2026 Travel Trends: Where to Go Next Year

Every year, travelers flock to the same handful of destinations. Japan, Alaska, Portugal. They're stunning, and for good reason. But here's what I've been noticing in the travel industry: 2026 is shaping up to be the year travelers break away from the usual bucket list and start exploring places that deserve more attention.

And honestly? That's exciting.

When tourism spreads to emerging destinations instead of concentrating in a few overcrowded hotspots, it supports sustainable travel. Everyone wins. You experience more authentic travel without the crowds. Local communities benefit from tourism dollars. And iconic destinations get a chance to breathe and recover from overtourism.

This month, let's discover some of the destinations trending for 2026, places where you can have incredible experiences while being part of a more thoughtful approach to travel.

Why Emerging Destinations Matter

You've seen the headlines about Venice limiting cruise ships, Kyoto introducing tourist taxes, and Barcelona locals protesting overtourism. These places are filled with crowds and loved to exhaustion.

But there's another story unfolding. Destinations that have been quietly developing their tourism infrastructure, improving accessibility with new flight routes, and investing in sustainable practices are ready to welcome travelers in 2026.

These aren't second-tier substitutes. They're first-rate destinations offering rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and authentic connections with local communities.

When you choose to explore an emerging destination, you're not just having a great trip. You're contributing to sustainable tourism and a more balanced global economy where your travel dollars support communities that genuinely benefit from your visit.

Limón, Costa Rica: Caribbean Coast Adventure

While most travelers head to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, the Caribbean side is having a moment. Searches for Limón have surged 286% year-over-year, and it's easy to see why.

This province stretches along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast and offers three national parks, including the 124,000-acre Braulio Carrillo National Park with its cloud forests and rainforests. You can watch green turtles nest in Tortuguero National Park, explore Afro-Costa Rican culture (half of Costa Rica's Black population lives here), and experience beaches without the Pacific coast crowds.

Late August brings vibrant parades celebrating Día del Negro y la Cultura Afrocostarricense, but any time of year offers a chance to connect with a side of Costa Rica many travelers miss.

Jaipur, India: The Pink City Beckons

Jaipur has seen a 107% increase in searches, and this capital of Rajasthan is ready for its moment. Just a 3.5-hour train ride from Delhi, the Pink City dazzles with its dusty pink sandstone architecture, block-printed textiles, and majestic forts.

The honeycombed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) was built in 1799 so royal women could watch street life below without being seen. The amber-hued forts overlooking the city tell stories of Rajput warriors and maharajas. And the markets overflow with handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and pottery that support generations of local artisans.

Spring brings perfect weather for exploring, and you'll experience India's hospitality and culture without the overwhelming crowds of more tourist-heavy cities.

Artist's interpretation of Jaipur's Hawa Mahal.

Egypt: Ancient Wonders, Modern Access

Egypt is experiencing a significant tourism boom, and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year. The Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened after a two-decade wait, housing more than 100,000 ancient treasures spanning nearly five millennia of Egyptian history.

This isn't just about seeing the pyramids (though they're magnificent). It's about experiencing one of humanity's most significant civilizations with modern infrastructure, world-class museums, and thoughtful curation that brings history to life.

Plus, with the 2027 total solar eclipse on the horizon, Egypt is preparing for an influx of visitors, which means now is the time to go before the eclipse crowds arrive.

New Nonstop Flights Making Europe More Accessible

If you've ever wanted to explore beyond the usual European hotspots, 2026 is delivering unprecedented access. All three major U.S. carriers are launching new routes to destinations that previously required connections, and the expansion is making authentic European experiences more reachable than ever.

American Airlines will launch the first-ever nonstop flight from the United States to Budapest in May 2026, along with new direct service to Prague from Philadelphia. Budapest captivates with its two distinct sides: Buda's castle district and hilly vistas, and Pest's lively boulevards and thermal baths. Prague enchants with cobbled streets, Gothic spires, and 15th-century beer halls. You can easily travel between both cities by train in under seven hours, experiencing two incredible destinations in one trip.

United Airlines will go even bigger, adding four new European destinations from Newark: Split, Croatia (starting April 30), Bari, Italy (May 1), Glasgow, Scotland (May 8), and Santiago de Compostela, Spain (May 22). United will be the only U.S. airline serving all four cities with nonstop flights.

Split offers stunning Adriatic coastlines and the ancient Roman Diocletian's Palace. Bari serves as a gateway to Italy's Puglia region with its hilltop towns and turquoise waters. Glasgow brings world-class museums and Scotland's vibrant cultural scene. As the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela welcomes travelers with medieval architecture and distinct Galician culture.

