139. 2026 Luxury Travel Trends: Set Jetting, AI Itineraries, Quiet Vacations, and More!

Ready to make your 2026 travels unforgettable, indulgent, and trend-savvy? In this episode, I'm revealing the hottest luxury travel trends for 2026, including where to go, how to plan smarter, and which travel experiences are actually worth the splurge. You’ll hear how set jetting is becoming the new bucket list item, why quiet vacations are the new luxury, and how AI can spark your travel ideas while a real expert turns them into magic.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• 105. Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health Benefits of Travel
• 99. Let's Plan A Cruise Together
• 138. How to Get the Most Out of Your Paid Time Off (PTO) in 2026
• 53. Is it a Jet Setting or a Set Jetting Travel Experience?

Connect with Michele on IG: @jetsettingwithmichele or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MMTinsiders

Contact Michele to plan your next vacation: www.makinmemoriestravel.co/contact, michele@makinmemoriestravel.co, or schedule a 15 minute consult: https://tidycal.com/texasmfs/15-minute-meeting

This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Transcript

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Hello, jet setters. It is Michele, here with Makin Memories Travel, your memory maker and wanderlust instigator. Happy New Year. Welcome to the very first episode of 2026 here on debt Setting with me. I hope your year is off to a fabulous start, filled with big dreams, fresh destinations, suitcase wheels ready to roll. We are going to dive into the glittering crystal ball of travel trends for this year, 2026. But before we do, please allow me to share a little confession. My own journeys have been evolving just like yours.

From chasing quiet escapes when the burnout hit me hard this year. Excuse me, last year, 2025. To embracing AI assisted trip planning. Yes, I got a little help from my robot friends this year. And finally, diving headfirst into set jetting, turning screen magic into real life memories. Trust me when I say that 2026 is shaping up to be yet another year where my travel gets highly personal, meaningful, and unapologetically extra. So today's episode is all about the biggest trends you need to know. From hush, hush quiet cations to buzzing new cruise vibes, and that special spotlight on my favorite type of travel set today, where fandom and adventure come together.

So whether you are a seasoned wanderer or you're planning your first extraordinary escape, I have you covered with the insider insights and and the juicy tips to make all of your travel dreams come true in 2026. And hey, if at the end of this episode you turn it off and are like, oh my God, I loved that. I'd be so grateful if you would tell your fellow travelers about my podcast, jet setting with me. Because memories might fade, but great travel stories, they are always in vogue and they last forever. And one of my big goals for 2026 is to share this podcast with even more of your friends and your family. Okay, buckle up. Let's get this travel party started. Let's get it started in here.

Let's get it started in here. Okay, I know you didn't come here for my singing, but as we jump in, it is always smart to check what the experts are pointing. And yes, I do a lot of reading, but this was one place where chat GPT was very helpful in helping me synthesize all of the articles that I had it absorb. So BBC Travel Team Spotlights Quiet Cations or Hushpitality as they are calling it and referencing it. This is going to be a defining trend for 2026. So after years of being glued to our screens and bombarded by notifications, quick aside. I learned a long time ago in time management from my friend Maura Tierney that you have to turn your notifications off. Just saying.

So that's one reason that we are craving restorative silence and digital detox escapes. Picture yourself off the grid in a cabin, a peaceful retreat where maybe you have no self self service but you have a chance to breathe, reflect and recharge. If you do have cell phone service, you delete some of those apps for a three day, a seven day or a ten day or longer trip where you really do reflect and recharge. I talk about this in more detail in my episode on Mental Health and you can find that episode listed in the show notes. Moving on. Something a bit more high tech but with a twist. I've already mentioned it. Generative AI for trip planning ChatGPT and its digital buddies are in fact all the rage.

They help folks whip up these quick itineraries and travel ideas. But here is the real scoop. While it can be helpful, it is absolutely not a replacement for human savvy. Algorithms tend to funnel people to popular, often very overcrowded spots because those are in the news the most often and they fail to uncover the secret gems that only insiders like me know. Plus that AI driven planning can lead you into scams if you are not careful. So while AI sparks ideas, yours truly is the one who will make sure that your trip is flawless, unique and safe. So this brings us to another hot trend. The rise of trust over choice.

So in a world drowning in options from flights to hotel to excursions and activities, decision fatigue is real. More travelers actually just want to hit that easy button. You know the one Office Depot easy button. Hand over planning to experts like me who thrive on sorting those details. Mystery trips, surprise itineraries, cure rated escapes are growing in popularity because they remove that stress and they crank up the delight. It is about trusting me to know you well enough to design the experiences that you've never dreamed of creating alone. Kind of like when I let someone do the planning for me and I went backwards into the Arctic and yes, swam in it in the middle of January. Truly bucket list experiences.

I had honeymoon clients who were suffering from analysis paralysis planning for Hawaii. How much time should they spend on each island? Where should they stay? All of the details. And then I sent them a curated itinerary for the said honeymoon and they told me it let them focus on their other wedding details. They let the planning of their honeymoon to me. And that's the power of trusting an expert. Let's not forget this final trend of road trip renaissance. Now this Research came from the hotelier Hilton and they are telling us that road trips are back with vengeance. I have seen this a lot with American travelers who don't want to go overseas because it may be hard to come back for whatever reason.

Visas overseas are now very expensive. The dollar is weak against the European euro and for sure the British pound. So lots and lots of road trips happening. They are more flexible, they can be much more budget friendly and they show you a scenic travel style that is perfect for 2026. So behavioral experts agree different regions are plugging into this vibe in their own way. Utah is a great example. You can take a car tour or even better a bus tour where you don't have to do the driving to places like the big five national parks there. And no wonder with the stress of airports that we are all excited to swap them for the open highways.

Route 66. Hello, explore hidden gems and we're going to skip the crowds off the beaten track. Airline Trends update Okay jet setters, a quick change of altitude as we talk airline trends that we cannot ignore in 2026. So a heads up for my fellow mileage junkies and elite status chasers. Both American Airlines and Delta have revamped their rules. There are no more miles that you can earn or status points towards elite level when you book those basic economy fares. Now United is still playing differently. So if loyalty matters to you, that is your airline of choice if you're booking those basic economy fairs.

Another option that I, you know, I follow the points guys is get a credit card where you can transfer points. Instead of earning loyalty on a specific airline, this shift in pricing is steering passengers toward more higher fare classes that are rich with the perks. Basically, it's basic, basic economy. It is truly basic and it is much less rewarding living in Austin where Southwest has the most nonstop flights of any other carrier. They are starting of course with assigned seating beginning now. Late last year they started luggage fees. Delta is finally giving us some more choices here by building a mini hub. So I have started shopping around.

No longer is Southwest Airlines and their website my first stop. For me, my priorities when traveling through the air is about comfortable seats. My knees are sore, I'm getting older and I need that extra leg room that I can find on the bulkhead or in the exit row. And these things of course have always cost money. Even when Southwest didn't assign seats, I would pay for the early check in or sometimes even upgrade to a 1 through 15. So I was already paying a premium. Early access to overhead beds that means I like to board in either the premium class or the first one after premium, which on American is like group five. And so for that I can't book the basic economy.

I would never be able to do that. But if I pay for a better seat with like the exit row then it gives me earlier access to overhead bends because then I get to bored with that because I paid for an upgraded seat. And sometimes airlines will even reserve bin space for those of us sitting in the bulkhead or the exo row. I also really do like flexible cancellation policies and change policies. I have always done that because I like to be really flexible. I will grab a fare when it's on sale and then sometimes I end up paying a little bit more when I change it. And I know my actual travel dates, so budget tickets just don't cut it for me anymore and I will gladly pay more upfront. And with these new Delta offerings I am no longer tied to Southwest.

So for me I'm very happy now for the curveball that really has me intrigued. The emerging quote basic business class fare. So just when you thought business class was no compromise, luxury airlines like Delta and United are teasing these basic those that's in quotes basic version of business fares. So stripped down perks mixed with the lie flat seats. Or there's a really interesting option on foreign airlines like the airline for Japan, the national airline and New Zealand Air where you can buy a couch like seating and economy so you can still lay flat but you don't have those upgraded meals and entertainment options and unlimited alcohol that you may have in actual premium business class or God willing first class. Sounds dreamy right? But beware, in these limited basic versions of business fairs you won't necessarily get a seat selection so you might have to split up with your party. You will only earn limited mileage. Again look at those credit cards where you don't have to earn loyalty with a specific airline that ties you into that.

