2026 travel plans – would love to hear yours as well!

Planning Travel Adventures for 2026: Sharing Ideas and Inspiration

As 2025 quickly wraps up, many travelers are already turning their thoughts toward the adventures scheduled for the upcoming year. With a variety of trips planned across Europe and beyond, it’s the perfect time to reflect on travel aspirations, gather new ideas, and perhaps inspire fellow wanderers. In this article, I’ll share my travel plans for 2026, including destinations, themes, and activities, and I’d love to hear about your own journeys and travel ambitions.

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About Me and My Travel Philosophy

Living in the United Kingdom, just a 45-minute journey north of London, gives me a significant advantage when it comes to exploring Europe. I favor week-long trips spaced out throughout the year, allowing me to immerse myself in different regions without feeling rushed. While 2027 might bring a longer adventure, my focus for now is on shorter, enriching excursions that blend history, art, architecture, and outdoor pursuits.

My interests are rooted in towns and cities rich in history—particularly from the Roman era onward—and I have a keen fascination with modern European history, from the French Revolution to 19th-century developments. I enjoy art exhibitions, especially those showcasing painters like Turner or Constable, and I have an appreciation for interesting medieval and 19th-century architecture. On occasion, I enjoy a leisurely hike, especially if the landscape and historical context are compelling.

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Upcoming Travel Plans for 2026

Below are the destinations I’ve scheduled, with some insights into what I hope to experience at each location.

1. Central Spain (May)

Using budget-friendly flights with British Airways, I’ll fly into Madrid in mid-May, leveraging a late spring public holiday to stretch a short trip into nearly a week. My travel approach will be light—carrying just one bag—and a bit mobile, with a focus on exploring smaller towns and historical sites.

I plan to start with a couple of days in Madrid for a taste of the city’s art and architecture before heading to Extremadura. My base will be Cáceres for three nights, with day trips to Mérida and Trujillo, both rich with Roman history and medieval charm. As I prefer not to drive abroad, I’ll utilize public transport to minimize travel stress and ensure a more authentic local experience.

From Cáceres, I’ll take a bus to Salamanca for two days, then pass through Valladolid for a day,