One trip is booked, the rest are in the works. But each of these destinations made my 2026 bucket list for a reason.
Travel has a way of giving us something exciting to look forward to, and as a travel agent (and travel lover!), I can’t help but dream big when planning for the year ahead. For 2026, I’ve chosen four adventures that mix bucket list experiences, family milestones, and a little bit of “just because we can.”
Here’s a peek at my travel bucket list for 2026 and why each destination made the cut.
Sedona, Arizona – January
Kicking off the year with a U.S. adventure, Sedona will mark state number 27 on our 50 Before 50 quest. The red rock landscapes are stunning any time of year, but in January, there’s a chance they’ll be sprinkled with snow, making them look even more magical.
We’ll also squeeze in a visit to the Grand Canyon, because how can you go that close and not? For this trip, we’re planning a long weekend, using my agent perks for hotel and car rentals, and a flight credit to cover airfare. It’s a short getaway, but one I know will feel unforgettable.
Virgin Voyages Cruise – April (Tentative)
This one isn’t booked yet, but it’s high on my radar. I had the chance to experience a Virgin Voyages cruise with girlfriends earlier this year, and I knew immediately I wanted Quinten to join me for one.
Virgin Voyages is adults-only, modern, and packed with amazing dining and entertainment. It’s such a different vibe compared to traditional cruises. We’re thinking this could be the perfect anniversary trip, though the itinerary is still up in the air.
Curious about Virgin Voyages for yourself? Check out their latest itineraries here and see why I loved the experience so much.
Princess Cruise Tour: Alaska – July
The only adventure already booked (and one of the highlights of the year) is a Princess Cruise Tour in Alaska. This trip is extra special because it’s a family celebration for my in-laws’ 50th anniversary.
The tour begins inland with three days of coach and rail travel, staying at Princess’ own lodges in Alaska’s wilderness. From there, we’ll set sail through Alaska’s iconic coastline.
We are arriving a few days early to explore the Kenai Peninsula on our own. My biggest hope is to witness bears catching salmon in the wild! I even found a cabin with a salmon creek running through the property. So fingers crossed for incredible wildlife sightings.
Iceland & Norway – November
Yes, I know—Iceland and Norway in November sound cold. But that’s exactly why I picked this time of year. Winter brings a greater chance of seeing the Northern Lights, plus opportunities to explore glittering ice caves and visit Iceland’s black sand beaches where chunks of ice sparkle like diamonds.
To make the trip even better, I’m planning to take advantage of Iceland Air’s stopover program. This means we can spend a few days in Iceland and enjoy a bonus stopover in Norway on the same trip. Two bucket list destinations in one journey…how could I pass that up?
Looking Ahead
That’s my 2026 travel bucket list (so far!). One trip is set in stone, and the others are coming together little by little, but having these adventures to look forward to is half the fun.
Now I want to hear from you:
Where are you dreaming of traveling in 2026?
And if any of these destinations caught your eye—especially a Virgin Voyages cruise—I’d love to help you plan your own adventure. Whether you want to book directly through my Virgin Voyages affiliate link or work with me to create a custom itinerary, I can help make the process seamless and stress-free.
Here’s to a year of unforgettable adventures ahead!
