Luxury travel advisors are reporting strong summer bookings but note a clear divide between ultra-wealthy clients and more budget-conscious travelers as economic uncertainty affects travel patterns.
Travel Experts, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based host agency with more than 500 independent advisors, surveyed its members and found optimism about current business despite concerns about 2026. The agency focuses on the luxury market.
"Summer business is strong, fall and festive season is coming along and optimism about the future prevails," said Sharon Fake, executive director of Travel Experts. However, she noted some concern about 2026 due to economic volatility and international conflicts.
Ultra-Luxe Clients Versus Budget-Conscious Clients
The survey revealed distinct booking patterns between client segments. Ultra-luxury clients continue traveling consistently, while high-end and budget-conscious clients are either delaying international bookings or choosing shorter trips closer to home.
"My ultra-luxe and luxury clients continue to travel consistently," said Teresa McCombs of TP McCombs Travel in Hoover, Alabama. "However, my high-end and more budget-conscious clients are either delaying international bookings to assess the coming months or are choosing shorter trips closer to home."
McLean Robbins of Lily Pond Luxury in Vienna, Virginia, reported sales up 116% year-to-date.
There is a shift that has been building over the past few years with clients choosing fewer trips per year, but making them longer, more luxurious and more meaningful.
"There is a shift that has been building over the past few years with clients choosing fewer trips per year, but making them longer, more luxurious and more meaningful," Robbins said.
Several advisors noted clients are taking fewer but longer trips with higher spending per vacation. Budget-conscious travelers are shortening international trips or choosing domestic destinations including Alaska, national parks and U.S. river cruises.
Kim Schott of Adventures Beyond Borders in St. Charles, Minnesota, said her middle-class clients are shortening trips to eight days due to costs, while luxury clients show less concern about economic conditions.
Popular destinations include Europe, cruises, and bucket list locations such as the Galapagos Islands, Iceland and Antarctica. Advisors reported increased interest in domestic river cruises, even among younger luxury clients who traditionally prefer international travel.
The agency noted continued strong bookings for fall and holiday travel, with solid demand for Europe, Japan, Caribbean and ski destinations.
Editor's Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Travel Experts. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
