Kensington taps into affluent travel trends in times of uncertainty

Kensington’s newly released Mid-Year Trend Report, Navigating Uncertainty in Affluent Travel provides some valuable insights as to how high-net-worth travellers are responding to a year shaped by economic, political and global uncertainties.

It’s a follow up to Kensington’s inaugural Travel Trends Report published in December 2024, and was informed by booking patterns, proprietary data, and an updated Affluent Traveler Survey conducted in partnership with Dig Insights (June 2025).

In December, Kensington’s report tapped into a number of themes that are continuing to be influential in 2025. These include:

• A rising interest in lesser-known destinations
• A marked shift in seasonal travel patterns
• A deepening desire for seamless, exclusive journeys

Based on both internal data and two external surveys with Opinium Research and Dig Insights, that initial report underscored how luxury travel remains resilient and experience driven.

It also documented growth in high-value trips, a resurgence in solo travel, and increasing investment in privacy-forward experiences like private villas and yacht charters.

In fact, Kensington reports that those trends have proven foundational and the mid-year data now reveals how traveller’s motivations are evolving in real time.

Matt Cammaert, SVP of Marketing and Outside Sales, observed: “We’re in a moment where global unpredictability is testing assumptions across the industry. And yet, the data tells a story of travellers who are adapting, not retreating.”

And Cammaert made it clear that: “These shifts aren’t just reactive; they’re purposeful. Whether it’s staying closer to home or seeking out deeper experiences abroad, today’s traveller is making intentional choices.”

The report found a number of trends that included the fact that:

Affluent Americans Are Travelling Closer to Home – it found that there has been a 60% year-over-year increase in U.S.-based trips and a rise in shorter-duration itineraries, which now make up over 9% of 2025 sales.

Said Cammaert: “It’s not just about proximity, but about control. The domestic segment is growing because it meets today’s traveller where they are. They want high-end, high-touch experiences, but they also want to reduce friction.”

Demand for Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Remains Strong — Luxury travellers continue to prioritize unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences despite external uncertainties. Bookings in the ultra-luxe segment, defined as $2,000 to $3,000+ per person per day, have grown significantly. Interest in private yachts, villas, and VIP access to exclusive events remains robust, with 56% of surveyed travellers saying they plan to spend more on leisure travel this year than last and 36% said they are spending more this year for VIP-style treatment.

Edita Sgovio, VP Kensington Yachts & Expeditions, said that: “The needs of high-net-worth travellers aren’t typically impacted by the short-term economic changes that affect other parts of the market. Their expectations are high, and they want experiences they can tell stories about – even boast about. They want to make lasting memories and will be loyal to travel brands that deliver on those high expectations.”

Africa’s Appeal Is Evolving — Safari remains a core driver of demand in Africa with bookings up over 50% in early 2025 but interest is widening. Travellers are seeking out historic cities, local culture, and non-traditional wildlife experiences.

To access the full report, CLICK HERE