Delta Airlines will add two Mediterranean island destinations from New York JFK chosen by voters during Delta's Route Race. The airline will fly to Olbia, Sardinia starting May 20 and Malta on June 7. These will be the first-ever nonstop flights from the U.S. to either destination.

Sardinia offers rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and the high-end Costa Smeralda region. Malta brings UNESCO-listed Valletta streets, megalithic temples older than Stonehenge, and the stunning Blue Lagoon.

The route expansion represents the airlines' response to overtourism and provides easier access to lesser-known destinations. These new flights open up authentic European experiences in places where sustainable tourism supports local communities and where you can explore without competing with massive crowds.

The Galápagos Islands: Plan Now for Later

If the Galápagos is on your bucket list, 2026 requires advance planning. Ecuador's government has placed restrictions on tourism, including permits for private yachts and caps on visitor numbers. This means you need to book at least a year ahead, sometimes more for peak seasons like Christmas.

But that planning pays off. The Galápagos offers one of the planet's most unique wildlife experiences. Giant tortoise eggs hatch, green sea turtles perform mating displays, and you can snorkel alongside species found nowhere else on Earth.

December 2026 brings excellent weather with calm seas and outstanding visibility for snorkeling. If this is your dream trip, now is the time to start designing it.

Italy Remains Irresistible (But Think Beyond the Usual)

Italy is predicted to be 2026's top destination overall. Milano, Cortina, and the Dolomites will take center stage as they host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I'd never tell you to skip Rome or Florence. However, consider exploring beyond Italy's popular cities.

Bologna instead of Florence. Sicily instead of Amalfi. The Dolomites instead of Lake Como. Fly on United Airlines' newest flight to Bari and discover the heel of Italy. You'll experience incredible Italian culture, local cuisine, and rich history, just with fewer crowds.

The Torre dell’Orologio at the Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Italy

Why Book Now for 2026

I know it feels early to plan next year's travel. But here's what I'm seeing in the industry: cabins on popular cruises book out eight months in advance. Hotels in emerging destinations with new flight routes fill up as travelers discover easier access. Particularly with the holiday season coming up, cruises and tour companies are offering potential travelers holiday deals for spring breaks and summer vacations that will increase in price as those dates approach.

The destinations I've highlighted aren't going to stay "emerging" for long. Once word spreads about Limón's beaches, Jaipur's palaces, or Budapest's thermal baths, everyone will want to go. The advantage of booking now is that you get to experience these places before they become the next overtourism headline.

How I Help You Discover What's Next

My job as a travel advisor isn't just to book trips to the places everyone already knows about. It's to help you discover destinations that match your interests, your travel style, and your desire to experience something meaningful.

When you tell me you want adventure, culture, beaches, or history, I think beyond the obvious choices. I research emerging destinations, monitor new flight routes, track industry trends, and use my expertise to match you with places that deliver unforgettable experiences without the crowds and chaos.

I also handle the details that make emerging destinations accessible. I help you navigate visa requirements, find the best local guides, book accommodations that meet your standards, and create itineraries that balance must-see highlights with authentic local experiences.

And because these destinations are newer to many travelers, having an advisor who understands them means you avoid costly mistakes and missed opportunities. I know which tour companies have the best reputation in Egypt, which neighborhoods to stay in Budapest, which seasons are ideal for Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.

Let's Start Designing Your 2026 Adventure Today

If you're tired of seeing the same destinations on everyone's Instagram feed, if you want to travel in a way that supports communities and avoids contributing to overtourism, if you're ready to discover places that will surprise and delight you, 2026 is your year.

These emerging destinations offer stunning landscapes, rich cultures, incredible food, and authentic experiences without the exhaustion of fighting crowds at every turn.

Ready to start a new journey in 2026? I'll show you how these destinations can give you the trip of a lifetime while supporting a sustainable approach to global tourism.

The world is bigger than the top ten list. Let's explore it together.

Sources & Further Reading

This post draws on research from the following industry sources:

Travel Trends & Data:

• Skyscanner Travel Trends 2026 - AFAR Magazine

• TRAVELSAVERS 2026 Travel Trends Survey - Globe Newswire

New Flight Routes:

• American Airlines 2026 European Routes - AFAR Magazine

• United Airlines 2026 European Expansion - AFAR Magazine

• Delta Airlines Route Race Results - Delta News Hub

Advance Booking Guidance:

• Why Book Popular Destinations a Year Ahead - AFAR Magazine

All travel advice and recommendations are based on my professional expertise as a Certified Cruise Counselor and Independent Travel Advisor.

