Elevating Your Experiential Travel Offerings

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More of today’s travelers are seeking immersive and meaningful experiences, which has pushed experiential travel to the forefront of the industry. Gone are the days when sightseeing from a distance was enough ─ now clients want to connect with local cultures, explore unique culinary traditions, and embark on hands-on adventures that create lasting memories. For travel advisors, this trend presents an exciting opportunity to elevate their experiential travel offerings and dive deeper into this growing market segment.
The Essence of Experiential
We asked three outstanding travel advisors to explain the essence of experiential travel.
Carnisa Allen, travel advisor, Brown Sugar Travel & Co., says: “Travelers are craving more connection ─ to culture, to people, and even to themselves. It’s no longer just about where they’re going, but how they experience a destination.”
She also offers, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that experiential travel isn’t just about where you go ─ it’s about how it makes you feel. I always tell my clients to slow down, take it all in, and be present. That’s how you create the moments that stick with you. And the truth is ─ once you travel this way, you never want to go back to the ordinary.”
Making connections is also key for Tracy Mueller, owner, Island Dreams. “We are finding one of the most exciting trends is the rise of authentic local experiences ─ travelers want to connect deeply with the culture and traditions of their destination. This includes participating in artisanal workshops, learning about local customs alongside unique sightseeing, or even dining experiences with locals, cooking classes,” reports Mueller.
Rounding out the explanations, Amanda Bisack, agency owner and luxury travel advisor, Travelista Travels, says she “is definitely seeing a shift towards more immersive and sustainable travel experiences that combine personal well-being with deeper cultural connections.”
Top Experiential Trends for 2025
Our three experts gave us their thoughts on what the top experiential travel trends are for 2025. Here is some of what they are seeing in the marketplace and hearing from their clients:
Slow travel and extended stays. Slow travel is on the rise. Today’s travelers want to truly experience a destination, not just see it. They are moving away from checklist-style vacations in favor of immersive stays that go beyond the typical constraints of a short trip—and they are willing to pay for it.
A 2024 study by the Mastercard Economics Institute found that the average trip length has increased from four days in 2019 to five in 2024, with spending rising accordingly.
Sustainable and local-first experiences. More travelers are looking for ways to support local communities through their journeys. They want to dine at locally owned restaurants and invest in authentic experiences that not only feel good but also do good. Accommodations and activities that align with their values—such as farm-to-table dining, wildlife conservation efforts, and plastic-free initiatives—are becoming increasingly popular.
Many are also taking steps to offset their carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly accommodations and embracing low-impact travel methods like hiking, biking, or sailing instead of traditional transportation.
Trips with local collaborations. It is not just about experiencing a destination and reducing a footprint—it is about experiencing life as a local and gaining new perspectives. Some travelers are choosing to engage more deeply by working with artisans, staying with local families, or learning new skills from Indigenous communities.
These experiences—along with others like wellness retreats, healing retreats, or eco-adventures—not only support local communities and the environment but also foster personal growth. It is about traveling with purpose and returning home more insightful and fulfilled.
Examples of Can’t-Miss Experiences to Book
By crafting customized itineraries that go beyond the ordinary, advisors not only enhance the client experience, but also boost sales and strengthen client loyalty.
Allen told us about some of the most unforgettable experiences she has planned for her clients:
- “Cooking with Nonni in Sorrento. Last summer, my clients spent a day at a beautiful local farm in Sorrento, hand-picking fresh produce straight from the fields. Then they were welcomed into a local family’s home, where the grandmother ─ Nonni ─ taught them how to make fresh pasta from scratch. It wasn’t just a cooking class; it was an intimate experience filled with storytelling, laughter, and, of course, an incredible homemade meal. It was one of those experiences where my clients truly felt the warmth of Italian hospitality.
