House Beautiful
March 10, 2026
By Stefanie Waldek
The following highlights have been excerpted and adapted from an article originally published by House Beautiful. In the piece, writer Stefanie Waldek explores the destinations set to define travel in 2026, shaped by a growing desire for meaningful, immersive experiences and slower-paced journeys. Lis Larson, senior strategist at AdventureSmith Explorations, is featured throughout the article, offering expert insight into evolving traveler preferences and the rise of expedition-style travel.
Book your tickets now.
Haven’t booked a big vacation for 2026 yet? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. This year, travelers are returning to bucket-list destinations with a desire to explore them more meaningfully, while road trips and small-town escapes continue to gain traction.
Major events—from Route 66’s centennial to a total solar eclipse—are also shaping where people are heading. At the same time, the way people travel is evolving. Instead of quick stopovers and crowded attractions, many travelers are prioritizing nature, connection, and slower itineraries.
“In today’s landscape, this style of immersive, experiential, slow travel is so much more important to people,” says Lis Larson, senior strategist at AdventureSmith Explorations.
Ahead are the destinations that experts say will define travel in 2026.
Alaska
Alaska remains one of the most sought-after travel destinations in North America, particularly for cruises. But many travelers are approaching it differently in 2026.
“At the core of it, Alaska is not a one-and-done destination. It’s a place many want to return to again and again,” Larson says. “Travelers often come to us seeking to ‘do it right’ the second time.”
Small expedition ships carrying just a couple hundred passengers—or even fewer—are helping drive that shift, offering travelers the chance to kayak among glaciers, hike remote islands, and encounter wildlife far from crowded ports visited by the big ships.
Greenland and Iceland
One of the biggest travel drivers of 2026 is the total solar eclipse on August 12. Two of the main destinations that will experience totality—when the sun is completely obscured by the moon, turning the sky dark—are Greenland and Iceland. Given limited hotel accommodations in both places, expedition and small-ship cruises are two of the best ways to visit them during the eclipse.
“We’re seeing a notable last-minute surge in eclipse interest for 2026,” Larson says. Availability is already limited, so book ASAP!
