has been around for a long time and effectively means thinking about the impact of your actions on the planet as a whole, and more specifically in the areas where you travel. You’ll want to be conscious of the culture in the areas you travel to, including their people, wildlife, and local economies.

One way to travel in a climate-conscious way is to cut air travel if you can, or at least avoid short-haul flights whenever possible. Once you reach a destination, think about how you can travel most sustainably, from using local public transport to eating and drinking in local cafes and bars.

You might consider a “slowcation” as a way to travel more mindfully.

2. Slowcations

Slow tourism has been around for a while, but its 2026 rebrand, as “slowcationing”, could see it become a huge trend this year.

It’s a form of eco-friendly travel that focuses on staying for longer in your chosen destination, taking in the sights, sounds, and culture, and actively engaging with – and giving back to – the local community.

Rather than a rush to tick off the “must-see” sights in a given country or city, your slowcation will concentrate on the experience of living in the country you visit, at the pace of the locals.

3. Glowcations

If you’re familiar with the concept of glow-ups – defined as a transformation into a more attractive or accomplished version of yourself – you’ll understand the appeal of a “glowcation”.

Essentially, this is a holiday that focuses on your wellbeing, using the:

• Relaxation of beauty and spa treatments
• Mindfulness techniques of yoga and meditation sessions

• Fresh clean air of nature, via hikes and wild swimming.

This is far from an exhaustive list, and you might find glowcation destinations that focus specifically on wellness for longevity, the importance of quality sleep, or the latest in supplements and nootropics that aim to boost your brain and energy levels.

4. Grey gap years

At the other end of the scale for relaxation and self-care are two other trends that have emerged in recent years.

First up, gap years were once reserved for students soon to embark on higher education. But there has been a recent rise in baby boomer backpackers and so-called “grey gap years”.

With life expectancies rising and retirees finishing work in better health, you might make 2026 the year you hit the backpacking trail.

You might “rough it” around Southeast Asia or South America, or use your hard-earned money to upgrade your stay from youth hostels to five-star accommodation.

Either way, if adventure awaits, you might decide against a Caribbean or Nordic cruise in favour of a trip off the beaten track.

5. Solo female travellers

The end of 2025 saw a rise in solo female travellers looking to explore on their own terms. And it’s a trend that looks set to continue in 2026.

Whether you want to visit temples in Guatemala or take a train around Europe, older women are using their life experience and retirement cash to make these dreams a reality.

Being alone allows you to travel at your own pace and to the places you want to visit. But solo travel doesn’t have to mean going it alone either. Travel solo as part of an organised tour group and you can meet like-minded people along the way.

As with any trip, pre-travel research is key, helping to ensure the country you plan to visit is safe and that you’re aware of cultural rules and norms.

Get in touch

If you plan to use your retirement fund to travel, you might worry about whether you have enough. Contact us to learn how de Mellow’s expert financial planners can help you find out.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not imply or express endorsement by St. James’s Place. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

SJP Approved 28/01/2026