2026: A year for discovering and rediscovering

January always feels like a clean page, ready to be filled with memories. I usually start the year with an idea of what trips I have planned, but I always leave some room for spontaneity. So far, 2026 is shaping up quite well with a couple of big dream trips that I can't wait to share. Everything else will be a bonus.

Remember that travel does not always need to be big or dramatic. Sometimes it’s a quiet city break. Sometimes it’s a return trip to a place you've been to before. Other times, it's a new destination with new experiences. No matter what your travel plans are for 2026, here are some ideas and updates to keep in mind.

Travel updates to keep in mind for 2026

As you plan trips for the year ahead, there are a few important things to keep in mind, especially if you plan to travel to Europe or the US. ​

Europe entry changes

• The EU's several-times-delayed ETIAS authorization for visa-exempt travellers is set to start this year. Travellers will need to apply online and pay the €7 fee before entering the 29 Schengen countries. The authorization is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.

• The Entry/Exit System (EES), launched in the fall of 2025, has caused significant delays at many European airports. EES, fully operational by April 10, 2026, requires fingerprints and facial scans at borders to track 90/180-day stays, ending manual passport stamps.

• Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, simplifying payments but potentially raising prices.

• Cyprus plans to fully integrate into the Schengen zone by the end of 2026.

UK entry requirements

• From February 25, 2026, visa-exempt visitors from 85 countries, including the U.S., must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It costs £10, must be applied for online, and is linked to your passport. Airlines will deny boarding if you travel without it.​

U.S. travel updates

• An expanded US entry ban (effective January 1, 2026) entirely suspends visas for 19 countries (e.g., Haiti, Iran, Yemen). It partially suspends them for others, though valid visas remain usable with possible extra screening.

Airline policy shifts

• US DOT rules mandate automatic refunds for significant flight changes (3+ hour domestic delays), with some enforcement delayed to mid-2026.

• New routes expand options, like United to Split, Croatia and Delta to Sardinia, Italy, aiding cultural itineraries.

• Southwest ends free extra seats for larger passengers starting January 27.

• Airlines continue to tighten rules around carry-on luggage. More fares now include only a small personal item. Checking baggage policies before booking matters more than ever.

Travel trends for 2026

• AI and personalization: Generative AI has taken over all aspects of our lives, and travel is no different. Many people are using AI to create hyper-personalized itineraries and plan unique experiences.

• Slower, more intentional travel: The demand for meaningful, lower-impact journeys continues to be a trend travellers seek out. This type of travel, often by train, focuses on relaxation and fewer packed days.

• Wellness and sobriety: There is growing interest among travellers in wellness retreats (beyond spas) and sober travel options (alcohol-free tours, juice pairings).

City break ideas

Looking ahead

What will your 2026 travel look like? I am planning to explore more of Abruzzo (the region of Italy I now call home) and Italy in general. But, this year, I'm also heading to different continents, something I haven't done in a couple of years.

In the coming months, I'll share a few destinations that I think would make great trips. Meanwhile, if you have any suggestions or travel-related questions, feel free to reply to this message.

Happy travels!

Kasia

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