Where to Travel in 2026 (and Why We’re Backpacking the World as a Family)
My love for travel has been woven into my soul since 2008 when I started working in the hospitality industry in Santa Barbara. That job opened the door to new cities, new cultures, and a lifestyle that constantly fueled my curiosity. Since then, I’ve lived in and explored major destinations like San Francisco, Denver, NYC, Charlotte, and Portland, and spent time soaking in the vibes of Central America.
Not long ago, my husband and I started planning a big Europe trip for 2026. But if you know me, you know once I get a wild idea, I can’t let it go. I started to wonder... what if we didn’t just take a trip? What if we traveled for a whole year? What if we moved abroad? What if…what if…what if…
At first, I thought he’d shut it down. I casually mentioned it one night while we were both on our phones, TV on, kids doing their thing. Instead of laughing it off, he asked, “What would that even look like?” So I laid it out. We’re fortunate that I work remotely, so this kind of adventure is actually possible. I caught him in a good mood, or maybe the idea of turning 40 soon is kicking up a little midlife motivation. Either way, we started dreaming out loud. What would it be like to show our kids the world instead of just reading about it?
Now it’s happening. We’ve quietly been planning this big shift, and we’re finally starting to share it with friends and family. This blog is going to be our way of bringing you along.
Why a Full Year of Travel?
We’re ready to trade routine for flexibility. Slow travel gives us the chance to truly live in the places we visit rather than rushing from one destination to the next. It’s also a more budget-friendly way to travel long term, letting us stretch our resources while gaining deeper experiences.
We’re incredibly lucky to have my parents stepping in to take over our mortgage, which allows us to save without selling our home. Knowing our pets will be loved and cared for while we’re away, and that we’ll have a place to return to, brings so much peace of mind. That kind of support is something we don’t take for granted. I know not everyone has this kind of opportunity, and we feel beyond blessed to be able to do this.
For us, this year is about more than just a vacation. It’s about living with intention, learning through experience, and making lifelong memories as a family. Now that summer 2025 is kicking off, I’d love to help you start dreaming and planning for your own 2026 adventures.
Why Travel in 2026?
Travel trends are shifting after the post-2025 boom, meaning fewer crowds and better availability
More flight deals are expected, especially with flexible booking options
Digital nomad support is growing in cities across the globe
Big cultural events, festivals, and local celebrations will be back in full swing
Photo from Liger Pham
Top Destinations to Consider in 2026
Australia & New Zealand (Winter 2026)
Swap winter for sunshine. These destinations offer outdoor adventure, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed pace that works great with kids.
Portugal (Spring)
Perfect weather, welcoming locals, and easygoing cities like Lisbon and Porto. The Algarve coast is great for families and slow-paced beach days.
Japan (Late Spring to Early Summer)
Avoid the cherry blossom rush and enjoy mild weather. Japan is clean, safe, and incredibly kid-friendly with amazing food and culture everywhere you turn.
Thailand (Fall)
Travel during the shoulder season for fewer crowds and better prices. Between the temples, nature, and wellness retreats, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Italy & Greece (Late Summer)
Soak up history and culture without the summer tourist crush. Charming villages, coastal escapes, and incredible food make these ideal for long stays.
A Peek at Our Itinerary (So Far)
While our plan is to leave the U.S. and see the world, we decided to make one special stop first: Hawaii. Our six-year-old has been asking about it nonstop ever since a classmate came back raving about their trip. So we figured, why not? It’s the perfect place to kick off this adventure with some tropical magic and get the kids excited for what’s to come.
From there, we’ve been watching flight prices closely. Australia ended up being more affordable than expected, so we’ll be flying into Sydney and using the train to explore different regions. After that, we plan to slowly make our way through Southeast Asia and Japan before heading west into Europe.
Photo from Tirachard Kumtanom
We’re intentionally keeping the plan open so we can stay longer in places we love and move on when it feels right. I’ll be sharing every leg of the journey right here on the blog.
Why We’re Choosing to Backpack (With Kids!)
This isn’t just about seeing the world. It’s about showing our kids what it means to explore, connect, and grow. We want them to learn by doing, to adapt, to experience life outside the bubble of routine and comfort. Backpacking helps us keep things simple and flexible. Every choice we make will be guided by curiosity, connection, and intention to soak in each place we visit.
We’re also letting go of all the stuff. The clutter, the constant consumption, the capitalist “you need more” mentality — it doesn’t serve us. We’re ready to downsize our lives so we can upgrade our experiences. This journey is about trading Target runs and packed calendars for slow mornings, unfamiliar languages, and the magic of being somewhere new.
Of course, yes, it’s partly about saving money (let’s be real) but it’s also about seeing the world in a way that’s not just curated for tourists. We want to stay a little longer, dig a little deeper, and experience the everyday rhythm of each place.
And to be honest? We’re not exactly outdoorsy. My kids still don’t know how to swim (but they will before we go, I promise). We’re not the family that camps or hikes every weekend, and this is going to be a big change for us. But that’s part of the adventure. It’ll be hard, it’ll be messy, and it’ll definitely test us, but we’re ready for it. And more than that, we’re excited.
Let’s Plan Yours, Too
Whether you're dreaming of a long-term journey or just one amazing trip in 2026, I’d love to help you make it happen. Let’s build something that fits your style, budget, and goals.
Let’s talk travel – I’m just a message away.
