As we step into 2026, I find myself looking forward with excitement while carrying the beautiful lessons of the past year with me. What I love most about travel are the stories that stay with you long after the suitcases are unpacked.
New Year, New Horizons
To kick off the year, I’m looking back at the three destinations that most defined my journey last year:
Bhutan: A place where Gross National Happiness isn't just a phrase, but a way of life. Exploring this Himalayan kingdom felt like stepping into another world—one of profound peace and vibrant tradition. Read more on my blog here.
Croatia:I am still dreaming of the food! From the freshest seafood on the Adriatic coast to the truffle-rich hills of Istria, I loved everything about this country’s energy and beauty.
Now that 2026 is officially here, I'm noticing a major shift in how I'm helping my clients experience the world. It’s moving from "seeing" to "being." Three trends are dominating the luxury space this year:
The "Slow-Mo" Movement: More and more, I am helping travelers trade 10-cities-in-10-days for longer, deeper immersions in a single region.
The "JOMO" (Joy of Missing Out) Trip: Instead of fighting crowds at "viral" landmarks, this year is about finding exclusivity in quiet, under-the-radar locales where privacy is the ultimate status symbol.
"PastPorts": A surge in nostalgia-driven travel, where I help clients return to ancestral roots or childhood favorites—reimagined with five-star comforts.
Predicted Destinations for 2026
If you are still deciding where to pin your map this year, here is what’s on my radar for 2026:
Sardinia, Italy: Moving beyond the glitz of the Costa Smeralda to explore the rugged, "blue-zone" interior.
Hoi An, Vietnam: I predict this will be a major cultural hub this year, blending ancient history with world-class beach resorts.
Big Sky, Montana: For those seeking the "Neo-Western" revival—luxury lodges paired with untamed American wilderness.
Pack Like a Pro – Bethany Siggins’ Essentials
Preparation is the secret ingredient to a stress-free journey. I have featured style expert Bethany Siggins before, and I love her fashion tips and style services. In her most recent newsletter she shared her curated list of travel essentials. Her picks are game-changers for your 2026 adventures.
As I look at my 2026 calendar, there are three things that make me incredibly proud of the work I do here at AH Travels:
The Bhutan Guided Journey: My interest list for Bhutan is ever-growing! I am thrilled to announce that I’ll be planning my first guided vacation to Bhutan in the Fall of 2026. This will be a true adventure and an intimate experience. Sidenote: If you want to be the first to receive the itinerary, email me at ann@ahtravels.net to join the list.
National Park Missions: This coming May, I’ll be helping my clients check off five Alaskan National Parks in just 10 days. It’s a logistical puzzle I loved solving, and a huge step toward their goal of completing their National Park passport mission.
The "Surrender" Experience: I am honing in on a niche of clients who want to "surrender the planning." They trust me to handle every detail so they can simply show up and enjoy. I’m currently curating a May 2026 Mother-Daughter graduation trip to Paris and the French Coast based on this very trust. There is nothing more rewarding for me than seeing that relief on a client’s face when they realize they don't have to worry about a thing.