- “A Rastafarian farm experience in Antigua. This was such an eye-opening and enriching experience for my clients. They visited a working Rastafarian farm, where they learned about the philosophy of living off the land and the values behind the Rastafarian diet. They got hands-on, preparing a plant-based meal using freshly harvested ingredients while gaining a deeper appreciation for sustainable living and holistic wellness. It wasn’t just about the food ─ it was about embracing a whole new way of thinking.
- “Elephant sanctuary experience in Thailand. I always encourage my clients to choose ethical wildlife experiences, and this one was life-changing for them. Instead of riding elephants ─ which can be harmful and painful to the animals ─ they spent the day at a rescue sanctuary. They helped feed and bathe the elephants, learning about their stories and the efforts to rehabilitate them after years of exploitation. It was an experience filled with connection and compassion, and they left knowing they made a difference just by choosing the right kind of experience.”
Mueller, who considers herself a “Dream Curator,” draws on her 37 years of travel expertise and deep understanding of each destination’s unique identity when curating itineraries. She takes the time to truly get to know her clients and their interests, ensuring every experience is meaningful and tailored to them. By collaborating closely with her trusted partners, she uncovers authentic opportunities that go beyond typical tourist attractions. For instance:
- “In Jamaica, I’ve arranged visits to a local school in Ocho Rios, where clients can immerse themselves in the culture and cuisine, and interact with the children.
- “In Turks & Caicos, I often recommend dog lovers stop by Potcake Place K9 Rescue ─ an incredible opportunity to donate much-needed items, take a rescue dog for a walk, or enjoy playtime on the beach. (Fair warning: it’s hard not to fall in love and bring one home!)
- “In Antigua, there is a fabulous experience where not only can you see the islands breathtaking beauty, but you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and interact with local vendors at roadside stalls to gain insight into Antigua’s vibrant culture and traditions. It’s all about crafting moments that create lasting memories while giving back to the local community. I can’t think of anything more rewarding.”
How to Incorporate Immersive Experiences into Itineraries
Not every client asks for immersive experiences by name, but most appreciate and enjoy the more personal and meaningful suggestions included in their itineraries by their trusted advisor.
“I always include experiential travel ideas in my initial proposals to spark my clients’ interest and get them thinking about these unique opportunities,” says Mueller. “This not only introduces them to a more enriching way of traveling but also helps me build a stronger connection by showcasing my expertise and understanding of their possible interests. It often opens up a conversation, allowing me to learn even more about their preferences and vision for their vacation, which ultimately helps me tailor the experience further ─ and close the sale.”
For Allen, it all starts with getting to know her clients ─ learning what excites them, what they’re passionate about, and what truly makes them tick. She asks: “Are they foodies who love diving into local cuisine? Do they enjoy giving back and connecting with communities? Are they animal lovers looking for ethical ways to interact with wildlife? Once I understand their vibe, I curate experiences that are authentic to the destination and meaningful to them.
“I always prioritize working with locally owned guides and businesses because it not only creates a more unique experience, but it also ensures my clients are getting an insider’s perspective while supporting the local economy. I want every trip to feel personal and intentional.”
Appealing to Experiential Travelers through Social
With its vivid images and videos that easily evoke emotions, social media is a very efficient marketing platform for showcasing experiential travel offerings and drawing in prospects.
Bisack from Travelista Travels believes heavily in social media marketing to generate new clients. “Some of what we like to focus on is authentic and immersive content. We share unfiltered images, behind-the-scenes moments, and local encounters to highlight real, transformative travel experiences. We also offer sustainable travel tips, destination guides, and local insights, which help our followers plan meaningful, responsible trips.
“We have found that interactive engagement ─ for example, polls, quizzes, live Q&As, and behind-the-scenes ─ keep our followers engaged. Overall, we combine authentic content, engagement, sustainability, and personalized experiences to appeal to the new wave of experiential travelers on social media.”
When it comes to experiential travel, Allen summarizes: “At the end of the day, it’s all about slowing down, being present, and making sure your clients’ travel has a positive impact ─ on both themselves and the places they visit.”
FROM THE SPONSOR:
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