It’s hard to believe, but summer will be here before we know it. The coming months are the time of the year we look forward to most – school’s out, days are longer, schedules are a bit more relaxed – yet it seems to fly by in the blink of an eye. And that means it’s time to start planning summer vacations and getaways.
But where to go? With the world at our fingertips, it can be hard to decide. The quiet of the mountains or the sublimeness of beach? Bustling urban cities or less-populated rural spots? The choices are seemingly endless. Fortunately, myriad travel experts reveal their travel trends for the year, so why not take inspiration from them?
Here, we look at a handful of this year’s travel trends with destinations to match to inspire summer travel. Fortunately, with its exclusive collection of luxury and resort leisure members, ALHI has the perfect place to stay this summer, too.
Hushpitality
Incessantly inundated by the world around us, a growing trend for 2026 is what’s known as hushpitality, or seeking out quiet, calm destinations in which to unplug. Research from one leading hotel brand shows that the No. 1 motivation for leisure travel this year is to “rest and recharge,” followed by spending time in nature, improving mental health and spoiling themselves with “me time.”
Tying into spending time in nature, the idea of “touching grass” is a growing travel trend this year, with finding and reserving nature and outdoor experiences leading the way in regards to what travelers want to do when they reach their destination.
One destination rich in nature and outdoor experiences is Eugene, Oregon. Hiking trails in the region meander through old-growth forests, quiet canyons and ancient lava beds, along dramatic cliffs and around quiet lakes. They also provide easy access to waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches and stunning views. Cyclists and mountain biking enthusiasts will find plenty of routes to keep them happy, while water babies will delight in thrilling white water rafting, kayaking, tubing, boat tours and fishing outings.
Tucked between the city and surrounding woodlands, Valley River Inn is ready to welcome guests with its warm hushpitality. Situated on the Willamette River, each of its 250 fully renovated rooms provide relaxing respite from adventure-filled days, while Sweet Waters on the River provides nourishing meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Complimentary, seasonal bike rentals are available, making it easy to explore Eugene, or ride along the river on the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path. With its walking paths, parks and open spaces, Eugene is very dog-friendly, and so is Valley River Inn.
Culture
According to Trip.com, in 2026, travelers are keen on destinations rich in culture and history, from across the U.S. to Europe, Asia and beyond. One cultural destination to consider this summer is Barcelona. Not only are the finishing touches being put on architect Antoni Gaudí’s Basilica de La Sagrada Familia after 140-plus years of construction, but there’s plenty more to see and do.
Take time to visit some of the city’s acclaimed museums, like Museu Picasso, MACBA (the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art) and MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia). Wander through the maze at Parque del Laberinto de Horta, or along the winding streets and pop into independent boutiques for a new outfit or that perfect locally made souvenir. Join the locals and go terrace-hopping for some of the best views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. Or join in the fun of a festival to truly live the life of the barcelonins. And then, of course, there’s all the Catalan cuisine, paella and tapas to be enjoyed in Barcelona, from mom-and-pop spots to MICHELIN starred restaurants.
Mere steps from the Sants train station in Barcelona’s charming Eixample neighborhood, Nobu Hotel Barcelona is the perfect spot from which to explore all the city has to offer. All 259 of the luxury hotel’s guest rooms and suites are designed with Japanese and Spanish aesthetics, affording sweeping city views. The intimate Nobu Spa is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration, as is the hotel’s rooftop pool with panoramic city and sea views. When it time to eat, choose from healthy and vegan bites at Kozara; Nobu-style bites, handcrafted cocktails and more at Nobu Bar or Nobu Rooftop; or make reservations at Nobu Barcelona, serving the chef’s iconic dishes alongside those exclusive to the hotel featuring Catalan flavors and local produce.
Coolcations
Another 2026 travel trend is a continuation of a 2025 fave – coolcations: when summer heats up, travelers yearn to escape to cooler temperatures. In fact, more than 70% of travelers are considering escaping to the mountains as summer descends. Rather than heading to the Southern Hemisphere where it’s literally wintertime during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, opt for someplace closer to home.
Summertime temperatures in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains range from the mid- to upper-70s during the days, and mid- to upper-50s at night, making for a cool, but not cold, summertime destination. Those temperatures make for fun- and cooling-filled days of adventure, too, like stand-up paddling and kayaking on the Greenbrier River, and exploring Lost World Canyons where the temperatures remain a constant 52 degrees year-round. More outdoor fun includes hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, golfing and so much more.
