2026 is here!

Early data shows a 9% rise in flight/hotel interest, and U.S. travel spending is projected to hit $1.2 trillion!

The beginning of the year is an awesome time to plan a vacation because it really can help you set the pace for the rest of the year. Planning a major trip can take a lot of time (or none at all when using a travel agent 😉) so I always start to plan as early as possible. Plus, I like to plan my own vacations early in the year because it gives me something to look forward to. As I work each day, I feel like I am working for and toward something special, which always seems to drive my workforce as well!

I’ve rounded up my Top Places to visit in 2026 to help you get a jump start on thinking about or planning your vacation for this year!

1. Walt Disney World

Now more than ever is the time to visit Walt Disney World!

There are some great promotions going on right now to book your Disney trip for this year!

Get 2 free nights and theme park days added when you purchase a select room and ticket package. 

This summer, get 2 free nights and theme park days added when you purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels.

This is valid for arrivals most nights from May 26 to September 15, 2026.

This offer can only be booked from January 6 through February 15, 2026.

 

Save up to 30% on rooms this summer

Save on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels this summer for stays most nights from May 1 to October 4, 2026. Save up to 30% for stays of 5 or more consecutive nights. Save up to 25% for stays of 1 to 4 consecutive nights

 

Kids Eat FREE in 2026

Get a FREE dining plan for kids (ages 3 to 9) when you purchase a Walt Disney Travel Company package for you and your children that includes:

A room at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel

A dining plan for each Guest ages 10 and up

There are some exciting new updates coming to Disney World this year!

Magic Kingdom is getting its biggest expansion yet with 2 new Cars rides in Frontierland and a new Villains-themed land.

Hollywood Studios will have a new Monsters Inc. Land. The Muppets will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and replace Aerosmith.

When you stay at a Disney resort in 2025, you will receive water park entry on the day you check in for no additional cost this summer!

There is something for everyone when visiting Walt Disney World. Whether it’s a family vacation, an adult-only trip, or a quick getaway, Walt Disney World has it all and makes it a great destination to visit in 2026. Disney only requires a $200 deposit to book your Disney vacation. At this great price for a deposit, it gives you plenty of time to pay your deposit and then make payments at any time until your final payment is due (which is 30 days prior to check in). Planning a 2027 Disney vacation? 2027 has not opened for booking at this time, but you do have the option to book for the end of the year to start making payments toward your trip. Then, when your dates open for 2027, I can move you to the following year. It’s a great way to pay off your trip over a longer period. Contact me for more information about that!

2. Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is your one-stop for all things Harry Potter. It is also one of my favorite places to visit in Orlando! With their park-to-park tickets, you can travel between the parks via Hogwarts Express and visit 2 great theme parks in one day. Universal Orlando is known for some great attractions including The Hulk, The Revenge of the Mummy, and classic favorites like E.T. These 2 theme parks sit next to Universal’s Volcano Bay: Universal Resorts are all close to the parks.

Epic Universe has also opened! This is the fourth theme park to open at Universal Orlando Resort. There are 3 new hotels opening with Epic Universe (Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Grand Helios Hotel).

Epic Universe offers different worlds for everyone. Step through amazing portals transporting you to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park. You’ll get to experience 5 immersive worlds in 1 amazing theme park.

In order to book a Universal vacation, the deposit is $50 per person and the final payment is due 45 days prior to check in. You can also make small payments until your final payment is due!

3. All-Inclusive Resorts: Featuring Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Looking for 5 Star service? Look no further. Sandals Resorts has everything you need to really experience everything you need for a luxury all-inclusive vacation for adults only. Visit gorgeous beaches in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, and Barbados. All-inclusive service includes gourmet dining, bars serving premium liquor and wine, land and water sports, golfing, and PADI-certified scuba diving at most resorts. If you’re looking for a destination wedding or honeymoon, Sandals is the leader in Caribbean destinations, and I definitely see why! If an all-inclusive vacation is on your list along with top-notch service, this is the resort for you! With an easy $98 deposit for Sandals Resorts, it’s a great way to book your vacation to the Caribbean.

Beaches Resorts are the sister resorts to Sandals. Beaches are family-friendly and all-inclusive, so you still get great service within this brand. Visit Beaches Resorts in Negril, Ocho Rios, and Turks and Caicos.

I recently visited Sandals St. Vincent and LOVED this resort!

4. All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico (Hello Palace & Le Blanc Resorts!) offer affordable luxury for their guests. Some all-inclusive resorts are adult-only, making them a great place to spend time relaxing and enjoying one another. Most all-inclusive resorts include meals, drinks, airport transfers, entertainment, and activities. Some all-inclusive resorts will include spa treatments, excursions, and activities.

Some of my favorite resorts in Cancun and Cabo are the Palace and Le Blanc all-inclusive resorts. Stay 4 nights at any of these resorts and you will also receive complimentary round-trip airport transportation. At a $50 deposit, this is an awesome deal for you when looking for a low deposit rate. The best thing about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico is that there is something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for!

6. Cruises

Cruising is more popular than ever with cruising open to everyone and no more restrictions on who can sail. With cruises making a comeback, pricing is starting to increase quickly availability is limited, so if you’re considering it, you may want to start planning sooner rather than later.

Royal Caribbean’s 3 new ships include Icon, Utopia, and Star of the Seas. Legend of the Seas will launch this fall!

Disney Cruise Line is now sailing to Lookout Cay, a new beach destination and just launched the Disney Destiny.

7. Europe

I have traveled pretty extensively through Europe: The Netherlands, Ireland, England, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, and even Russia.  I have so much knowledge that I can share with you when traveling abroad.

There are so many great ways to experience these countries and I can help you find the best type of trip for your needs.

8. Disneyland

Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration continues this year with the “Paint the Night” parade and “World of Color Happiness!” animatronic debuts in 2025 at the Main Street Opera House.

I love Disneyland and the vibe here compared to Disney World. It is so laid back! Make it a split stay and visit Disneyland AND Universal Hollywood to visit the new Super Nintendo World that has opened at Universal Hollywood.

9. River Cruises

Many cruise lines have returned to sailing through Europe! Have you ever been on a river cruise and want to experience great cities through some amazing countries? I work with great vendors that provide great itineraries for river cruises. River cruising is getting VERY popular and a lot of 2026 sailings are already booked!

10. Bucket List Destinations: Safari in Tanzania and Egypt

 I have traveled on a private safari through Tanzania in Africa. There is no time like the present to visit these bucket list destinations. It is better to travel now while you still can than waiting until you are much older to reach these hard to visit destinations.

Egypt was one of the most magical places I have ever been. This trip was a bucket list experience and I highly recommend putting Egypt on your list. If you’re looking to book a “bucket list” trip but don’t want to travel as far as Egypt, I have several other destinations that you can visit! History and beautiful archaeological sites exist all over the world.

Why Should You Plan Your Bucket List To Egypt Now

Ready to book your next vacation? Contact me and let’s find the perfect trip for you!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly