Published on
November 21, 2025
In an era when travel lists used to shout “Go here!”, the new mantra from G Adventures is much more introspective: “Feel here.” Their published “Travel Your Heart Out: Happiness List 2026” flips the script on what makes a great trip. Based on input from 8,000 travellers across countries such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, Canada and Australia, the research goes beyond destinations and asks: what actually brings you joy, purpose and connection when you travel? The result is a list that’s less about where you go and more about how you feel.
What the Research Shows
The findings are striking. A large majority of respondents agreed that travel contributes significantly to long‑term happiness. In one region, 88% of people said travel improved their overall well‑being. Around 82% reported that simply having a trip booked made their day‑to‑day life better. Another key insight: 63% said they now choose trips based on experiences rather than on destinations alone. Among younger travellers (aged 25‑34) and those seeking adventure, the number rises to over 70%.
Quality time with loved ones stood out—52% of respondents said the greatest happiness on a holiday came from sharing it with family or a partner. Meanwhile, 80% said travel helped them understand other cultures better, and 79% felt it made them more empathetic. Ethical and sustainable travel also ranked high—71% of U.S. respondents said they prefer trips where they can live like a local, and 89% value staying and eating in locally‑owned places.
The Ten Experiences That Made the List
Leveraging these insights, G Adventures formulated ten signature trips designed to maximise happiness—not just visit places. Some highlights:
- Beach Time in Panama: A journey that starts in a vibrant city and ends in remote islands, unplugged, simple and charming.
- Exploring New Cities in Central Asia: A multi‑week Silk Road‑style experience through Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan—history, culture and wild landscapes.
- On the Ocean in the Arctic: Remote, awe‑inspiring sea voyages offer the chance to disconnect, reflect and be small in a vast place.
- Culinary Discovery in Moldova: Food, wine, local culture and artisan experiences in a lesser‑visited country.
- Slow Down & Live Like a Local: Trips in France, Morocco or Iceland focused on deep immersion, guest‑houses, home‑cooked meals and community connection.
- Eclipse of the Century in Egypt & Morocco: Rare celestial event meets ancient culture for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime emotional experience.
- Connecting with Family in Ecuador: Family‑centric travel with rainforest, volcanoes and shared memories that deepen bonds.
- Supporting Wildlife in Tanzania: Ethical safari, conservation focus and meaningful encounters.
- De‑Stress & Relax with Sri Lanka Sailing: Slow travel via catamaran, remote villages, sunset cruising and simple pleasures.
- Feel Alive & Energised in Guatemala: Solo‑friendly, culture‑rich, cooking with locals, exploring ruins and markets, a blend of group energy + personal reflection.
Why This Matters for Travellers
- What do I want to feel, not just see?
- Do I want connection, meaning, local immersion, new sensations or shared memories?
- Am I willing to pick lesser‑known places for deeper experiences instead of the usual hotspots?
- Can I invest in a trip that may cost more in time or logistics but deliver more in emotional return?
For the Industry: A Call to Change
Travel companies, destinations, tour operators: this research signals that the market is evolving. The future of tourism is less about mass volumes and more about personalised, meaningful experiences. The winners will be those who design trips around how people want to feel—connected, purposeful, inspired—rather than simply where they want to go.
The Trade‑Offs and Realities
This does not mean abandoning comfort or aspiration. But it does mean rethinking value. A remote sailing in Sri Lanka or culinary hidden‑gem in Moldova might cost more per traveller than a resort stay, but the emotional yield may be higher. Also, meaningful travel often demands more time, flexibility and open‑mindedness—and sometimes getting off the beaten path means fewer amenities, more logistics.
Final Thoughts: Travel for Joy, Not Just Checklists
The “Happiness List 2026” reminds us that travel is not just a photo to post, but a feeling to remember. Book that trip not because everyone else is going to Bali (again), but because you’ll laugh, learn, connect or come back changed. If the goal is long‑term well‑being, then the places matter less than the moments they enable.