And you might get fees for things that used to be standard like baggage. So European airlines are already charging you for choosing the lie flat pod and unbundling at its finest. So if you like that then you will like these changes. This quote basic business class trend is a really watch the space kind of moment. It could be more accessible luxury or it might end up being really frustrating when you realize how much it really costs after you've added all those extra fees and you look at the limits. So a smart booking and advisor guidance is going to be your secret weapon. So I can't wait to Work with you on that. Cruising into 2026.

Let's sail into the crystal clear waters of cruising trends. Because this sector is the one that is bubbling with excitement and is ripe for new adventures. Cruising is experiencing a dynamic surge not just on the oceans, but along the serene rivers. River cruising is really growing in popularity. The demand is skyrocketing because it is more intimate, it's more immersive with the cultural experience and it really does have upscale comfort. So Celebrity Cruise line is causing a stir as they are entering the river cruise market. They are already open for booking for their new 2027 innovative vessels, so known primarily for ocean cruises. Celebrity.

You have heard me talk about them many times and especially on podcast number 99. Let's plan a cruise together. It is actually the line that my family and I chose for booking our Japan cruise in 2026. And they are bringing that signature luxury that they have, that premium product to river cruising on Europe's Rhine and Danube rivers. It's got a fresh twist. These are not going to be the river cruise boats that we are familiar with seeing. These are going to be more sl sleek, more modern ships. It's going to be equipped with cutting edge hull technology, so much smoother navigation, open docks that are going to be really nice to soak up that scenery that you pass by on the rivers.

Jaw dropping skylight, infinity balcony suites. Yes, you heard me correctly. The suites with ceiling views that literally open up to the sky for an immersive Instagram worthy river view. I cannot wait. So turning from those beautiful immersive experiences on the rivers to the breathtaking ocean views, 2026 promises to be a banner year for ocean cruising as well. Jet setters like us, we are investing more upfront for premium amenities. Just like we are on the airlines for example. Cruise lines have heard us loud and clear and the new ships are coming out with dazzling innovations by the dozen.

Expect new itineraries beyond the usual ports. Things like Crystal Cruises has a private island in Belize's Cayo Espinato. There you will be able to snorkel the pristine reefs, indulge in beachside spa treatments and enjoy bespoke dining. The thing is, it's going to be far away from the crowds that are closer into the port because the big ships won't be able to get into these smaller, smaller ports. Expedition Cruises to Greenland are offering kayaking alongside the glaciers, connections with the traditional communities that have lived there for a long time. Truly off the beaten path cultural experiences. Sustainability is front and center. This is a continuing trend from 2025.

So cruise ocean liners are looking at cutting edge propulsion. Holland America is a really good example of that. They have like four ships where the stabilizers are different in order to help with that propulsion. Everybody is looking at waste reduction and ocean friendly initiatives are actually embedded in brand new ships. Luxury small ship yachts, another growing trend. Hotel brands like the Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons are growing rapidly. And expedition brands like Atlas HX and then Luxury Cruise Line or Silver Sea which has been in the expedition sector but now has ships just for that, built just for that. They all have intimate, immersive adventures.

Most of them are waterborne. If you're going to places like Antarctica and Arctic, those craving that exclusivity and that discovery, those are great places to look for. Did you know that the best time to book your next cruise is while you're already on one? That's right. Visiting the future cruise desk on board can net you the best perks, the availability and the discounts that I may not have access to. So put down a small deposit, come back home. I will help you tailor your itinerary to fit your desires and time off. So when you put down those deposits, they're what's called floating deposits. You don't have to actually pick your itinerary.

You can wait until you're home and work with me to do that. And don't forget, while you are looking at that cruise for future years, don't forget To Catch Episode 138 how to Get the most of using all your PTO for this year and give you hints it works for next year even better because the holidays move from Thursday to Friday and 2027 to Saturday. So maximize every moment. And speaking of early booking, next week's episode we're really going to dive deeper into wave season. It is going to be your insider's guide to top deals and smart planning. Wave season, if you haven't heard me mention before, is like Black Friday for three months for travel. It's just awesome. And we look forward to booking trips during wave season every single year.

Now if you want to be headed to some of 2026 is trendy destinations, let's check some of those out this year. Jet setters like you and I, we are getting smarter. Not just about where we go, but how our journeys impact the places and the communities that we all love to visit. As I said, sustainability is a carryover trend that's really been rising in recent years. So this notable list highlights destinations that actually prioritize that sustainability that cultural preservation and responsible tourism. So some of these places are going to be places that you can go instead of their more crowded counterparts that are suffering from over tourism. Not all of them, but some of them. Some shining stars on this list for 2026 include Big sky in the United States, Okinawa in Japan, and one of my favorite places in the world, the Cotswolds in the uk.

Just a short drive from where, London, the island of Sardinia which you can get to in the Mediterranean, Canada's west coast and Suave in France. In France I said it right. Each spot is going to check the boxes for protecting that natural beauty, but also we're going to be able to pick out truly meaningful local and cultural immersion and experiences together. These are places where you can tread lightly and yet deep dive and interact with the community while leaving a smaller environmental footprint. So travel experts quote unquote where to go lists, they echo these same vibes. They are recommending destinations with vibrant culture and yet unparalleled charm. So Italy continues to lure jet setters with its timeless art and cuisine. Nashville has now surpassed Las Vegas as the bachelor and Bachelorette capital of the US because of its electrifying music scene.

Tahiti, rich lush island paradise, some of the best beaches in the world. Easter island captivates mind blowing history and mystery. And Victoria and Canada blends stunning landscapes with rich heritage. And so what makes these picks the compelling ones that I am so eager to send you to, they don't just offer a beautiful postcard, they do offer that. But they also offer those authentic local connections that I am always telling you I love the most. Their history, their people, their environment. They are. Say it with me.

Chef's kiss. So whether you are visiting Italy's olive groves or you are feeling that live wire energy of Nashville's Honky Tonks, P.S. that's where Taylor Swift grew up. Or if you are experiencing the remote magic of Easter island, also far better than Stonehenge, you will come away with more than just making memories. You see what I did there? You will leave having supported the local living and breathing culture. Now my word for last year 2025 was gratitude. And I am so deeply grateful that I have personally experienced many of these trending destinations. Nashville I mentioned is a great spot for a bachelor bachelorette escape.

Travelers on my own Bridgerton Spring soiree coming up in March are also going to visit parts of the charming Cotswolds. Well, you'll see them. A region that I really felt head over heels this past summer. I mean it looks like it's out of the Christmas movie that I love, Vacation, where Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet switch places. I love Cameron Diaz goes to the place in the Cotswolds. And how about this for a dazzling 2026 highlight? It is a prime year for catching the northern lights. Now, here's the science behind it. It is part of the peak period of the solar cycle 25.

We're expecting stronger solar flares, more intense frequent auroras, thus the name Aurora Borealis, making this one of the best viewing opportunities in over a decade. So let's hop on planes. Yes, I know I did say air travel is stressful, but we can eliminate some of that stress by picking the right flights, the right routes, and getting to the airport early. Canada's west coast is going to be beautiful with the northern lights. And so is Finland and Norway. So if that is on your jetsetter bucket list, let's talk. Because the trip to Finland and Norway leaves in February. Next month, a guided trip by myself and another two other fabulous travel advisors.

So speaking of those truly vibrant lights, it reminds us of other vibrant experiences. The rise of sports tourism adds an exciting layer to this year's travel trends. It's kicking off in just a few days with the start of the World Cup. I am currently planning excursions for others to witness authentic sumo wrestling while they're in Japan. And if people win that ticket lottery for banana ball games at the ESPN Wide World Sports, they'll get to experience Disney and that fun banana ball atmosphere. I can't wait. Fingers crossed I enter the lottery. Fingers crossed I win.

