1. The traveler sometimes wants to travel… alone
The solo traveler is becoming more appealing, but traveling alone does not necessarily mean seeking isolation. The client may want autonomy while wishing to meet other travelers, take part in activities, or enjoy a reassuring setting.
According to the Travel Trend Report 2026 from Dertour Group, nearly 30% of respondents across 13 European countries plan to travel alone in the coming twelve months. In France, the share reaches 32.2%.
The question is not only whether the client travels solo, but what they are seeking behind that decision: freedom, rest, encounters, personal challenge or security. This answer will guide the proposal toward an individual stay, an escorted tour, or a plan alternating free time and group activities.
According to the Travel Trend Report 2026 from Dertour Group, nearly 30% of respondents across 13 European countries plan to travel alone in the coming twelve months. In France, the share reaches 32.2%.
The question is not only whether the client travels solo, but what they are seeking behind that decision: freedom, rest, encounters, personal challenge or security. This answer will guide the proposal toward an individual stay, an escorted tour, or a plan alternating free time and group activities.
2. Slow travel puts journeys back on track… with a longer pace
Less rushing, staying longer in one place, favoring gentle mobility, and exploring a destination in depth: slow travel answers a desire to travel differently.According to the Dertour study, 53.2% of Europeans surveyed are drawn to slow travel. Among them, 58.5% want to take more time to discover a destination without feeling rushed.
This trend can manifest as a stay in a single region, a less dense itinerary, a discovery on foot or by bicycle, or even a river cruise. The agency must therefore pay attention to the pace the client desires. Does he prefer to add more stops or take time to settle in? Does he want to visit more places or fully enjoy a few sites?
3. The train becomes a real alternative
Trains can now serve as a strong selling point, beyond the environmental question. Arriving in the city center, comfort, and the possibility to enjoy the journey itself: it meets several traveler expectations.
At Déclic Evasion, train-focused stays increased by 16% between 2024 and 2025. Families, travelers wishing to avoid airports, or clients seeking another way to move around may be interested.
However, selling rail travel remains complex, between booking tools, connections, after-sales service, and disruption management. For the agent, the challenge is to know the relevant itineraries and propose the train when it adds real value to the trip, rather than waiting for the client to ask.
At Déclic Evasion, train-focused stays increased by 16% between 2024 and 2025. Families, travelers wishing to avoid airports, or clients seeking another way to move around may be interested.
However, selling rail travel remains complex, between booking tools, connections, after-sales service, and disruption management. For the agent, the challenge is to know the relevant itineraries and propose the train when it adds real value to the trip, rather than waiting for the client to ask.
4. Travelers seek more personalization
In the face of a standardized offer accessible in a few clicks, personalization remains a major asset for the agency. It starts with qualifying the need: pace, interests, constraints, comfort level, travel habits, or desire for autonomy.
The DIGITRIPS Pro survey conducted with more than 400 travel agents in France in 2026 confirms this central place of personalized advice: 47 % of respondents name it as their number one daily priority.
The DIGITRIPS Pro survey conducted with more than 400 travel agents in France in 2026 confirms this central place of personalized advice: 47 % of respondents name it as their number one daily priority.
6. Travelers also seek meaning
7. Travelers want experiences… not necessarily more activities
Meetings, workshops, culinary discoveries, nature-based activities, unique accommodations: travelers seek experiences that match their tastes and personality.
But immersion does not necessarily mean multiplying activities. A packed program can run counter to the desire for disconnection or for slow time.
The challenge is to find the right balance between discoveries, free time and breathing space.
But immersion does not necessarily mean multiplying activities. A packed program can run counter to the desire for disconnection or for slow time.
The challenge is to find the right balance between discoveries, free time and breathing space.
8. Not chasing every trend
Solo, slow, train, responsible tourism, immersive experiences, tailor-made travel, AI… Should we offer all of it? No.
An agency is not expected to become an expert in every trend. Specialization can help it build a recognizable expertise, provided it is based on real demand, operational capacity, and a coherent business model.
The aim is to identify evolutions that match its clientele and its territory, then build competence in those with commercial potential. Monitoring, training, familiarization trips and observing demand can help filter them.
Instead of always starting with “Where would you like to go?”, why not ask: “How do you like to travel?”
Alone or with others? Slowly or with a dense program? By train or by plane? With a lot of autonomy or with guidance? In search of comfort, adventure, encounters, or disconnection?
These answers will often help reveal the destination or the product. And perhaps this is where the profession is evolving: not only knowing the destinations, but knowing the different ways to travel.
An agency is not expected to become an expert in every trend. Specialization can help it build a recognizable expertise, provided it is based on real demand, operational capacity, and a coherent business model.
The aim is to identify evolutions that match its clientele and its territory, then build competence in those with commercial potential. Monitoring, training, familiarization trips and observing demand can help filter them.
Instead of always starting with “Where would you like to go?”, why not ask: “How do you like to travel?”
Alone or with others? Slowly or with a dense program? By train or by plane? With a lot of autonomy or with guidance? In search of comfort, adventure, encounters, or disconnection?
These answers will often help reveal the destination or the product. And perhaps this is where the profession is evolving: not only knowing the destinations, but knowing the different ways to travel.
Find all the articles in our series “Very Special Agent – The Practical Guide for Pros” by clicking this link.
