2026: The Year of the Whycation — Because Travel Should Mean Something
I’ve been curating intentional luxury travel for nearly a decade, and if my clients and I have learned anything, it’s this: The best trips aren’t just about where you’re going, they are ALL about why you’re going.
So when the Hilton 2026 Trends Report dropped and officially called next year the “Year of the Whycation,” I just smiled. Why? Because, we've been living this truth.
The report, based on a survey of 14,000 global travelers, highlights a powerful shift: travel is now driven by emotional motivation—the desire to rest, the urge to reconnect, and a longing for experiences that feel meaningful. This isn't a new fad; it's the validation that prioritizing your peace is the ultimate luxury. It’s time for us to stop chasing destinations and start crafting journeys that reflect our deepest needs.
The Whycation: When Travel Becomes Therapy
Hilton's report confirms that after years of "more is more" travel, 2026 is a shift toward more intentional experiences. People are actively seeking to dial down distractions.
Here’s the data that spoke directly to my soul:
Hushpitality: Travelers are seeking sweet silence. Nearly half (48%) of those surveyed are adding extra travel days before or after family vacations just for solo time. Over half (54%) would even take a business trip just to get a break from family or a partner!
Home Comforts: Travelers are grounding their journeys in familiarity, seeking comfort and a sense of home while away. They are turning time off into time well spent, with 72% desiring time off to explore a personal passion or hobby.
The Moonglade Truth: Travel is not an escape anymore. It is a return to yourself. We are trading the chaos of the checklist vacation for the profound peace of the soul-nourishing escape.
So, What Does Your “Why” Look Like?
A Whycation starts with radical self-honesty. Before the plane ticket, before the packing list, you have to look in the mirror and ask: “What does my soul need right now?”
If your Why is RELEASE: It looks like taking that solo wellness trip to Arizona, letting the silence of the desert be your best therapist.
If your Why is CONNECTION: It looks like immersing yourself in the culture of Morocco, feeling grounded and part of a story bigger than you.
If your Why is RENEWAL: It looks like choosing a peaceful getaway in Bali, giving yourself permission to simply be.
It is simple: It’s not about doing the most—it’s about feeling the most.
The Exhale is the Luxury: Trust, Comfort, and Control
The Hilton report emphasizes that in this new era of intentionality, trust and familiarity have never been more important. Chris Nassetta, Hilton’s CEO, stated that 74% of travelers value booking with brands they know and trust.
As your Luxury Travel Advisor & Coach, my job is to be that trusted guide and remove every single piece of friction. The new luxury is ease. It’s that sweet moment where the complexity is gone, the itinerary flows, and you finally get to exhale.
This is how we ensure that emotional comfort is baked into every Moonglade Travel journey:
VIP Service: We eliminate travel stress with services like the complimentary VIP Airport Meet & Greet Service—ensuring you skip the crowds and the hassle, starting your intentional journey the moment you land.
Customization: We don't use templates. Your itinerary is custom-built, balancing thrilling adventure with essential, non-negotiable downtime for reflection.
The Moonglade Feeling: We focus on suites and private experiences, guaranteeing sanctuaries over crowded spaces, so you show up for your peace, your self-care, and your joy.
How Moonglade Travel Is Leading the Whycation Movement
At Moonglade Travel, this "Whycation" isn't a trend; it's our entire business model. We specialize in crafting experiences that go far beyond photos and passport stamps.
Whether you need a one-on-one travel coaching session to pinpoint your perfect Why or you are ready to join one of our signature curated small group trips, every detail is intentionally crafted around how you want to feel when you return.
Our 2026 Curated Journeys are perfectly aligned with the need for purpose, pause, and personal growth:
Arizona: The destination for Release and Reflection.
Morocco: The destination for Connection and Culture.
Bali: The destination for Serenity and Spirituality.
Ready to Commit to Your Why?
So, here’s my challenge to you: when you start dreaming about your next getaway, don’t just ask “where?” Ask “why?”
Because when you travel with intention, you don’t just come back refreshed—you come back renewed and ready to live your life on your own terms.
Ready to plan your intentional 2026 Whycation?
→ Explore our 2026 group journeys
→ Book a custom travel planning consultation