In 2026, travelers trade noise for nuance as rest, solitude, and mindful design redefine the meaning of escape
Oct 15, 2025
In 2026, travel will become less about movement and more about stillness. A growing number of travelers are choosing quiet—literally—as their luxury, seeking spaces, tools, and experiences that help them unplug, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.
The hospitality industry is responding with quieter rooms, solo-friendly dining, AI-assisted planning, and wellness integrations that turn hotels into sanctuaries for the senses. In the age of noise, silence is the new amenity.
Key takeaways
- Rest and recharge as top motive: Hilton’s global research shows 56% of travelers cite rest and recovery as their main reason to travel in 2026, followed by time in nature (37%) and mental health (36%).
- Solo travel surge: One in four travelers plans to go alone, with 48% adding solo days to family trips; 33% of U.S. Hilton Honors members will travel solo for leisure.
- Quiet and reading retreats on the rise: 57% of U.S. travelers would attend a silent or reading retreat; literary tourism already generates $2.4 billion and continues to grow.
- Digital calm through technology: 73% of global travelers value digital check-in and check-out; AI tools and hotel apps are helping guests simplify travel and preserve peace.
- In-room wellness as new luxury: 72% of travelers value in-room entertainment and mindfulness tools like Calm, with Hilton expanding connected rooms by 53% year-over-year.
- Business travelers seeking balance: 27% actively carve out alone time, 19% prioritize rest over socializing, and 17% opt for private in-room workouts—redefining productivity on the road.
- Minimal-planning vacations growing: 66% of family travelers prefer low-effort trips like all-inclusives or cruises, signaling a wider retreat from over-scheduled travel.
Get the full report at Hilton
