Over the past decade or so, vacations emphasizing meaningful experiences have become increasingly in demand, and it would appear that travelers are looking for more of the same this year.
Trips that incorporate authentic experiences – regardless of industry segment or destination – are where travel advisors should be setting their sights in 2026 – and the sooner, the better, advisors said.
Following are some advisor suggestions for trips to start booking now.
US Vacations
Although some travelers may be hesitant to travel to Europe this year due to financial or geopolitical concerns, advisors should consider booking their clients on US vacations that replicate the charm of destinations on the Continent.
“Many travelers are craving the culture, scenery and charm of Europe, but are either hesitant to travel far right now due to world events or just being more mindful of budget,” said Stacey Cabell, founder of Starstuff Travel.
“Places like Ouray, Colo., often called the ‘Switzerland of America,’ offer that dramatic Alpine scenery people associate with Europe,” Cabell said, adding that “Leavenworth, Wash., delivers a full Bavarian village feel, from the architecture and food to festivals like Oktoberfest and Christmas celebrations.”
She also suggested advisors make it a point to have conversations with their clients regarding “milestone-driven travel.”
“Route 66 is turning 100 this year, and America’s 250th birthday is approaching. Road trips built around Route 66, fly-in drive itineraries through Arizona and classic destinations like the Grand Canyon are especially timely,” Cabell said.
“These trips offer flexibility, nostalgia and strong storytelling, things travelers are really craving right now.”
Europe
While some travelers may believe that Europe is currently beyond their financial reach, that may not necessarily be the case.
At the tail end of December, tour operators unveiled a host of discounts for 2026 spring/summer trips – and many of those promotions have been extended, said VIP Vacations President Jennifer Doncsecz.
“If clients are interested in doing a tour in Europe for the spring/early summer of 2026, now is the time to book it,” she said, adding that “The Travel Corporation brands – Trafalgar, Insight and Brendan Tours are offering 15% discounts on select tours.
In terms of specific destinations, Claire Schoeder, an independent luxury advisor with Elevations Travel, always encourages her customers to book Scotland early to provide them with a “choice of what is available versus waiting until they have to choose from what is left over,” she said.
“I do the same for Italy,” she added.
This is particularly the case when Schoeder is booking Scotland festivals, meetings or other events that might make space more difficult to obtain further out.
“Edinburgh, for instance, has the Military Tattoo, the Edinburgh Festival and the Fringe Festival, all in August, making the city quite crowded,” she said. “Booking early is essential.”
Family Vacations
Meaningful vacations apply to the whole family, travel advisors agreed.
“Many parents say they should wait until their children are ‘old enough to remember,’ but the truth is those early trips shape family bonds, spark curiosity and create shared experiences that last far beyond the photos,” said Jennifer Filling, owner of About the Memories Travel. “
“The longer families wait, the older everyone gets, plus busy schedules, changing interests and life commitments can quietly close that window,” she said. “Traveling together now allows families to be fully present, build a love of travel early and enjoy time together before it becomes harder to coordinate.”
“If you wait for the ‘perfect’ time, you may find you’ve missed it,” Filling added.
Coolcations
Coolcations, which are loosely defined as vacations to cooler-weather destinations, are on the rise and being led “by a powerful shift in how families are spending their money,” Slamb said, “especially those inheriting wealth, are choosing experiences over things.”
“If you’re wondering what travel advisors should be booking right now, this is a trend you need to be leading, not chasing.”
“They want trips that create stories, not souvenirs, and they want those experiences shared with the entire family,” she said, noting that many coolcation destinations have short peak seasons, limited lodging and small-scale transportation options.
Essentially, coolcations are built around such experiences as “hiking through dramatic landscapes, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion and time spent outdoors together without battling extreme heat or overcrowded destinations,” she said.
Coolcations are also well-suited for the multigenerational trips segment. “They’re doing something meaningful together, Slamb said, enabling grandparents, parents and kids to participate at their own pace.”
She suggested advisors use the topic of coolcations to elevate client conversations.
“They allow us to guide families toward travel that aligns with how they want to spend their money and what they want to remember long after the trip is over,” she said.
“If you want to meet today’s families where they are and help them invest in experiences that matter, coolcations are where the momentum is,” Slamb added.
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