For nearly 250 years The Greenbrier has been welcoming generations of guests to the 11,000 acres of mountainous landscape that span America’s Resort. Four legendary golf courses provide ample opportunity to tee off where the pros play; The Greenbrier Course is the only one in the world to host both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup. There’s plenty for non-golfers to do at The Greenbrier, too, from an aerial adventure course to bicycling, historic walking tours to fishing, hiking to mountaineering and more. For a more relaxing stay, make reservations for a traditional afternoon tea, or in treatments at The Greenbrier Spa. Guest accommodations range from traditional guest rooms to estate homes and private cottages, all elegantly appointed with a nod to the resort’s history.
Beach Time
On the flip side of coolcations, a spring travel trend that will likely stretch into summer are beach trips. What screams summertime more than a white sand beach, warm sunshine and shimmering turquoise waters?
Bermuda sets the summertime scene with all of this and more, what with the island’s rich culture and heritage, thriving arts scene and al fresco dining spots that invite you to linger long. Remember the beach? Bermuda has more than 30 to laze upon. And with direct flights from the East Coast, you could be living on island time in less than two or three hours.
In addition to its beaches, take time to explore the island – it’s just 21 square miles, and most points of interest are within 20 minutes of each other. Take a tour of downtown Hamilton to hear the stories behind its historic landmarks or cool off in Crystal Caves where the pathway floats above a crystal-clear lake. Golfers will want to make tee times at one of the island’s seven world-class golf courses, and SCUBA divers will discover underwater thrills at more than 300 shipwrecks just off Bermuda’s coast.
ALHI has a handful of member leisure hotels in Bermuda: Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Fairmont Southampton, Hamilton Princess Bermuda, The Loren and Rosewood Bermuda.
For more than a century guests have enjoyed making the cottage-style accommodations at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa their island homes boasting architectural features that date back to 1663. Each of the 85 spacious suites has its own private outdoor space and waterfront views, making it the perfect spot to sip a cup of coffee at sunrise, or toast another day at sunset. Spanning 23 acres with four private beaches, the resort also boasts three waterfront restaurants, a full-service spa, watersports center and exceptional service that has guests returning time and again.
After two years and $550 million in renovations, Fairmont Southampton is scheduled to reopen Summer 2026. When guests check in, they will find not only a complete transformation of all 593 of its spacious guest rooms and suites, but restaurants and a brand-new Beach Club with its own pool, too. The intentional renovations blend the resort’s storied history with modern luxury for a fresh start. Take a swing on the award-winning golf course or sink into relaxation in the award-winning spa. Delectable, world-class dining is available morning, noon and night.
Named the Number 1 Hotel in Bermuda by “U.S. News & World Report” and a top-ranked hotel by “Condé Nast Traveler” readers, Hamilton Princess Bermuda has been welcoming guests to the “Pink Palace” for 140 years. Though historic in nature, the iconic hotel has been reimagined for today’s travelers with modern amenities and contemporary design in each of its 380 guest rooms and suites, all with views of Hamilton Harbour, Pitts Bay or the Hamilton city skyline. Five dining options can be found throughout the resort, along with poolside and in-room dining. Elsewhere on the resort’s grounds, enjoy a game of tennis or pickleball, relax in the 8,000 square foot spa, or go kayaking, paddleboarding or SCUBA diving.
Art, luxury and a modern aesthetic blend for an unforgettable stay at The Loren on Pink Beach, perched on a cliff overlooking the island’s southern shore. The intimate property offers a variety of elegant and sophisticated accommodations ranging from hotel suites to one- and three-bedroom villas to a six-bedroom, 10,700 square foot secluded home on its own 5.5 acres with its own private beach. Rejuvenate at The Sisley Spa; enjoy a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even just beachside drinks, at The Pink Beach Club; and linger over dinner at the swanky Marée Lounge.
Just 10 minutes for the airport, but seemingly a world away, the 88-room Rosewood Bermuda is a refined coastal retreat set upon eight acres of coastline. After settling into your room, enjoy all the amenities this wellness destination has to offer, including Sense, A Rosewood Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, refreshing pools, golf, tennis and ocean adventures like sailing, windsurfing and snorkeling. Six dining options satiate all appetites, from classic pub fare in The Grille Room to fresh seafood at the Beach Club Restaurant and authentic Italian at Sul Verde, to name a few dining options.
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