Ingat Kayo!
Colin
Alpas Travel, LLC

The Joy of Traveling Solo: Finding Freedom, Confidence, and Connection Around the World

Selfie with Stari Grad Dubrovnik during a solo cruise in the Adriatic Sea.

There's something transformative about stepping off a plane in a foreign country with no one waiting for you. No one to please but yourself. No compromises on where to eat, what to see, or how long to linger in a museum that captures your imagination.

Solo travel isn't just about going somewhere alone. It's about being curious and discovering who you are when no one else is watching.

I've experienced traveling solo myself. There's that mix of nervousness and exhilaration as you navigate a new city on your own terms. I've helped countless travelers design their first solo travel experiences. Every single one comes back changed. Not because they saw famous landmarks or ate incredible food, though they do, but because they discovered something about themselves they didn't know was there.

The Freedom You Didn't Know You Needed

The beauty of solo travel is discovering the world that has made you curious while going at a choose-your-own-adventure journey. Want to spend three hours in a bookstore in Porto that may have inspired your favorite series of books? Feel like skipping the Louvre everyone raves about to wander around Paris for the Dupleix neighborhood market instead? Satisfy hunger cravings in Bilbao at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.? You have the freedom to say yes anytime during your journey.

This might sound small, but it's profound. Most of us spend our lives compromising with partners, family, friends, colleagues. Solo travel gives you permission to be entirely selfish in the best possible way.

You learn what you like. You discover your own rhythm. Some people realize they're early risers who love quiet morning streets. Others find they come alive at night, when cities reveal a different personality.

There's no right way to solo travel, just your way. That's the point.

Building Confidence One Decision at a Time

Traveling solo internationally forces you to trust yourself in ways daily life doesn't require. You navigate foreign transit systems. You order food when you don't speak the language. You figure out where you're going when Google Maps stops working. You make conversation with strangers or enjoy comfortable silence with yourself.

Each small success builds on the last. There's that sense of achievement when you've figured out the metro route map and know which metro exit to take to get to your destination. Your stomach thanking you for the restaurant recommendation you asked for in broken Italian. You change your mindset from "I'm lost" to "I'm on an adventure to discover the smallest statue in Stockholm."

These aren't just travel wins. They're moments of confidence that stay with you for the rest of your life. You start approaching challenges differently because you've already proven to yourself that you can handle the unknown.

Solo travel doesn't just show you the world. It shows you what you're capable of.

The Surprising Connection You Find Alone

Here's the paradox: traveling solo often leads to the deepest connections.

When you're with companions, you stay within your bubble. You talk to each other. You make plans together. You rarely need to reach out to strangers because you already have your people.

Solo travelers don't have that buffer. You're open, available, and present. Locals respond to that, especially when they see you try. You can end up in conversations you'd never have otherwise. There's the local who recommends their favorite hidden restaurant, much better and a fraction of the price of the popular spot everyone raves about. You can also connect with fellow solo travelers who could become lifelong friends and travel buddies.

Solo travel experiences connect you with places differently too. Without distractions, you notice more. You are aware of local life and how people go about their days. Your ears pick up the rhythm of a language you don't understand. Your nose makes you hungry from the smell of street food you've never tried.

Solo travel is a more intimate way to excite your senses that you cannot quite get when you travel with others. Solo travel allows you to experience everything without filtering it through someone else's perspective.

Had a fellow traveler take a picture of me with “Järnpojke" - The Iron Boy”, the smallest statue in Stockholm

How a Travel Advisor Supports Your Solo Journey

I know what you might be thinking: "If I'm traveling solo, shouldn't I plan it myself? Isn't that part of the experience?"

Here's what I've learned from helping solo travelers: having support doesn't diminish the adventure. It enhances it.

As your travel advisor, I handle the logistics that drain your time and energy, so you can focus on the actual experience. I make sure your accommodations are in safe, well-located neighborhoods. I know which tours are solo-traveler friendly and which feel awkward when you're on your own. I book restaurants that don't make single diners feel uncomfortable.

The top reason why you need a travel advisor who specializes with solo travels: I'm your safety net. You have someone to contact if plans change, if you need help, and if something goes wrong. I have been in those situations and learned as a solo traveler. That peace of mind lets you be braver than you might be otherwise.

