by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Tue November 4, 2025
G Adventures is rethinking travel for 2026: instead of ranking destinations, the feel-good tour company is putting the spotlight on trips that make people happier.
The new Travel Your Heart Out: Happiness List 2026 reflects the company’s updated brand focus on travel as a tool for enriching lives, not just ticking off countries.
“Travel can be a huge driver of long-term happiness,” the company said in a statement, citing findings from global consumer research.
“For many travellers, it’s less about where they go, and more about the experience and how they feel.”
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Among Canadians surveyed, 85% agreed that travel contributes to their long-term happiness, while 78% reported feeling happier in everyday life when they had a trip booked.
The research highlighted trends shaping travel in 2026:
- Experience over destinations: Sixty-eight percent of Canadians choose trips based on experiences rather than locations, rising to 75% among those aged 34–44. “The desire to feel something, be it awe, wonder, joy, or connection, is outpacing the urge to simply ‘see’ something,” the company said.
- Connection and belonging: Quality time with loved ones was a strong predictor of happiness, with 52% of respondents saying family or partner time made them happiest on past trips.
- Purpose and self-discovery: Eighty-two percent of travellers said travel makes them more understanding and empathetic of other cultures, and 68% said it helps them better understand themselves.
- Ethical and sustainable travel: Eighty-six percent consider ethics when choosing travel companions, 74% avoid experiences that don’t support the ethical treatment of animals, and 83% prefer off-the-beaten-track or off-peak destinations.
- Balance and decompression: Travellers crave both activity and rest, with 46% wanting to disconnect from work while travelling and 48% seeking active experiences. Longer holidays were preferred by 71%of respondents.
- Local experiences and cuisine: Sixty-two percent want to live like a local on trips, 86% prioritize locally owned accommodations and restaurants, and more than half say enjoying local food and drink contributes to their happiness.
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Based on these findings, G Adventures highlighted 10 new trips for 2026, selected for the experiences they offer rather than the destinations themselves. They include:
- Beach time in Panama: A mix of city exploration in Panama City and off-grid island stays with Indigenous-owned accommodations.
- Exploring The Stans: A 23-day journey through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, combining historical cities and natural wonders.
- Arctic Expeditions: Remote trips aboard the new G Expedition ship with opportunities to see icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife.
- Moldova food and wine tour: Seven days of culinary immersion, including wine tasting and traditional cooking experiences.
- Local Living trips: Extended stays in France, Italy, Morocco, and Iceland, prioritizing local transportation, family-run accommodations, and connection to the community.
- Eclipse trips in Egypt and Morocco: Exclusive viewing of the 2027 solar eclipse combined with cultural exploration.
- Family journey to Ecuador: Nine-day trips designed to deepen family connections through rainforest hikes, chocolate tasting, and Indigenous cultural experiences.
- Wildlife-focused Southern Africa: Safaris in Zimbabwe and South Africa with emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters and conservation.
- Sri Lanka sailing: Coastal sailing adventures with opportunities to relax, swim, surf, and enjoy local cuisine.
- Solo-ish Guatemala: Trips that balance independence and community, featuring Tikal ruins, indigenous villages, and hands-on cooking experiences.
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