2026 Travel Trends
So much travel planning going on right now, and I have several groups traveling or about to travel. I thought I’d take a minute to reach out to all of you to let you know what trends I’m seeing this year.
For destinations, first is Italy 🇮🇹 ! I think half the international travelers I have this year-maybe more-are heading there. Who can blame them? The food is fabulous, people are friendly, and the history is everywhere-so if you like to eat and your traveling companion is a museum lover, you can both be happy. It’s been fun-and sometimes challenging-to customize each trip based on time of year, preferred destinations, and (most importantly), the interests of the group traveling. Supported bike tour in Puglia? Romantic trip to Amalif? Family vacation in Venice and Rome and Florence? These are very different trips-though in each case, I’ve been able to find lovely hotels that are in historic, walkable areas, near restaurants and sites but not swamped with tourists. In all of my trips, we’re working to help you feel like a traveler, not a tourist-someone who can take time and wander down the most interesting path.
Other popular destinations this year are Japan 🇯🇵 and Croatia 🇭🇷. Both are fairly reasonable once you get there, and have so much to see you could return every year. Japan is on my family’s list for next year-it’s been a dream of our teenage son and we are hoping to make it come true. The travelers I have who just returned from Japan sent me a wonderful recap email full of tips that I’ll be definitely using as I plan my own (and others’) trips.
But speaking of places being reasonable “once you get there”-airfare. Ouch. The war has definitely impacted air travel costs, though I’m still finding some reasonable fares, especially if you can go in off season (spring and fall for most places). Surprisingly, open-jaw itineraries have lately been the same price or less than many round-trip fares, which creates way more flexibility and gives you more time at your destination (open jaw fares are those into one city and then home from another-like Portland to Rome, Naples to Portland). If you are traveling in 2026, I’d buy your tickets now-if prices drop, you typically can request a flight credit for the difference.
I’ll be back soon with more! Let me know if you have any specific questions or topics you’d like me to cover.
Have a wonderful week and remember-always take the most interesting path.
Sara
Your Magic Journey
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P.S. if you like talking travel, please join our private Facebook group! We have a great time sharing tips, experiences, and stories there.
P.P.S. And don’t forget to check out our upcoming French river cruises for wine lovers! We are sailing with AmaWaterways in Bordeaux in December of this year and in Provence in November of 2027. There is some great incentive pricing for my groups on these sailings right now-and an additional 10% off for the first 10 to book.
