Privacy, authenticity, purpose, and perspective—these are the keywords that Scott Dunn Private anticipates will fuel the travel desires of its jet-setting members in 2026.
Following a transformative last quarter, with the highly awaited opening of its Hong Kong office and a record-breaking 40 percent year-on-year increase in six-figure bookings, Scott Dunn Private is looking ahead with confidence, tapping into its deep well of shared knowledge and gained experience to address the shifting interests and desires of its ultra-high-net-worth members. From a 25-person conservation-led celebration in Costa Rica and a multi-generational Christmas winter holiday to Japan to a private Alaskan lodge expedition and a family trip to Egypt that intertwined education and leisure, Scott Dunn Private delivers on exclusive access, matched by meticulous attention to detail, profound understanding of members’ preferences, and the highest level of privacy.
It’s not only fervid curiosity for hitherto unfamiliar destinations or novel experiences that will influence the direction of travel this year. Average trip lengths are changing as well; Scott Dunn Private is seeing more members take their time as they travel, with 19 nights serving as the norm for extended time abroad. Headline destinations are taking a backseat, while experience-packed, cross-continental itineraries take hold. “At Scott Dunn Private, we don’t just book travel. We choreograph extraordinary experiences through a trusted global network built over four decades. Our members aren’t following trends; they’re setting them,” says Jules Maury, head of Scott Dunn Private.
Here’s what the experts of Scott Dunn Private foresee as trends and considerations that will shape the landscape of luxury travel for 2026 adventures.
Charting roads unknown has shown no signs of waning among Scott Dunn Private members. “UnGoogleable” activities—those not accessible or available except to a privileged few, or that we didn’t even know existed as an option—line the Scott Dunn Private black book, and continue to be requested time and again. Members want to explore the Vatican’s secret archives, be part of the Formula 1 excitement from an insider’s vantage point, play a rally on the legendary grass courts of Wimbledon—and they do, thanks to Scott Dunn Private’s unique ability to open doors.
In line with longer trip durations, Scott Dunn Private has recorded a noticeable inclination towards accommodations that authentically exude the feeling of a home away from home. Members are favouring residences over presidential suites, rating intimacy and exclusivity above all else. Opening in June 2026, La Réserve Firenze, with its six apartments, reflects this growing desire among UHNW travellers, as do the discreet residences at JK Place Roma, and the new WildLand cottages in Scotland.
“Will travel for food” remains a strong motivation going into 2026, but new dimensions of conscious cuisine are taking hold. Scott Dunn Private members are pursuing extraordinary dining experiences alongside a serving of storytelling and soul—they want to spend time learning about the heritage of foods, exploring the markets and farms where produce is sourced and grown, and foster meaningful connections through food. Luciana Lee, Scott Dunn Private Hong Kong relationship manager, shares that “culinary exploration has become a beautiful language of cultural discovery for our members.” Recent itineraries curated for Scott Dunn Private members range from foraging with Andean chefs in Peru and cheesemaking in Chile to exploring back-alley food trails in Phnom Penh as a path to understanding local cultures and traditions.
On the topic of getting hands-on, the desire for personal involvement with destinations, communities, nature, and wildlife is growing ever stronger, inspiring and stimulating multiple generations of the family. Marine restoration in the Seychelles, wildlife tracking in Patagonia—environmental preservation and sustainable travel are at the forefront of travelling with conscience. Mansha Channa, Scott Dunn Private Hong Kong relationship manager, says, “Our members are redefining luxury travel through incredible depth and purpose; they’re passionate about experiences that expand their understanding of the world. Parents are also increasingly seeking travel experiences that complement their children’s academic curricula, whether it’s marine biology workshops in the Maldives, cultural immersion programmes in South Africa, or historical studies in Egypt, thus ensuring that our next-generation travellers are learning beyond classroom walls while feeling empowered, heard, and deeply engaged in their family’s travel narrative.”
Lee adds, “Members are demonstrating an increasingly sophisticated approach to wildlife experiences, embracing our new observation-only policy that prioritises environmental preservation and sustainable travel through carefully curated, respectful encounters that allow for deep ecological understanding without direct intervention.”
While UK-based members demonstrate preferences for sustainability, cultural immersion, nature-integrated wellness, and no-frills fine gastronomy, and US-based members balance business and leisure on their trips or get fully involved with wellness tourism, Scott Dunn Private members in Asia-Pacific show increasing discernment when it comes to seeking experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. Destination-hopping is out; cultural depth and emotional resonance is in. Engaging in purpose-driven travel outweighs ticking off boxes on must-see itineraries, fostering genuine connection with people and places, and encouraging personal growth.
In terms of destinations, for Scott Dunn Private’s Asia-based members, some corners of the world remain at the top of travel bucket lists, while others have surged to prominence in the past year. Africa continues to demonstrate an enduring appeal to adventurous spirits, with Asia-based members planning their safari experiences several years in advance to secure their dream vacation. South Africa’s established tourism infrastructure, diverse wildlife-spotting opportunities, and accessibility propels it to popularity. Kenya comes second for its remarkable safaris and authentic encounters. Morocco, with its vibrant, multicultural influences and rich history, is gaining momentum as well.
For its clients in Asia, Scott Dunn Private has also seen a surge in bookings for Latin America, recording a 125 percent growth in the past year. Channa notes, “Peru and Chile continue to be perennial favourites, offering a compelling blend of historical richness, diverse landscapes, and culinary excellence. More adventurous members are drawn to emerging destinations like Costa Rica and the Galapagos, attracted by their unique biodiversity, conservation initiatives, and opportunities for immersive ecological experiences.”
Equipped with ACE—access, connection, and experience—Scott Dunn Private holds the key to unlocking the one-of-a-kind, tailored journeys that travellers hold dearest to their hearts long after they have returned home. Scott Dunn Private’s network of seasoned travel experts and punctilious relationship managers work in tandem to create seamless adventures that prioritise the wants and needs of exceptional people. Built on earned trust and first-hand knowledge, Scott Dunn Private designs bespoke itineraries meant for those who seek to travel beyond the ordinary.
Learn more about where Scott Dunn Private can take you next here.
