Well-being has never been more at the forefront of our minds than now, and there have never been more excuses to practice wellness on a daily basis. From sound baths in the Maldives to recovery lounges in Napa Valley, 2026 is set to see boundary-pushing wellness trends in the travel world.
Last June, my husband came back from a long surfing trip and asked me for a divorce. I was stunned. Confused. Heartbroken. By then, we'd been married for nearly seven years - June 15th would've been our seventh wedding anniversary. To celebrate it, I had organized a short getaway.
As we plan our next break, research suggests we should look not to far-flung destinations, but to our own backyards. The staycation offers a compelling new model for deep mental restoration. This is not merely staying home, but a curated, intentional break grounded in the psychological science of recovery-one that challenges the notion that distance equals escape. In doing so, it provides a practical approach for rebuilding our cognitive and emotional reserves right where we are.
As summer school breaks stretch longer and childcare becomes harder to secure, some families are turning to an unexpected solution: hotels offering full-day, structured kids' camps that allow parents to travel, work and keep routines intact.
Back in chilly February, when you were bored at work, you didn't think twice about booking a wine tasting and zipline excursion back to back. By the time reality hits in July, you're desperately chugging water to try and stave off heat stroke. Just like that, your 'relaxing' getaway is not so relaxing at all.
They plan months ahead but stay flexible. The most successful budget holiday families start planning in January for their August trip. Not because they're control freaks, but because early planning opens up options that disappear later. This combination of advance planning and flexibility creates space for magic. When you're not stressed about finding last-minute accommodation at triple the price, you can say yes to that unexpected detour.
1. A cup holder snack tray converter so you can spend fewer road trips straining your arm while contorting it to hand individual Goldfish crackers from the front seat to the grabby hands in the back. 2. A pair of noise reduction ear muffs that'll cut back on the noise in your little's ears by 23 decibels and help muffle loud travel sounds, whether they're awake or asleep.
My mother and I are at our best when unwinding on the beach with a piña colada in hand. It's not that we don't love adventurous travel; it's just that our travel styles are different. She's all about going with the flow, and I prefer to have a plan and a well-balanced itinerary. But one thing we both appreciate is a good tropical resort.
A great deal of travel advertising targets the newlywed couple, the blithesome pair in search of that perfect honeymoon hotel, where a stay will ensure a happy marriage to come. But what if you just got out of one? Where is 2001 Nicole Kidman going, after signing the divorce papers from Tom Cruise? ( This meme has since been debunked by Kidman herself, but that's besides the point.)
Both cruises and all-inclusive resorts promise stress-free vacations, thanks to upfront pricing and built-in entertainment. But despite similar perks, the travel experiences couldn't be more different. Choosing between a floating resort that whisks you between several ports and a property that promises everything in one place depends on personal travel style. Do you crave variety and a busy schedule, or prefer settling into a single destination? Do you thrive with structure, or prefer flexible days at your own pace?
Whether you prefer river or ocean voyages, many of the best cruises for couples are all-inclusive, with unlimited food and alcohol, free Wi-Fi, plenty of onboard entertainment, and other perks. Some cruise lines even throw in unlimited shore excursions, free spa access, airfare, and private transfers-so there's no need to bring along extra cash. For a tranquil onboard vibe, couples can opt for an adults-only sailing or a ship with exclusive spaces for grown-ups.
I recently returned from my fifth trip to French Polynesia-specifically, Bora Bora-and I remain convinced it's the most beautiful place on earth. Since I first honeymooned there in 2010, every trip back feels just as awe-inspiring as the first: impossibly turquoise lagoons, powder-soft sand, Instagram-worthy overwater bungalows, and underwater scenes that are almost too magical to be real. But here's something else about this kind of paradise: It's remote.