26 in '26

A new year, and another vacation awaits! Sometimes, a long weekend satisfies the travel itch ... and sometimes you need a longer break from real life. Each of these "weekend" ideas could be a trip on its own, for two nights or for ten, or you can add a weekend's worth of nights to a bespoke itinerary exploring the greater area of any of these destinations.

Based on my own trips and some of my clients' trips in 2025, here are 26 on my 2026 Must Do list. First up, we have Charming Towns! These are smaller towns and cities with plenty to do -- and plenty of charm to satisfy any visitor.

NOTE: Each of the links in this blog is either to one of my blog posts, one of my destination guides, my Instagram posts, or guided tour ideas in the region.

Modena ~ Seaside ~ Conwy ~ Gdansk ~ Annecy

Sometimes, the only thing that works is a little mountain time! From the Rockies to the  Appalachians to the Alps, each range offers something extra special. Check out the options below for mountain destinations in the USA and Europe!

Asheville ~ Innsbruck ~ Zermatt ~ Santa Fe ~ Chamonix

But sometimes, a celebration is in order! Which destinations are sure to have a little bubbly, excellent cocktail bars, festive restaurants, and lodging options perfect for any special occasion? Here are a few ideas around the world!

New Orleans ~ Louisville ~ Cabo ~ Budapest ~ Montreux

And sometimes, you are looking for a sophisticated soirée! These are places to see and be seen -- all while enjoying excellent restaurants, lodging at a variety of price points, and memorable experiences. If this is the kind of vacation you're seeking, check out these destinations.

NYC ~ Tokyo ~ London ~ Florence ~ Copenhagen ~ Mexico City

And finally, sometimes a place just calls to you ... and you find that you must go! Ready for the Scottish Highlands? Or maybe you'd like to stay a little closer to home, say somewhere like Canada. Or perhaps you're looking for a European city that's just a little off the beaten path. Any of these destinations would be the perfect add-on to a your international trip.

Inverness ~ Vancouver ~ Sintra ~ Zagreb ~ Bruges

I have been to 21 of these locations, and I plan to return to several of my favorites in the next few months. The others are places I've researched and booked for multiple clients, and they are all on my own personal Must Visit list, so don't be surprised if you see some new Instagram posts in the near future!

WANT TO TRAVEL BUT PREFER TO OUTSOURCE LOGISTICS?

As a modern traveler, you are perfectly capable of researching, planning, and booking your entire trip to any of these amazing destinations. But if you prefer to outsource your travel logistics, Curated by Karla LLC would be happy to take care of all the little details.

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