Every year teaches us something new about travel. Sometimes it’s a perfectly paced itinerary that reminds us why we love this work. Other times, it’s a delayed flight, a misplaced bag, or a trip that looked great on paper but felt rushed in reality.

As we head into 2026, we’re setting a few clear travel resolutions of our own. These aren’t trends or predictions. They’re lessons learned from real travel, real logistics, and real client experiences.

And yes, they’re shaping how we plan for our clients, too.

Resolution #1: We’re Prioritizing Nonstop Flights Whenever Possible

After enough tight connections, gate changes, and luggage mishaps, this one feels non-negotiable.

Nonstop flights are not just a convenience. They are often the difference between a trip that starts smoothly and one that begins with stress. When nonstop options are available, we’re prioritizing them, even if it means adjusting departure cities or slightly shifting dates.

For our clients, this means:

Fewer opportunities for delays to snowball
Less risk of lost or delayed luggage
More energy on arrival day
A calmer start and end to the trip

Sometimes the best luxury is simplicity.

Resolution #2: We’re Choosing Destinations Because We Want To Be There

FAM trips and industry invitations are valuable, but they are not the only lens we use when deciding where to go.

In 2026, we’re being more intentional about traveling to destinations because they genuinely excite us, inspire us, and offer the kind of experiences we love recommending. That personal connection matters. When we’re enthusiastic about a place, it shows in how we plan, how we advise, and how we match destinations to clients.

Traveling with intention helps us:

Stay aligned with what actually feels good on the ground
Better understand pacing, logistics, and flow
Speak honestly about what a destination is and isn’t

That clarity benefits everyone.

Resolution #3: We’re Building in Slower Pacing

Fast travel looks impressive on an itinerary, but it rarely feels good in real life.

In 2026, we’re continuing to prioritize:

Longer stays in fewer places
Fewer hotel changes
Real downtime, not just “free time” on paper

Slower pacing creates space for flexibility, spontaneity, and rest. It also makes travel feel more immersive and less transactional. This is one of the biggest differences we see between trips that feel exhausting and trips that feel restorative.

Resolution #4: We’re Protecting the Arrival and Departure Days

Arrival and departure days set the tone for the entire trip. Rushed transfers, late-night arrivals, or overly ambitious first days can derail even the best plans.

We’re resolving to:

Avoid overly packed arrival days
Choose hotels that make logistics easier, not harder
Plan departures that don’t require predawn wake-ups whenever possible

These small decisions have an outsized impact on how a trip feels overall.

Resolution #5: We’re Trusting Experience Over Trends

Not every trending destination is right for every traveler. Not every “must-do” experience is actually enjoyable.

In 2026, we’re continuing to plan trips based on:

What fits our clients’ travel style
What feels realistic and enjoyable
What we know works, not just what’s popular

Trends come and go. Thoughtful planning lasts.

The Bigger Picture

These travel resolutions aren’t just personal preferences. They reflect how we believe travel should feel: intentional, well-paced, and supportive of the experience you’re actually trying to have.

As we plan trips for 2026 and beyond, these principles guide our recommendations, our itineraries, and our advice. Better choices upfront lead to better experiences on the ground.

If you’re thinking about where and how you want to travel next year, we’d love to start that conversation with intention, clarity, and a plan that truly works for you.