The Gilded Horizon

If you are craving an escape that blends luxury, natural beauty, world class dining, and unforgettable coastal scenery, Los Cabos should be at the top of your 2026 travel list.

The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us. One moment it’s the end of summer, and the next you’re scrambling to find flights and a place to stay that isn’t booked or wildly overpriced. If you’re already dreaming of where to escape this winter, now’s the time to start planning.

There are a few experiences that my travelers consistently rave about. The kind of things that don’t just fill a day. They make the trip.

They’re not about doing more. They’re about doing it well.

If you’re already overwhelmed by the idea of summer planning, relax—I’ve got you covered with five destinations that are perfect for a 10-day (or less!) escape with children or without them. The best part? You won’t need a car to explore them. Whether you prefer land, river, or sea, these spots are easy to navigate, family-friendly, and packed with adventure.

With 2025 on the horizon, travel trends are shifting towards destinations that offer both richness of culture and authenticity of experience. This year, Sunkissed Bliss Travel has handpicked some top spots that are set to enchant travelers. While Italy remains a beloved classic, it’s wise to avoid it in 2025 due to the Pope’s Jubilee—a significant event expected to draw millions to Rome and nearby regions. Instead, consider these alluring alternatives that promise captivating journeys without the crowds.

If you’re anything like me, you hear the words “group travel” or “organized tour” and you cringe. The phrases conjure images of giant tour buses laden with octogenarians and a peppy guide in uniform. But having recently experienced a 9-day escorted itinerary, I can personally attest that those stereotypes no longer apply to all tours. Better yet, there’s a way to make this mode of travel work for you that you may have never considered before.

As a parent of two elementary school aged children, I like to take active vacations to keep them busy, but not so adventurous that I’m risking their safety or surpassing their capabilities.

Here are soft adventure travel experiences that are exciting yet suitable for younger ages:

Golf trips among male friends has been a popular group vacation for decades and as the boomers are retiring and their children are hitting their career stride, golf resorts are pulling out all the stops to impress multiple generations in this surging market.

Overcrowding is becoming a problem in the world’s most popular destinations across southern Europe in destinations like Italy, Greece, France, and Spain. Crowds coupled with surging heat waves in recent summers can ruin a vacation, no matter how carefully you plan it. This has spawned a trend in alternative destination travel. But even the alternatives are starting to feel strained. Fortunately, Meredith has some exceptional recommendations for alternative destinations that will fill your European cup of wanderlust.