The beauty of solo travel is having the freedom to choose your own path. A travel advisor just makes sure that path is smooth, safe, and designed around who you are and what you want to discover.

You Don't Have to Wait for Someone Else

Don't put off trips because you can't find the right travel companion, can't make schedules align, can't ensure budgets match, or have a partner who isn't interested in the same destinations.

Solo travel means you stop waiting and go when you want to go. You see what you want to see. You create the trip you've been imagining instead of the compromise version.

Honestly? You might discover that your favorite travel companion is yourself.

Soaking in the golden hour watching the sun set from my balcony on board a cruise.

Ready to Embrace Your Own Solo Adventure?

Solo travel isn't for everyone, and that's okay. However, if curiosity calls, the world is waiting.

You can. And you'll probably love it.

Whether it's your first solo trip or you're a seasoned independent traveler looking for your next adventure, I'm here to help design a journey that's safe, fulfilling, and entirely yours.

Let's talk about where you want to go, what you hope to discover, and how to create solo travel experiences that change you in all the right ways.

Why Work with a Travel Advisor: Saving You Time (and Sanity)

Is this you? A co-worker just got back from an amazing trip and now you're inspired to plan your own adventure.

Two hours later, you are drowning in browser tabs. Hotel reviews contradict each other. Flight options are overwhelming. Your list of attractions might be closed on Tuesdays.

What started as excitement has turned into a part-time job. You're researching during lunch breaks, scrolling through travel forums late at night, and second-guessing every decision.

Sound familiar?

Planning a great trip takes time. A lot of time. And while some people genuinely enjoy that process, most of us just want to get to the good part, actually going on the trip.

Let's talk about one of the biggest benefits of working with a travel advisor: we save you time. Lots of time. In the process, we save your sanity too.

View of Stari Grad Dubrovnik

Can't I Just Google This?

We live in the age of Google, AI chatbots, and travel content everywhere you look. So why work with a travel advisor?

Here's why. You can spend 15 to 20 hours on Google piecing together a trip from scattered information across dozens of websites. Or you could work with someone who already is an expert.

Travel advisors use the same tools you do, including AI. We also have resources you don't have: direct supplier relationships, industry training, booking platforms with real-time availability, and years of experience knowing what works versus what just looks good online.

I've already done the research. I have scrutinized the terms and conditions. I know which cruise lines fit different travel styles, which hotels are in walkable neighborhoods, and when to visit. I understand how to pace itineraries and build in breathing room.

What might take you 20 hours of research, I can assess in 30 minutes.

Your Time Is Valuable (And Limited)

Most people in the United States have up to 21 days of vacation time. That's all the time you have to explore the world, recharge, and break free from routine.

Now think about how much of that time you're willing to spend planning instead of living.

When you plan a trip yourself, you spend hours researching, comparing, reading reviews, and piecing together an itinerary that fits your budget and makes sense logistically, but misses that special touch.

Research shows nearly half of travelers view leisure travel as essential to their mental health. If travel is your way to decompress, shouldn't planning support that goal instead of adding stress?

How a Travel Advisor Actually Saves You Time

When you work with a travel advisor, you're not just getting someone to book flights and hotels. Travel advisors handle all the time-consuming work so you don't have to.

We Have the Knowledge You'd Spend Hours Researching

I spend my days learning about destinations, cruise lines, hotels, and travel experiences. I've taken training courses, experienced cultures at many destinations, stayed current on industry updates and new routes, and read up on future trends.

When you come to me with a destination in mind, I already have a foundation of knowledge. I know which hotels are worth the splurge, which neighborhoods to avoid, and which experiences are genuinely special versus overhyped.

This isn't information you'd easily find in a Google search. It comes from being immersed in this industry.

Enjoying a stroll through the streets of Saint-Émilion, France

We Coordinate Everything So It Actually Works Together

Booking a complex trip isn't just about finding good pieces. It's making sure everything flows seamlessly. Do your flights give enough buffer for connections? Is your hotel convenient for planned activities? Are you packing too much into one day?

I coordinate flights, accommodations, transfers, tours, and activities so they work logically. I check details you might not think about, such as early check-in availability, museum reservation requirements, and local holidays.

We Handle Problems So You Don't Have To

Travel doesn't always go according to plan. When you've booked everything yourself, you're the one spending hours on hold with airlines and scrambling for alternative accommodations while trying to enjoy your vacation in a foreign country.

When you work with me, I'm making those calls. I have direct supplier contacts that can expedite issues, use rebooking resources, and experience solving travel-related problems. You get text updates and peace of mind. Your vacation stays focused on vacation, not crisis management.

What This Actually Means in Practice

Let's make this concrete. Imagine you want to plan a two-week trip to Europe visiting three cities. You want a mix of guided experiences and free time to explore on your own.

If you're doing this yourself, you're looking at:

• Hours researching which cities pair well together and how much time to spend in each.

• More hours comparing hotels, reading reviews, checking locations.

• Time figuring out train schedules and booking tickets.

• Time researching and booking tours, restaurants, museum tickets.

Time cross-referencing everything to make sure it flows logistically.

Conservatively, you're spending 20 hours planning this trip. Maybe more if you're detail-oriented or indecisive.

When you work with me, we have a conversation. You tell me what you're hoping to experience, your budget, your travel style, and any must-dos. I take that information and come back with a thoughtfully designed itinerary that accounts for pacing, logistics, and your preferences. We refine it together until it's exactly what you want.

Your time investment? Maybe a total of 4 hours total across our planning conversations.

That's the difference. Instead of spending 20 hours planning, you're spending 4 hours collaborating with someone who's doing the heavy lifting for you.

Those 15+ hours you get back? That's time you can spend with family, work on projects that matter, or simply relax.

An Investment in Your Time (And Peace of Mind)

I know what you're thinking: "But don't travel advisors charge fees?"

Yes, I charge a service fee. And here's why it's an investment, not just a cost.

If planning takes 15 to 20 hours and you value your time at $50 per hour, that's $750 to $1,000 worth of your time. My service fee reclaims your evenings and weekends, reduces mental load, and gives you an advocate who handles problems before they become yours.

Beyond time savings, you also get access to my relationships with suppliers that result in room upgrades, shipboard credits, and exclusive amenities that often offset my fee. I help you avoid expensive mistakes like wrong hotel locations or incompatible travel dates. I strategically allocate your budget so you know when to splurge and where to save.

You're investing in better outcomes, fewer headaches, and the confidence that your vacation time will be spent enjoying your trip, not fixing preventable problems.

Tendering from Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady to Kotor, Montenegro.

You Deserve Stress-Free Travel

You deserve to feel excited about your trip from the moment you start planning.

You deserve to trust that logistics are handled so you can focus on the experience. You deserve someone in your corner who's invested in making your trip everything you want it to be.

Reclaim your time and reduce stress by working with a travel advisor. It's about letting someone else handle the details so you can focus on dreaming about where you're going and what you'll do when you get there.

Your Time Is Valuable. Let Me Do the Planning for You

If you're tired of spending your free time researching, want a thoughtfully planned trip without the headache, and ready to get your time back, I'm here.

Let's have a conversation about where you want to go and what you're hoping to experience. I'll take it from there and create an itinerary that works for you, saves you time, and gives you the peace of mind that everything is handled.

Because your time is too valuable to spend it planning when you could be packing.

Ingat Kayo!
Colin
Alpas Travel, LLC

Planning for Christmas Markets 2026: A Holiday Journey to Remember

Come take a journey with me as Andy Williams sings about "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Imagine wandering bustling city squares, drawn by the scent of grilled sausages and roasted chestnuts towards a festive fair. You're engulfed in holiday spirit as you pass shops lined with hand-carved ornaments and homemade wares. Bundled up against the cold, you join crowds holding warm mugs of Glühwein or hot chocolate. A merry-go-round spins nearby, children squealing with delight. Then you see it: a beautifully lit Christmas tree sparkling in golden lights. You agree with Andy. This is the most wonderful time of the year. This isn't a dream. You're experiencing one of Europe's many Christmas Markets that sprout up each year across France, Germany, Austria, Czechia, and Hungary.

Around this time every year, cities across Europe and North America host Christmas markets, each with their own unique atmosphere. I've visited popular ones in Cologne, Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna, with plenty more on my list. Munich's Christkindlmarkt sits in front of Marienplatz, while Vienna's sprawls across the Rathausplatz grounds. Each has its own character, with generations of families setting up stalls to sell handmade goods during this special time. These markets offer locally made gifts to share with others or simply memories to treasure.

Beyond handmade goods, Christmas Markets offer food outlets selling grilled sausages, pork sandwiches, roasted potatoes smothered in raclette cheese, and Christmas-spiced sweet treats. To stay warm, grab a mug of Glühwein or hot chocolate. Once you finish, you have a choice: keep the specially decorated mug as a souvenir (each year has its own design), or return it to get your deposit back. Many visitors collect one or two as memorable keepsakes.

