February is often when people begin thinking about summer travel and what they want their next trip to feel like. After years of planning travel for clients at different life stages, I’ve noticed that the most rewarding trips in 2026 are being shaped earlier, and with far more intention, than they used to be.
That perspective is deeply personal. Growing up in the Netherlands, and later living in Uganda, gave me early exposure to very different cultures and ways of moving through the world, long before travel became something I planned professionally. Travel was never about rushing from place to place or checking destinations off a list. It was about understanding how people live, eat, and move through the world, a mindset that still guides how I help clients think about travel today.
What’s changing is not just where people want to go, but how they want to travel.
Summer trips are no longer about packing as much as possible into a short window. Travelers are prioritizing pacing, connection, and places that feel authentic rather than overcrowded. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a milestone birthday, a multigenerational trip, or a long-anticipated vacation, experiences people remember most tend to come from slowing down and choosing destinations that allow them to truly settle in.
This shift is also influencing when people plan. The best hotels, guides, and experiences are often secured far earlier than many realize, especially for summer travel. Planning ahead isn’t about pressure, it’s about choice. It allows travelers to be thoughtful about where they stay, how they move from place to place, and how much space they leave for the moments that aren’t on an itinerary at all.
Across Europe, this has led many travelers to look beyond the most obvious summer destinations. Instead of defaulting to the same cities year after year, there is growing interest in places that offer culture and beauty without the intensity of peak crowds. Slovenia, for example, has become an appealing alternative to Switzerland, with its alpine landscapes, walkable towns, and access to nature. Northern Spain offers another compelling option, combining food, coastline, and history in a way that feels relaxed and grounded during the summer months. The Azores and Madeira continue to stand out for travelers drawn to Portugal but looking for a quieter, more nature-focused experience.
Africa continues to resonate with travelers seeking trips that feel meaningful and memorable. East Africa, particularly northern Tanzania, offers a powerful blend of wildlife, conservation, and community. For honeymooners, couples, and milestone travelers alike, these journeys often leave a lasting impression because they invite reflection as much as adventure.
Through my work as a Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisor, I’m closely connected to on-the-ground partners and local experts, which shapes how I guide clients as they begin planning thoughtful, well-paced trips. What I see consistently is that the trips people cherish most are those designed with care, where the destination fits not just the season, but the travelers themselves.
Travel looks different depending on who you’re traveling with and why. A honeymoon might call for privacy and flow, while a multigenerational trip benefits from space and flexibility. Families often value ease and logistics, while couples may prioritize atmosphere and time together. Thoughtful planning makes room for all of that, creating trips that feel personal rather than rushed or generic.
If you’re beginning to think about summer travel for 2026 and wondering what a more intentional, well-paced trip could look like, I always enjoy being part of those early conversations. Travel done well has a way of staying with you long after you return home.
Claudia Dawley
The Stamped Passport Travel Co.
www.thestampedpassporttravel.com
Instagram: @thestampedpassporttravelco
Experiences people remember most tend to come from slowing down and choosing destinations that allow them to truly settle in.