Top "Whycation" Ideas

The reasons people travel vary. Some want to just getaway from it all. Some travel to see family. Others travel to see something new. But it is becoming more and more popular for travelers to have a specific purpose for why they travel. That makes certain types of travel even more appealing and here are a few reasons people are traveling these days:

1. Adventure. Travelers are seeking adventure from their travels and not just a place to get to and hang out for a few days. Travelers seeking adventure want a activity packed itinerary. This makes destinations like Costa Rica, Japan, Hawaii and Africa very popular. (Our personal choice: Costa Rica).

2. Reconnection. As families get older and children get married and move away, travelers are looking for more ideas where families can gather and reconnect. Ocean cruising is popular for these travelers as well as trips to theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Scheduling time on the trip for everyone to be at the same place for meals or tours etc is very important. (Our personal choice: European River Cruise).

3. Relaxation. Going somewhere for some R&R is still one of the most popular reasons people choose to travel. Busy schedules and exhausting work loads make getting away to relax a highly desireable goal. And getting somewhere fairly easily is also important for these folks. This makes domestic destinations like coastal Florida or the Keys very appealing as well as the tried and true beach areas of Cancun. (Our personal choice: Jamaica).

4. Quiet Time. Some refer to this as seeking "hushpitality." These travelers want relaxation, but they also want a destination that is quiet and charming so they can easily cuddle up to a good book and just read and get away from all of the stress and hustle and bustle back home. This means smaller towns and quiet coastal destinations are more appealing. Places like Water Color FL, Savannah GA, Monterey CA are great choices due to the abundance of smaller, more intimate lodging options and quiet parks and beaches. (Our personal choice: Carmel by the Sea).

Naturally this does not encompass all of the reasons people travel, but these seem to be the trends for 2026. What drives you to travel? Is it just the "getting away" that's appealing? Is it a since of wonder of what else is out there? We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.