Have I enticed you to start planning a Christmas Market trip? Now is the time to talk with family and friends about 2026.

Why Christmas Markets are Worth the Journey

Christmas Markets are more than shopping. It's the atmosphere each provides during the season. In Cologne, we started at the traditional market hosted at the Cathedral. It was a maze of shops, food, decorations, and people enjoying time with friends and family. A tram ride later, we found another with a fairy tale theme where staff dressed as angels greeted us. We ended our day by the city's Chocolate Museum, where the Christmas Market had a nautical theme along the Rhine River.

We continued to Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna. In Munich, the Viktualienmarkt Christmas Market centered around food. At Marienplatz, we caught the famous Glockenspiel's 12 Noon show. We found smaller, quaint markets throughout the city, including one at Theresienwiese. From Munich, we day-tripped to Salzburg, walking from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the Cathedral. There, a huge market connected Mozartplatz, Residenzplatz, and Kapitelplatz.

On this trip, the highlight was finally visiting the Christkindlmarkt in Vienna at the Rathausplatz. I have visited Vienna multiple times as one of my favorite cities in the world but had never been during the Christmas Market season. Stepping into the market at Rathausplatz, we were greeted by "Wiener Christkindlmarkt" as part of a beautiful Christmas lights display.

There is just something memorable for each Christmas Market.

Two Ways to Experience the Magic: River Cruise or Custom Itinerary

I experienced these markets by traveling independently via train, but many travelers prefer river cruises that visit these same markets plus others in Strasbourg and Budapest. These two cities are also a must to visit.

One popular option is a river cruise along the Rhine or Danube. Sailing on AmaWaterways, Amadeus, Riviera, or Viking River Cruise lets you visit multiple cities and towns. Pack once, then let your cruise director show you around before giving you time to explore independently. After enjoying the markets and your fill of Glühwein, return to the ship to refresh and enjoy dinner featuring local cuisine. Finish your evening socializing in the lounge or soaking in the Christmas lights from the ship deck.

There's no perfect choice. My suggestion: decide which river and countries appeal most to you. If my Vienna experience inspires you, take the Danube River cruise to also visit Budapest. The following year, you can sail along the Rhine and see the picturesque sites and markets along the Rhine from Cologne to Switzerland. If you want to experience both rivers on one trip.

For those wanting to visit specific Christmas Markets, I can help plan a personalized itinerary. I understand how busy this time of year is and can recommend cities, towns, and neighborhoods with ideal hotels within walking distance or quick tram hops to multiple markets. I also know about Christmas Markets in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium if you want to expand your journey.

Why You Should Start Planning for 2026 Now

While some 2025 sailings remain available for last-minute trips, I recommend planning for 2026 now.

Reservations for 2026 Christmas Market river cruises opened in late 2024 and are filling up. If you're taking a group of friends or family, early booking promotions are available, and I can find the ideal option for you.

For personalized land tours, now is the perfect time to map out destinations based on which markets appeal most and how many cities you'd like to visit, including time for other city landmarks.

Planning now builds excitement that lasts until you return home. You'll count down to your first city, experience your adventure, recall your memories, and start the countdown to your next journey.

European Christmas Markets Await

European Christmas markets aren't just a vacation. They're the kind of experience that reminds you why you love to travel in the first place. The wonder, the warmth, the sense of stepping into something timeless and magical. Whether you're drawn to the ease of a river cruise or the freedom of a custom itinerary, you deserve to experience this. And you don't have to figure it out alone.

Let me help you plan your Christmas Market getaway for 2026. We'll talk about which cities and towns call to you most, whether river cruising or train hopping fits your style, and how to create a journey that feels magical from start to finish. Let's turn that dream into a plan.

Because the holidays are meant to be magical. And this? This is magic you can actually experience.

Maligayang Pasko!
Colin
Alpas Travel, LLC

Travel Style Quiz

Ever scroll through endless vacation options feeling more confused than inspired? I get it: there are so many incredible places to go and ways to travel that it's hard to know what's actually right for YOU. That's why I created this Travel Style Quiz to help you cut through the noise and discover your perfect travel match. In just 10 quick questions, you'll uncover your unique travel personality, whether you're a Cruise Enthusiast who thrives on ocean breezes, a Cultural Explorer who lives for museums and local cafés, a Relaxation Seeker who needs that hammock time, or an Adventure Lover ready for hiking trails and breathtaking views. Click the button below to take the quiz, and let's turn your travel dreams into a personalized plan that fits your style, not some algorithm's guess.

