6 Top Travel Trends for Asia in 2026

Gazing into travel’s crystal ball for the latest buzzwords can get a little cheesy (and defining a ‘trend’ definitely depends on who you ask) but taking stock of what’s new, ongoing, or on the way out across the travel sector is a keen way to see which way the wind is blowing. Selective Asia’s Destination Specialists have distilled our top 6 picks and predictions for travel to Asia in 2026 to inspire your next trip...

1. Zooming in

Digging deeper into the details of a handful of key spots, rather than skimming the surface of many, is the kind of trip that takes you from tourist to traveller; from onlooker to immersion. Longer stays in each place let you settle into their individual rhythms and feel their heartbeat.

Local knowledge served over effortless logistics, with wiggle room for spontaneity, is the golden combination here. Add in a growing awareness of the importance of making a positive contribution, and not just being passive in the places we love, and it’s obvious why zoomed-in travel is fast becoming a favourite way to see Asia.

Follow your feet, and your guide, on a different path through Delhi; pause at out-of-the-way eateries in Hanoi serving dishes infused with local soul; or experience the Maldives from the perspective of those who call it home.

2. Making positive moves

Sustainable, responsible, eco; however it is termed, the kind of travel we’re striving for, that puts the welfare of our much-loved destinations as a top priority, is becoming more and more embedded and mainstream, which is a big step forward. But it’s not enough to stop at preventing further harm; what’s needed is a regenerative approach, where travel actively helps the places we love to nurture their heritage, grow in positive ways, repair previous damage and protect themselves for the future. Travellers are looking to operators to put the meat on the bones of these promises, and to be part of making a tangible positive impact.

Support projects that are setting the standard for conservation, from elephant protection in northern Thailand to coral rehabilitation in Indonesia; spend the night in a community-run homestay in Nepal; or get hands on with community farming in Laos.

3. Finding your niche

Travel time feels more precious than ever, and travellers are focusing in on making trips fully personalised to make the most of it. Whether you’re into textile design, artisan coffee or K-pop, specialists with the right expertise marry experiences to your hobbies and interests, showing a different facet to each place and engaging you on a very individual level. We’re always open to a challenge when it comes to customising trips, and pull out all the stops to create journeys that really fulfill the brief.

Soak up every ounce of cricketing energy, from international tournaments to local games, in Sri Lanka; learn the secrets to proper Thai dishes in a local family kitchen; or follow the journey from bean to cup on a coffee tour in India.

4. Unfollowing

We talk about this often, but we’re true blue in our passion for following less-trodden paths in Asia, and that enthusiasm seems to be catching. Trusting in local knowledge, understanding the hype versus the reality, and finding ways to be immersed in Asia with respect and a light footprint, brings you the region at its best.

Step slightly sideways to spots that mirror superstar sites without the crowds (we won’t use the term ‘destination dupes’, we promise!), get the local low-down in less well-known places, and see Asia’s most famous landmarks from a different perspective. The reality that experiencing the best of a destination often means looking beyond the usual suspects is beginning to take hold.

View the Taj Mahal in all its glory from across the river in Kachpura; give the Halong Bay throngs a miss with time among the calm on-land karst beauty of Ninh Binh; or experience the best of Bali in Sidemen, away from the Ubud crowds.

5. Switching to a digital detox

24/7 connectivity has revolutionised travel in many ways, making it easier than ever to access information and advice on the go, but there are definite downsides. Being ‘always on’, even when on holiday, can make it difficult to relax, and sometimes the best solution is to go blissfully off-grid. The trend for ‘disconnected’ travel - heading far off the beaten track where there’s no 5G, no WiFi, and no digital distractions - is growing. It offers a refreshing break from scrolling temptation and notification fatigue!

While there have always been remote places in Asia where this happens whether you like it or not, being ‘off grid’ is now an ever-bigger plus point to less-visited spots, and is being embraced.

Take a break from the rush at the gorgeous Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains (accessed by zip-line!); discover Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in Gal Oya National Park; or sail away from it all in Raja Ampat.

6. Time travel

Longing to see the world’s most famous sights for ourselves is a strong urge; to be enveloped in the multi-sensory experience of them, rather than just looking at a picture. Often, though, the reality is very different from the expectation. None of us want to be among jostling hundreds all taking the same snap, eclipsing the beauty of what we’ve come to admire.

Step up the growing trend for seeing popular places at unusual times of day, such as the early morning or evening hours, or out of season, when the peak crowds have dispersed. This definitely requires a bit of expert planning and local knowledge to get right, but it’s well worth the effort, and lets you experience Asia in a more relaxed, considerate and connected way.

See Wat Pho by night on a tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok; discover Japan’s rural beauty beyond blossom season; and watch the streets of Jaipur shimmer after a monsoon-season shower.

Get in touch with our Destination Specialists to start planning your next trip to Asia.

by Kate G on 9th December 2025