In 2026, many industry experts say luxury travel is less about doing or spending more, and more focused on quality of the experience and how the vacationers feel after the trip. While some travel predictions just point to places that look good on a map, a new hotel opening, a rare solar eclipse, or a growing culinary scene could be enough to move a destination onto travelers' short lists.

The global heritage tourism market is closing in on $1 trillion in annual value. At $607 billion in 2024 and climbing, it’s one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, and America250 is about to pour fuel on the fire.