Top Travel Hot Spots for 2026: Adventure in the Dolomites, Croatia’s Coast, Affordable Portugal, and Culturally Rich Scotland

If you are visiting from the QR code on my Christmas card, let me say a sincere thank you for trusting me with your travel plans in 2025! I am thankful for each of you and am looking forward to what adventures you choose for this new year! Whether it's one of the destinations below or not, making your travel plans become reality brings me so much joy.

Travel plans for 2026 are already shaping up to be exciting. Whether you crave thrilling outdoor adventures, stunning coastlines, budget-friendly escapes, or deep cultural experiences, this year offers something special. Four destinations stand out as must-visits: the Dolomites, Croatia, Portugal, and Scotland. Each offers a unique appeal that fits different travel styles and interests. Let's explore each.

Hiking in the Dolomites means you can stop along the way at these little rifugios to refuel and rest.

Adventure Awaits in the Dolomites

The Dolomites in northern Italy are a paradise for travelers who crave adventure and breathtaking scenery. Dramatic limestone peaks rise above green valleys and alpine meadows, creating views that feel almost unreal.

Hikers can explore the Alta Via trails, moving from cozy mountain huts to panoramic vistas, while climbers find routes ranging from beginner-friendly to adrenaline-pumping vertical walls. In winter, the Dolomiti Superski area offers over 1,200 kilometers of slopes, and year-round activities include mountain biking, paragliding, and via ferrata climbs.

What makes the Dolomites even more special is the local culture. Ladin villages preserve centuries-old traditions, languages, and cuisine. After a day outdoors, nothing beats enjoying speck, polenta, or apple strudel in a welcoming mountain inn. Cortina d’Ampezzo or Val Gardena make perfect bases, with the option to add a few nights in Venice, Milan, or Bolzano for a taste of Italian city life.

The Dolomites combine adventure, culture, and natural beauty in a way that leaves you inspired and ready for more.

Croatia is a gorgeous alternative to the Italian coast. With over 1,000 islands, the coastal beauty is unlimited.

Croatia’s Original Coastline

Croatia’s coastline still feels like a secret — a stretch of dazzling blue water, historic towns, and sun-soaked islands that invite you to slow down and take it all in. Dubrovnik (yes, Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize it) and Split are the showstoppers, filled with ancient walls, cobblestone streets, and waterfront cafés that capture the magic of the Mediterranean.

But the real beauty often lies beyond the mainland. Islands like Hvar, Korčula, and Vis offer a quieter kind of luxury — sailboats drifting between hidden coves, local wines shared at sunset, and the kind of meals you’ll remember long after you’ve gone home.

Croatia blends rich history, coastal charm, and natural beauty in a way few places can. Whether you’re exploring Roman ruins, snorkeling in turquoise waters, or simply watching the light change over the Adriatic, it’s the kind of destination that lingers with you.

We are even offering a private yacht experience in Croatia in 2026. Read all about that HERE.

One unique thing about Portugal and its cable cars is how they blend old-world charm with stunning scenery

Affordable Portugal for Smart Travelers

Portugal is a destination that feels effortlessly timeless — where historic cities meet dramatic coastlines, and every turn seems to offer another breathtaking view. In Lisbon, vintage yellow cable cars rattle up steep hills, passing colorful tile-covered buildings and giving you glimpses of the Tagus River below. The city feels alive with energy yet grounded in tradition — a perfect blend of old and new.

Head north to Vila Nova de Gaia, where a sleek glass cable car glides high above the Douro River, connecting Porto’s charming riverfront with its world-famous port wine cellars. It’s one of those “you have to see it to believe it” moments — the red rooftops, the bridges, and that golden light reflecting off the water.

From sipping vinho verde by the sea to wandering medieval streets that tell centuries of stories, Portugal delivers beauty and warmth in every detail. It’s a place that feels welcoming, soulful, and just the right amount of unexpected.

If castles, lochs, and dramatic landscapes speak to your traveler’s heart — Scotland is waiting.

Scotland for the Culturally Curious

Scotland invites travelers who love history, folklore, and a touch of magic. From the lively streets of Edinburgh to the quiet beauty of the Highlands, every corner feels like part of a timeless story. Edinburgh’s festivals, especially the famous Fringe, fill the city with art and energy each summer, while castles like Edinburgh and Stirling stand as proud reminders of centuries past.

Head north to the Highlands or across to the Isle of Skye, where dramatic mountains, misty lochs, and rugged coastlines create postcard-perfect views at every turn. It’s the kind of place that invites exploration — hiking ancient trails, spotting wildlife, or simply taking in the stillness.

Scotland’s traditions run deep — from the sound of bagpipes and the warmth of whisky distilleries to farm-fresh food that celebrates local flavors. It’s a destination that blends culture, nature, and heart in a way that feels both adventurous and deeply grounding.

The End Result

No matter where you plan to go, I can make it happen. From hidden gems to iconic must-sees, my job is to turn your travel dreams into effortless, unforgettable experiences.

Whether it’s a coastal escape in Croatia, a city adventure in Portugal, a castle-filled journey through Scotland, or an alpine adventure in the Dolomites, I’ll take care of the planning, the details, and the surprises along the way — so all you have to do is show up and enjoy every moment.

Here’s to 2026 — the year for adventure, discovery, and memories that last a lifetime. Let’s start planning your next journey.

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