Why Work with a Travel Advisor: Personalized Travel Planning You Can Trust

Is this you? You're scrolling through travel websites on work time or when you cannot sleep late at night. Multiple tabs open with different destinations, hotels, attractions, and influencer itineraries. Reviews contradict each other. Flights don't fit your schedule. The algorithms confuse you so much that you need a vacation just while trying to plan one! A travel advisor can simplify these endless options and craft an itinerary based on you, not algorithms.

The Algorithm Doesn't Know You (And It Never Will)

Your powerful algorithm gives you browser history, trends, and rankings based on paid advertisements. It spits out "These are the Top 5 destinations to visit" as a starting point. A travel advisor takes those recommendations and learns about your ideal vacation and preferences to customize your trip so you spend more time experiencing the destination rather than wasting time and money commuting into the city center. You may find a hotel outside the city center that fits your budget, but as a lover of artisanal baked goods, the highly recommended bakery is in the city center. A well-placed hotel saves you time and money while giving you access to fresher, tastier local breakfast options instead of settling for boring hotel fare.

What Personalized Travel Planning Looks Like

An experienced travel advisor can spend hours talking about travel whether it is about your travel or theirs. The travel advisor creates that conversation with a client to know their preferences and qualifies whether the destination or a particular cruise line is the ideal one for you. Some of the key points advisors touch on are:

• Your travel style.

• Your comfort zone.

• Your budget and priorities.

• How do you visualize and experience a vacation.

• The added touch that will make you share your memories.

Why Personalization Changes Everything

Picture it ... Sicily 2024. You see a cruise on a cruise line's website that catches your interest with a promotion. You book it, select available excursions, sail, take part, and head home feeling underwhelmed compared to YouTube videos or other cruisers' experiences.

Now, let's rewind and try this again.

Ships docked in Dubrovnik.

Picture it ... Sicily 2024. Same cruise. Same you. But this time, you contact a travel advisor who qualifies whether cruise and destination match your style and ideal vacation. They work within your budget to find ideal cabins meeting your needs, whether you're a heavy sleeper or want proximity to the pool or dining venues. An added bonus: they may secure a better rate, additional onboard credit to splurge, and even cover mandatory gratuities. You sail, see what you want, experience the destination in a unique and personal way, and return home glowing, already planning your next voyage.

That's the difference personalization makes. It's not just about having a good trip. It's about having your trip. One that feels like it was crafted specifically for you, because it was.

The Tools I Use (And Why They Make Personalization Better, not Less)

I have visited many countries around the world and have a backlog of experiences, even if some are years old. I also rely on experiences from fellow travel advisors and current clients who have visited destinations and shared their favorite spots to include in my growing list.

But here's the reality: there are still a handful of destinations I have not yet had a chance to personally experience. When I work with clients who want to explore these places, AI has become a helpful tool to create a skeleton itinerary. However, and this is critical, I don't just hand over what AI generates and call it done.

While I use AI to help with the planning process, I still go through the results it prompts me. I purposely go through and analyze if the itinerary works and how to shape it into an itinerary that works for my clients. AI can recommend back-to-back 6-8hr tours and excursions, but it doesn't take into account the time for lunch, a time to enjoy a view, or understand that this pacing might exhaust rather than energize my client. With travel changing from checking off a bucket list to enjoying an experience, this is something AI cannot quite handle at this time.

AI helps me work faster and fills knowledge gaps, but my expertise and my understanding of YOU is what turns a generic framework into your personalized itinerary. Think of it this way: AI is the assistant. I'm the advisor. And you are always at the center of the planning process.

You Deserve a Trip That Feels Like You

Your vacation time is precious. You work hard for it, save for it, and dream about it. You deserve more than a cookie-cutter itinerary or a trip that's just "fine."

You deserve a trip that feels made just for you. Because it should be.

Personalized travel planning also gives you a partner in your journey. You're not just getting an itinerary. You're getting someone in your corner before, during, and after your trip. Someone who knows your plans inside and out and can help navigate changes, answer questions anytime, or adjust when the unexpected happens. You're not just a confirmation number. You're a person I'm invested in seeing have an incredible experience.

That's what working with a travel advisor really means. It's not just about booking flights and hotels. It's about having someone who listens, who understands what matters to you, and who crafts something that fits your style, your pace, and your dreams.

Let's Make Your Next Vacation Fit Your Style, Not the Algorithm

If you're tired of endless scrolling and feeling overwhelmed, if you want someone who will actually listen, if you're ready for a trip that feels authentically yours, I'm here.

Let's start with a conversation. No pressure, no hard sell. Just a chance to talk about where you want to go, what you're hoping to experience, and how I can help make it happen in a way that's perfectly tailored to you.

Because your next adventure shouldn't just be good. It should feel like it was made for you.

Ingat Kayo!
Colin
Alpas Travel, LLC

Welcome! Let's Talk About Travel (And Why I Can't Stop)

Mabuhay, and welcome to my little corner of the internet where your journey starts taking shape!

If you're here, chances are you love travel as much as I do, or you're at least curious about it. Either way, I'm so glad you've stopped by. Let me introduce myself and tell you what this blog is all about.

How I Became a Travel Advisor (Thanks, Pandemic)

Like many of life's best adventures, my journey as a travel advisor began with a dream and unexpected timing. I'd been wanting to become a travel advisor for years, planning trips for my parents, family friends, and relatives, as well as crafting my own solo journeys. When the pandemic hit in early 2020 and the world hit pause on travel, I saw an opportunity. While others waited for the world to reopen, I dove into training and learning about promoting different travel vendors. It might seem like odd timing to start a travel career when no one could travel, but it was the perfect moment to build my foundation. By the time the world was ready to explore again, I was ready to help them do it.

Now, as I approach my fifth year as a travel advisor, I can honestly say it's been one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. I even earned my Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC) certification through CLIA along the way, diving deep into the world of cruising. It's a travel style I've come to absolutely love.

My Love Affair with Travel

My passion for travel started young. I was that kid who got excited about airports, who collected foreign phrases like baseball cards, and who watched travel shows obsessively. I'd look up popular foods in different countries and listen as locals described their favorites as "comforting." That word stuck with me. I wanted to experience what made ramen comforting in Japan, why Wiener schnitzel brought Austrians such joy, or how a simple pasteis de nata could be the highlight of someone's day in Portugal. There was something magical about stepping off a plane into a new city, hearing unfamiliar sounds, and knowing that adventure was waiting around every corner.

Languages fascinated me. Food was my gateway to understanding culture. And cities? Each one was a new story waiting to be read.

But here's what I've learned over the years: travel isn't just about checking boxes or racing through bucket lists. My approach to travel has evolved as I have.

Then vs. Now: How My Travel Style Has Changed

When I was younger, I was all about discovery: new cities, new countries, new experiences as quickly as possible. I wanted to see it all, and I wanted to see it fast.

These days? I've fallen in love with a different kind of travel. I want to linger. I want to imagine what it's like to be a local. I want to spend an afternoon at a neighborhood café, practicing the language with patient waiters and savoring whatever dish the locals consider their comfort food. I want to wander the same market twice, not because I missed something the first time, but because I want to feel like I belong there.

Cruising has become a beautiful part of this evolution. There's something wonderful about the slower pace: waking up in a new port, but returning to the familiar comfort of your ship each evening. It's exploration with a home base, and I've discovered it suits me perfectly.

What You Can Expect from This Blog

So what will you find here? I'm planning to share stories, tips, and destination recommendations organized around specific themes. You'll find:

Travel Tips Tuesday - Practical advice to make your trips smoother and smarter

Wanderlust Wednesday - Destination spotlights and hidden gems that deserve your attention

Travel Talk Thursday - Deeper conversations about travel trends, experiences, and what makes travel so transformative

But here's the thing—I don't just want to talk at you. I want to hear from you, too. One of my favorite things in the world is listening to people share their travel stories. There's something magical about swapping experiences, discovering we've both fallen in love with the same tiny restaurant in Rome, or hearing about a place I've never considered visiting.

That's why you'll find quizzes and questions sprinkled throughout my posts. I genuinely hope you'll reply, comment, and share your own adventures with me. Not only do I love the conversation, but (and I'll admit this is my secret motivation) it helps me understand your travel style and preferences. Because ultimately, I'd love to help you plan your next journey.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your very first big trip, whether you prefer fast-paced adventures or slow immersion in a single destination, I'm here to help turn your travel dreams into reality.

I believe everyone deserves to experience the transformative power of travel: to taste authentic comfort food in a local's favorite spot, to stumble upon unexpected beauty, and to come home with stories that make you smile for years to come.

So explore the blog, enjoy the stories, and when you're ready to start planning your next adventure, head over to my website and click "Start My Journey." Let's create something amazing together.

Here's to the journeys ahead, both yours and mine.

Welcome aboard!

Now it's your turn: What's your favorite travel memory? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear about it!