The new word is structure. It used to be scheduled or timed entry but post covid most popular places especially in the UK, Italy and France are timed entry and tickets are required way in advance. Planning is a must.
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Idaho, USA
9690 posts
Well that doesn’t sound fun! ; )
This is what I found for Key 2026 Travel Trends. Those would lend themselves away from the need of as many very early tickets reserved.
- Alternative/Authentic Tourism: Due to ongoing overtourism in major hubs, 2026 travel focuses on seeking "alternative" destinations to find a more authentic, less crowded experience.
- Personalized/Sustainable: Travelers are shifting toward personalized, intentional, and sustainable experiences over mass-market, "bucket-list" only travel.
The cities on my trips this year (minus the RS tour itinerary) continue, as per my last few years, to be much more in line with the two bullet points listed here. My overall trip Excel sheet details are much less “things to do” and much more blank spots signifying an openness to spontaneous enjoyment of “just be”.
I’m not trying to sway anyone to change their priorities; everyone has their own desires for what constitutes a wonderful trip. And part of this shift is very likely that I have done a lot of travel already to Europe, so I don’t feel that “must do” drive.
Since one of my trips this year is something new for me - a 1-week art workshop in Ireland, I will say my word for 2026 is “creative”.