So the takeaway from all of that is that those trending destinations for this year, they're not just a dot on the map. They are vibrant hubs of culture adventure. I've mentioned it a couple times now. The authentic connection. Choose your spot with heart and a little savvy that I, of course, will share with you. You're not just checking something off a list. You're helping keep these places magical and real as you experience them, so can future generations. Travel smart, travel kind.

And let's keep those good vibes and those epic views alive for years to come. All right, friends, now we have reached my crown jewel of 2026 travel trends. Yes, it was actually listed as a travel trend. I am not making this up. It is set Jete. Now, if you are wondering what exactly that is, it's travel inspired by the stories and the worlds that we inhabit. Through movies and our favorite TV shows. We get to step straight into the scenes that we have only dreamed about seeing on our screens and in our minds while reading.

Imagine wandering the streets your favorite characters walked, sipping coffee in the iconic cafes, or soaking up the vibe of places forever etched in cinema and literary lore. Have you ever wished that you could step right into your favorite movie or show? What story would you choose to live for a while? Picture yourself grabbing a latte at Central Perk or shopping alongside Carrie Brutch on the gang at Barney's. I've done both of those. Or maybe you're more adventurous exploring the beautiful glacier blue lagoon in Iceland that is famous for 007's icy car chases and Die Another Day. Or again with London. So many places to set jet there. Borough Market. That's where Harry Potter and Bridget Jones diary came alive.

And who could forget that sun kissed Greek island of Skopelos forever glowing with abba's Mamma Mia. Magic. My favorite part about Greece was singing Mamma Mia Every stop. One that's on my personal jet setting bucket list is Petra and Jordan where Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade had some filming. And of course if you have ever watched Forrest Gump, that famous park bench is memorialized in Savannah's Chippewa Square. Savannah has so much to offer, so much history and amazing Southern style food. It is forever a pilgrimage spot for fans of the movie and fans and people who want to see all 50 states. It's Savannah is awesome.

Now here's where I really get to show off because I've not only been witness to this trend and done it a lot, I have helped shape it. So years before set jetting became a buzzword, which was really 2026 when it became a buzzword I was doing these fandom journeys. You heard my podcast about the Sex and the City stroll. You have heard me talk about my Lord of the Rings exclusive excursion when we were on our New Zealand Austria cruise. And of course the Bridgerton experiences that people are going to get to experience with me where that Regency romance really comes alive in the city of Bath and London and other places. So my hashtag I know because I go it is not just my catchy phrase, although it is that it is truly the foundation for how I create travel magic. And a deep dive about that is number 53 episode jet setting with me. Actually it's called is it a jet setting or a Set Jetting travel experience? And I'm going to break down in that episode why these journeys are truly next level.

And of course the banner headline here we have just a few spots available for the March Late March, Early April Bridgerton Spring Soiree. If you haven't gotten information about that, I am working with Bridgerton influencer Cass Moran. You can follow her at Cass Moran on Instagram. Of course all of this will be in the show notes, but we might just catch some BTs because we're going to be there while they are filming starting the filming of season five. And of course it will be right after we will all be swooning from season four and it's going to be just a really rare chance where we're going to step into that Regency error with glam and grandeur that you'd expect. And so I want to know, what fandom travel dream are you holding to? Because 2026 is your year to live it. Set Jetting is not just travel. It is the ultimate extra AF experience.

It is soulful. It is bespoke. It is a journey where stories come alive. So there you have it. Your insider's guide to the travel trends that are shaping up for this year. From quiet cations to making sure you use AI with savvy. And check those trip itineraries with me. Soaring cruise adventures, walking in your favorite stories with set Jetting.

All these trends that are truly accessible. And of course, just remember that travel is not just about the destinations. It's really about the moments and the memories that you create. If you're ready to plan your next journey or you want details on my group trips, check the show notes for the contact info and the links. Now. Quick. I know I've gone long this episode, but before you turn me off next week, as I said, we are diving into Wave season. It is, as I said, your key to smart planning for the year ahead.

Don't miss it. Happy New Year everyone. And here is to unforgettable adventures and and memories worth savoring.