by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Thu January 15, 2026
The ease and convenience of tours and upgrades is growing in appeal to travellers who are increasingly shying away from the work of travelling.
A study from MMGY Travel Intelligence indicates nearly 50 percent of travellers say stress release is a primary motivator for taking a vacation. That motivation can conflict with the reality of travel. Things like itinerary planning, researching accommodations or lugging baggage from place to place can all take some of the fun out of a trip.
“Travellers are exhausted before they even leave home,” says Steve Born, chief marketing officer for the Globus family of brands. “What we’re seeing now is a conscious decision to outsource the logistics so guests can stay present, curious and connected once they arrive.”
A release from Globus posits that “ease is the new upgrade.” By removing logistics and mental load, guided tours and river cruises make room for “immersion, connection and the simple pleasure of being on vacation and in the moment.”
“Travel has reached a tipping point,” said Born. “People don’t want vacations that feel like another project. They want to feel something when they’re there. They want the stress stripped away so they can enjoy the authenticity of the moment, when they’re in the world, discovering new places, new people and the connections that come with extraordinary travel.”
That thinking appeals to key demographics of travellers. According to MMGY, nearly 3 in 4 Gen X travellers (74%) and 71% of Younger Boomers find guided vacations appealing. Part of that appeal is ease. Travellers value tours that maximize time, minimize friction and unlock access that’s difficult to replicate independently.
Rather than thinking of tours as rigidly scheduled experiences, the MMGY research shows that 60 percent of travellers say “a balance of free time and included activities” is what sways them toward guided travel.
“The irony,” said Born “is that the structure of our guided tours (Globus) and river cruises (Avalon Waterways) enables spontaneity. When the essentials of your vacation are handled, you feel empowered to wander, linger and say yes to unexpected moments. Our itineraries also take away all worries, inviting you to simply be – in the moment, on your vacation and enjoying the memories we’re creating for you.”
Please visit www.avalonwaterways.ca and www.globusjourneys.ca for more details on the stress-free vacations they offer.
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