January may feel early to be thinking about 2026, but when it comes to travel, getting a head start can make all the difference.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Eva Darron/Unsplash
With the festive rush behind us and inboxes a little quieter, the first month of the year offers a rare window to plan, dream and save. Booking flights and accommodation well in advance often means better availability, more choice and, in some cases, lower prices before peak demand kicks in.
“January is about preparing for what you actually want your 2026 to look like, and for many people, that vision includes travel,” travel expert Paula Martini told EWN.
“Travel opens up the mind, introduces you to new places and cultures, and plays a big role in personal growth.”
According to Martini, classic bucket-list destinations such as Mauritius, the Maldives and Japan continue to trend, particularly among travellers looking to plan once-in-a-lifetime trips rather than last-minute escapes.
There is also a noticeable shift towards travel with purpose. Wellness-focused trips are gaining momentum, with travellers seeking out experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Think journaling retreats, stress-management programmes and slow-living stays designed to help reset routines and restore balance.
“These kinds of retreats allow people to build habits and skills they can take home with them,” Mantini says. “It’s no longer just about the break itself, but how it improves everyday life afterwards.”
With 2026 shaping up to be a year of intention and self-development, January is the ideal time to map out future journeys, set travel goals and start turning bucket-list ideas into booked realities.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Iceland named Europe’s safest travel destination for 2025
