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

Planning Your 2026 Travel Adventures: Inspiration and Tips

As 2025 comes to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the journeys we’ve undertaken this year, while eagerly contemplating upcoming travel plans. If you’re like me—living in the UK and fortunate to have easy access to Europe—you understand the excitement of planning week-long trips spread throughout the year. With 2026 on the horizon, I’d love to share my upcoming travel plans and invite you to do the same. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or eager to exchange ideas, this post aims to spark your wanderlust.

An Overview of My Travel Preferences

Living just 45 minutes north of London offers me the convenience of exploring throughout Europe with relative ease. My travel style typically involves taking week-long vacations to ensure a steady flow of adventures without long gaps. I prefer exploring towns and cities rich in history and art, particularly from the Roman era onward, with an interest in modern European history—think French Revolution through the 19th century. I enjoy visiting museums—usually one per day—and have a particular appreciation for art, architecture, and historic buildings. For instance, recent visits to the Tate to see Turner and Constable works left a lasting impression. When the trip allows, I like to incorporate light hiking to connect with nature and add variety to my travels.

Looking Ahead: My 2026 Travel Itinerary

Spring in Central Spain (May)
Kicking off my travel season, I plan to explore parts of Spain based out of Madrid. Thanks to helpful advice from fellow travelers, I booked affordable flights with British Airways into Madrid, leveraging a late spring public holiday to extend my trip to nearly a week. This will be a minimalist, “one bag” journey with frequent movement between destinations. After arriving in Madrid, I’ll journey to Cáceres, where I’ll stay three nights, exploring its medieval charm. Then, I’ll visit Mérida and Trujillo—both manageable day-trip towns accessible by public transport, which suits my travel style since I prefer not to drive abroad. Continuing the adventure, I’ll travel to Salamanca for two days, spend a day in Valladolid, and conclude in Burgos before returning to Madrid to fly home.

Summer in Slovenia (August)
My summer plans include an eight-day stay in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital. I plan to spend a few days exploring the city’s historic sites and local culture, with optional day trips to Piran along the coast (