I realize we’re still in 2024 right now. And 2025 comes next. But, I’m already thinking about potential 2026 travel. Why?
In this miles and points hobby, my #1 advice for families is to plan early (see this post). I’ve had the best luck finding the flight award availability I need when the flight schedules are first released, which is usually 11-12 months ahead of time.
That means I need to have my stash of miles and points ready a year prior to travel in order to book the award flights. And since I can’t accumulate miles for a family of 5 overnight, I need to back up the window to allow time accrue those miles. That’s why I need to start thinking about potential 2026 travel plans now.
Note: Of course, it’s possible to book award flights less than 11-12 months in advance. But when you have a large family and you want premium seats, it’s best to start looking early.
2026 Trip Ideas
In 2026, I will have one kid still in college, one kid graduating from high school and one left in high school. For now, I’m only planning two family trips for 2026.
Spring Break: A trip to Orlando, Florida to visit Epic Universe, the new park at Universal Orlando that is scheduled to open in 2025. It looks, well, epic. It may just be 4 of us going if my son’s college spring break doesn’t line up.
Summer: A trip to Europe to attend Wimbledon tennis tournament combined with a return to our favorite European country, Switzerland. None of us can forget how awesome our previous trip to Switzerland was (see my trip report here).
Of those two trips, flights to Europe are more expensive than flight to Florida. I can usually buy decent flights to Florida on cash prices. But flying to Europe would be better in Premium Economy or Business class seats, which are usually very costly in cash fares. So, accumulating miles for flights to and from Europe is my focus.
I’ve got around 7 months left to accumulate the miles I need for Europe. I’m not starting from zero, but I’ve still got some work to do.
Are you thinking about 2026 travel yet?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I am looking into Japan for 2026 summer and Egypt for Thanksgiving. I have to start my miles stash sooner than later.
@Tania Sounds fabulous!
Of course, 2026 is just around the corner! Currently looking at spring break, with four options to choose from, and having a hard time narrowing it down. Colorado ski trip, caribbean cruise, returning to Costa Rica, or perhaps even a trip to Rio de Janeiro
@projectx Rio has been on my wish list for quite some time, since the Olympics were there. I haven’t been anywhere in South America. I might squeeze in a trip to Guatemala in 2026, so South America will probably need to wait until 2027.
@nancy I’m torn on Rio. It’s such a unique city, and on my bucket list. It looks absolutely stunning. It’s also a very dangerous city in many pockets. While many areas in the south zone that are considered “safe”, they’re not without challenges considering the language barrier. And if you look up what it’s like for visitors in terms of safety, the feedback is all over the place.
@projectx That’s a valid concern.
I’m looking at booking a northern lights tour next September or October in Norway that will finally use up my Club Carlson points for a hopefully good value. Flights shouldn’t be too tough for two people.
I’m just returning from a scouting trip to Malta and Istanbul so those should be quite lovely around April 2026 if my wife is agreeable.
I think fall 2026 is likely to be Bali (our favorite).
Since I don’t think I have any children there are no school holidays as constraints so a few trips of 3-8 nights will doubtless pop up but best not to over plan.
Some of the trips I have figured for my wife and I may become family vacations, depending on circumstances.
@Christian Sounds like a great lineup for 2026!
I’m about to book something for Feb break 2026!!!
@Harmony a cruise? All-inclusive?