The Travel Era We’ve All Been Waiting For

The Travel Era We’ve All Been Waiting For

Let me just say it: 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years to travel in a long time. People are done putting trips off. The bucket lists are getting checked. The passports are getting stamped. And the travel industry? It is delivering.

Whether you’re planning a Disney trip with the kids, finally doing that Europe adventure you’ve been pinning for a decade, or setting sail on a cruise with your whole crew — there are some really exciting trends happening right now that could completely change how you plan your next trip.

Here’s what I’m seeing, what my clients are asking about, and what you should absolutely know before you book anything in 2026.

5 Travel Trends You Need to Know for 2026

1. Multigenerational Travel is Having Its Moment: Grandparents, parents, kids, cousins everyone in one place, one trip, one giant shared memory. Multigenerational travel is absolutely booming right now, and honestly? I am here for it. Cruises are leading the charge on this one because they do all the heavy lifting for you everyone gets their own space, there’s something for every age group, and nobody has to agree on a restaurant every single night. Disney is another huge one for this. If you’ve been thinking about a big family trip, 2026 is the year to stop thinking and start booking.

2. Set-Jetting is Real and It’s Spectacular: You watched “The White Lotus.” Now you want to go to Thailand. You binged Emily in Paris and suddenly you need a croissant on a Parisian balcony. Welcome to set-jetting the trend of traveling to destinations made famous by TV shows and movies and it is taking over travel in 2026. The good news? These destinations are stunning for a reason. If a show has you dreaming about a place, trust that instinct. My job is to make sure you get there without the drama (the real-life kind, anyway).

3. Cruising is Bigger Than Ever and the Ships Are Wilder: If you think you’ve seen everything a cruise ship has to offer, the new ships launching in 2026 are about to prove you wrong. We’re talking waterparks, rooftop neighborhoods, live entertainment that rivals Broadway, and dining options that go way beyond the buffet. The cruise lines are in full competition mode right now and travelers are winning. First-time cruisers are booking in record numbers, and my seasoned cruisers are upgrading to ships and itineraries they’ve never tried before. If a cruise has been on your list, this is your sign.

4. Shoulder Season Travel is the Smartest Move You Can Make: Everyone is finally catching on to what travel advisors have been saying for years stop traveling in peak season if you don’t have to. Shoulder season (think May-June and September-October for Europe, or slightly off-peak for Disney) means fewer crowds, lower prices, and honestly a much better experience overall. In 2026 I’m seeing more travelers willing to shift their dates by just a few weeks and the difference it makes is remarkable. Fewer crowds at the Colosseum. Shorter waits at Magic Kingdom. More room to actually enjoy the place you flew thousands of miles to see.

5. Girls Trips and Solo Female Travel are Surging: Women are traveling with their friends, their sisters, their moms, and yes, solo. Girls trips are being planned earlier, budgets are bigger, and the experiences people are looking for have leveled up. We’re talking boutique hotels, private excursions, wine tasting in Tuscany, spa days in the Caribbean. Women are done waiting for the right time or the right travel companion they’re going. And I am absolutely here to help plan every single one of those trips. (Pssst check out my Women’s Travel Style.) We’re talking boutique hotels, private excursions, wine tasting in Tuscany, spa days in the Caribbean. Women are done waiting for the right time or the right travel companion — they’re going. And I am absolutely here to help plan every single one of those trips. (Pssst — check out my Women’s Travel Style)

FAQs: 2026 Travel Edition

Q1: Is 2026 a good year to book a cruise?

Absolutely yes. New ships, competitive pricing, and incredible itineraries make this one of the best times to cruise. Book early though the best cabins and sailings fill up fast.

times to cruise. Book early though — the best cabins and sailings fill up fast.

Q2: When is the best time to visit Europe in 2026?

May, June, and September are sweet spots — warm weather, longer days, and noticeably fewer crowds than July and August. Your photos will also be better. Trust me.

Q3: Are Disney parks worth it in 2026?

Yes, but strategy is everything. Knowing when to go, what to book in advance, and how to navigate the parks makes all the difference between a magical trip and a very expensive, very exhausting one. That’s where I come in.

Q4: How do I find the best travel deals for 2026?

Work with a travel advisor (hi, that’s me 👋). Seriously — I have access to deals, perks, and insider knowledge that you won’t find on Expedia. And my services are often completely free to you because the suppliers pay my commission. It’s a win-win.

Q5: What destinations are trending for 2026?

Japan is having a massive moment. Portugal remains wildly popular. The Caribbean is as sought-after as ever. And multigenerational Disney and cruise trips are being booked further in advance than I’ve ever seen. Get on these early.

Ready to Make 2026 Your Best Travel Year Yet?

Here’s the thing — travel is not just a vacation. It’s the thing you talk about for years. It’s the photo on your wall and the story you tell at dinner. And it should be *good.*

If any of these trends have you itching to book something, let’s talk. I’ll help you figure out what makes sense for your budget, your travel style, and your people and I’ll make sure the planning part is actually enjoyable instead of a second job.

If any of these trends have you itching to book something, let’s talk. I’ll help you figure out what makes sense for your budget, your travel style, and your people — and I’ll make sure the planning part is actually enjoyable instead of a second job.

Ready to make 2026 your best travel year yet? Let’s plan it together.

Stress less, travel better.