What's Hot in 2026
Where to travel
What's Hot in 2026
Across the travel industry, there’s a clear shift towards more thoughtful, authentic and grounded experiences, an ethos that has been at the heart of Red Dot’s approach for many years.
Travellers are increasingly drawn to remote places where they can unplug, slow down and reconnect with themselves and the people who matter most.
The focus is moving away from big, hero moments towards quieter, more meaningful interactions. There’s a rising appreciation for small, locally owned hotels and experiences that support communities while fostering genuine cultural connection. It’s a move away from the mainstream, and one we’re that aligns perfectly with Red Dot’s core values.
Remote Locations
More and more travellers are seeking experiences off the beaten track. At Red Dot, we’re constantly pushing boundaries to help people step away from the crowds, disconnect from screens and forge real connections—with nature, with local communities and with places that are often overlooked.
Local Experiences
We’re seeing a growing appetite for truly unique, immersive and authentic local experiences, a trend that genuinely excites us. Crafting off-the-beaten-path journeys is one of our core specialities, and we’re passionate about connecting travellers with local communities in ways that are meaningful and mutually rewarding.
Solo Female Travel
We’ve seen a growing number of solo travellers, particularly women, and we love designing these journeys. As with any trip, it starts with getting to know you: your interests, your travel style and the kind of experience you’re after. From there, we tailor every detail to match your pace and preferences, creating a journey that feels personal, safe and empowering.
Female guides
We’ve seen growing interest in female guides, something we’re always happy to support. While female guides can be harder to find across parts of the Indian Subcontinent, we work with a small but exceptional network of women guides in select regions of India and Sri Lanka. If you’d prefer a female guide, just let us know, and we’ll do our best to make it happen wherever possible.
Authentic and Informal Hotels
Even when budget isn’t a concern, many of our clients are moving away from overt or showy luxury in favour of something more authentic, places that feel grounded and connected to their surroundings. There’s a clear shift towards discreet, soulful hotels with a strong sense of place, where comfort meets culture, and style is matched by substance. It’s a direction we fully embrace, and one we’ve been quietly championing for over 20 years.
Summer long family sabbaticals
More and more families are choosing to spend the entire summer in Sri Lanka, and it’s easy to see why. The island is perfectly suited to longer stays, offering a seamless blend of activity and relaxation. From wildlife safaris and surf lessons to ancient cities and vibrant, flavourful cuisine, there’s always something new to discover. And for those looking to slow the pace, Sri Lanka’s coastline provides the perfect backdrop to simply unwind and switch off.
Accessible Travel
At Red Dot, we’re passionate about understanding and supporting the needs of all kinds of travellers. We believe travel should be both adventurous and accessible, and we’re committed to making that a reality. While we may not have all the answers, we’re ready to listen, learn and adapt. Our approach is personal: we take the time to understand your preferences and any specific requirements, then craft a journey tailored to you—never a one-size-fits-all itinerary.
Kids making the decisions
It’s becoming increasingly clear that kids, especially teens and young adults, are playing a key role in family travel decisions. We welcome this shift, as our destinations are ideal for families of all ages. Whether it’s white water rafting or trekking the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka, treasure hunts, surf lessons or cultural adventures, we offer a wide range of experiences designed to keep everyone engaged and excited.
Need a helping hand?
Whatever your passion, we make it happen.
Our approach
Why travel with Red Dot?
Curated Stays
Unlike other tour operators, the majority of our team are based in South Asia and this means you get better value for money and crucially more of that money goes in to the local economy.
Ultra Personalised
We create trips that are designed just for you - your exact interests, your unique tastes, your perfect adventure. Everything is built from scratch, which means we can push boundaries and create something truly special.
Designed by locals
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Exceptional doesn't have to mean expensive. We take value seriously because we want you to feel confident that every pound is well spent and every experience is worth it.
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Support at every turn
We're passionate about beautiful, unique places that tell a story. Our recommendations come from years of experience and honest feedback, and we'll always encourage you to choose the small, characterful hotels over the big chains - trust us, you'll thank us later.
With offices in Sri Lanka, India and the UK, we're always here to help, in your time zone. You'll never feel like you're travelling alone.
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Design systems
Drivers and Guides
Our drivers and guides don't just get you from place to place - they make your entire journey. It's our carefully selected relationships that set us apart. Just check our reviews and you'll see what we mean!
Value
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QA & testing
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What our travellers say
We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.
Roy Wood (February 2026)
Choose your adventure
Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.