2026 promises to provide truly unique and joyful travel experiences. With a little research you’ll find the perfect getaway for you and yours. The focus this year is on intentional, mindful experiences designed to meet specific needs.
You may want to plan a restorative, emotional well-being trip with plenty of down time and spa or yoga sessions. Or you may want to immerse yourself in an exciting new cultural experience—a vibrant city or a cultural celebration. You may make this a year to follow your favorite sports team or visit a world location you’ve always dreamed about.
Whatever you want to experience in your 2026 travels, be sure to plan carefully and then be prepared for some delightful surprises.
Wellness Retreats
Wellness retreats offer time away from home without the cares of your usual daily life. Beautiful luxury amenities, massage, yoga, farm to table meals—what’s not to like? One such retreat offers a week in gorgeous Costa Rica at the Rythmia Life Advancement Center. And here are some wonderful short-term wellness experiences in the U.K. Or choose one of these ten top wellness centers in the U.S. You know you deserve it.
Sporting Event Destinations
The 2026 Winter Olympics take place this February in Milan and Cortina, Italy and the Paralympics follow shortly after in March. How exciting to take in some of the beautiful winter events and also enjoy the sights of Northeastern Italy. Find tickets here. For a complete list of sporting events all throughout the year, go to 2026 Sporting Calendar. From tennis to golf to cricket, you’ll find an event that you and your family will enjoy.
Literary/Film Locations
Have you ever read a book or seen a film and longed to visit that location? I’m thinking of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in the state of Michigan. The movie, Somewhere in Time was filmed there. I want to see it, experience it, remember the story there. What magical place do you want to see with your own eyes? A jungle in South America? The Grand Canyon? Or a vibrant, bustling neighborhood in the heart of New Delhi? Check out this site for interesting trips inspired by books or movie locations.
Celebrity Performances
If you have a favorite musician or actor or an influencer you follow you just might want to build a trip around their performances. Music is a strong pull and a live concert might be the central event in a getaway. Search here for upcoming concerts in Europe throughout the rest of 2025 and all of 2026. In theater Broadway and off-Broadway never disappoint. Here is a listing of the most important theaters in Europe.
Various cruise lines offer top-quality entertainment, and even smaller cruises may offer just the singing group or entertainer you love. For example I love Celtic music and one of my favorites, Heather Rankin, is headlining a cruise from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest next June. Do a little research and find something you love. Then build your vacation around that event.
Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in one of the world’s vibrant cultural celebrations this year. Travel to the heart of the celebrations and take part. You’ll see costuming, parades, dancing. You’ll taste festive foods and witness fabulous ceremonies. Try Munich for Oktoberfest, India for Holi or Brazil for Carnival. Or take a trip to New Orleans this February and enjoy Mardi Gras.
Nature Explorations
Many of us locked into the world of computers and screens might appreciate “deadzoning”–that is detox from screens. The perfect way to do that is to travel deep into nature where there are no phone signals in sight. Possible destinations may be rainforests or deserts, mountain hikes, working farms or castles. For some exciting travel adventures see Natural Habitat Adventures. For a truly unique deadzone experience see Off-Grid Getaways near St. Andrews, Scotland.
Bite-sized Getaways
And while you plan your travel for 2026, don’t forget the smaller, “bite-sized” getaways.” You might enjoy a weekend at a local luxury hotel, a tour of a local vineyard, complete with wine-tasting, or a one-day spa experience. Pack light, enjoy a break from work and routine, and have a wonderful time,
