2026 Travel Trends I’m Watching Closely 👀
While most of us are finishing Christmas shopping (guilty!) and making plans for New Year’s Eve, I’ve been engrossed in conversations about 2026 travel. People are READY to make plans and I fully expect the interest to increase once January hits (WAVE season is on its way. But that’s for another post).
The reality is, the landscape (and affordability) of travel has changed in the past 12 months. I noticed that with the uncertainty of many things in 2025 – jobs, pricing, and foreign affairs – most clients were booking trips scheduled to depart within 3-6 months. There wasn’t much long-term planning (with the exception of weddings, of course).
This is shifting as we head into 2026, with more group-travel minded clients reaching out for resort pricing. Booking early affords clients the best rates, especially for groups and room blocks. Availability will be at its best the earlier those rooms are grabbed.
Resorts are noticing too, as they are releasing inventory earlier and offering juicy promotions and comps.
Destinations to Watch
I’m already noticing some trends for 2026 travel in terms of destinations, and these may be worth paying attention to:
Mexico continues to be a standout for destination weddings and group travel thanks to its accessibility, service level, and growing number of elevated all-inclusive resorts. Riviera Maya and Cancun remain favorites, but there are some exciting shifts happening in how resorts are approaching luxury, food, and guest experience. The adults only Unico 20 105 recently opened in Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit, and I expect that this resort will STAY booked and busy.
Aruba has been a highly requested destination among clients lately. With the brand new Secrets Baby Beach opening earlier this year, travelers now have another adults only option to consider on the island. A welcome addition because – to keep it real – Aruba NEEDS some new all-inclusive options. (no shade)
Jamaica is still recovering from the effects and devastation of Hurricane Melissa, with many resorts not planning to reopen their doors until mid-to-late 2026. I anticipate some attractive pricing once these properties are up and running again, in an effort to attract tourism back to the island. In the meantime, there are several resorts that are currently open and ready to welcome you.
Resort Experience
The newest resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean have been leaning into their bougie side, providing upscale experiences, spaces and amenities. They’re getting away from the sprawling, mile long properties (AVA Cancun being an exception) in the interest of more intimate, boutique style resorts with an emphasis on an elevated experience from dining to wellness to cocktails.
Instead of offering more, they’re offering better.
AI? Not so fast.
A frequent conversation among the travel community is whether the acceleration of AI will eventually take our jobs. I’m a firm believer that AI is a tool – I use it – but cannot fully replace what clients need from a travel advisor. (Some) people still need a human element for travel planning.
Overall, folks are tired. They’re already being stressed from multiple directions, so when it comes to their travel, comparing, second-guessing, coordinating payments, and managing group dynamics is not something they want to do. They know that AI can only take you so far. More and more travelers are looking for someone to simply say: I’ve got it.
At the end of the day, this is still your trip; bringing in an advisor who understands the full picture and can manage the details so you can actually enjoy the process and get excited about what you’re planning.
The trend is about planning with intention, choosing destinations that align with your vision, and giving yourself the gift of support. Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, a milestone celebration, or a long-overdue getaway, the way you plan matters just as much as where you go.
If 2026 travel is on your radar, now is a perfect time to start thinking it through. To make sure your options are open and your experience is exactly what you want it to be, the sooner you start, the better.
