By Graham Townsley
February has arrived and, if you’re anything like me, you’re idly wondering where January disappeared to. It feels like the dust from the Christmas tree is barely gone, and already we’re gearing up for another dynamic year.
As 2026 unfolds, I’ll be joining you in these pages every other month: sharing inspiration, insights from inside the travel industry, practical tips, and the latest trends shaping our holidays and how we book them.
Along the way, I hope you’ll enjoy not just the destinations but the journey – getting to know me and, more importantly, what truly matters to today’s discerning traveller. Fair warning: I’ll be championing the real value of a real travel expert by your side, as I’m seeing a shift away from faceless digital bookings back toward genuine, human connection – a topic I’ll explore today.
Curious about my background? You can always revisit my June conversation in Northern Insight magazine for some personal insights into my world.
Booking trends in 2026: Why personal is powerful
January is famously the busiest month for holiday bookings, as TV screens fill with tempting travel adverts and familiar voices invite us to escape. But as the world feels ever more frenetic and the boundary between reality and online blur, trust becomes increasingly precious. Recent headlines have highlighted the risks of large-scale online travel booking: as many as 3 in 10 customers affected by scams or lacking protection. It’s no wonder more travellers are seeking reassurance, one conversation at a time, turning to real experts to guide-and safeguard-their dreams.
What should a holiday really be?
Is it:
Endless scrolling through sites and conflicting reviews?
Settling for a one-size-fits-all package, with no room for personal touches?
Hours spent on hold or speaking only to chatbots when questions arise?
Disrupted schedules and the stress of navigating airports alone?
Or should it be:
Sharing an idea or a dream-and having it truly heard
Receiving bespoke options that reflect not just convenience, but aspiration
Gliding through airports with seamless connections, even allowing time to shop or simply relax
Watching your children’s faces light up as they experience golden sands and new friendships
Creating memories-for you and your loved ones-that last a lifetime
Stepping into a world wonder and feeling the awe for yourself
Coming home with not just souvenirs, but stories to tell
Knowing, at every stage, a trusted expert is just a message away
The trends that are defining 2026
Memories are the new luxury. I’m already crafting Lapland adventures for families planning Christmas 2026, and there’s no waning appetite for Greece, Turkey, or sun-soaked Spain. But families with older children and teens, especially, are branching out. While pools and beaches still reign, there’s a clear desire for richer experiences-day trips, cultural immersion, and journeys further afield. Sometimes, a fortnight in Thailand with jungle encounters (and elephants!) costs less than a Mediterranean classic.
Cruising is surging in popularity among younger travellers-my “tapas of travel,” offering a delicious sample of new countries daily. Families have never had more choice, and with on-board thrills from waterslides to gokarting, there’s simply no room for “I’m bored.”
Handcrafted itineraries remain my real passion. My clients and I have collaborated on over 300 unique journeys-each one personal, adaptable, and designed with care. And don’t overlook the rise of luxury rail journeys: think of it as a cruise on rails, gliding through Europe’s dramatic landscapes, with everything arranged, including guided tours that transform ‘getting there’ into a joyful part of the experience.
Lastly, sporting events are becoming a cornerstone of travel planning. Formula 1 in the USA (Las Vegas, Austin, Miami), the Masters in golf, and-on the world stage-the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. I love turning these events into milestone holidays, whether it’s a bespoke rail journey between venues or an adventurous road trip by RV.
A gentle word of caution: securing official tickets and insider experiences isn’t for the faint-hearted, but my network of trusted suppliers means every client enjoys security and peace of mind, without compromise.
Signing Off for February
If you’re tempted to repeat last year, I hope I’ve planted a seed or two of inspiration. 2026 is rich with possibility-and I’m here to help you seize it, every step of the way. If you’d like advice, ideas, or just to explore your options, you know where to find me. Here’s to new journeys, new memories, and travel that feels as rewarding as it should.
Reach out at any time for truly personal travel guidance-I’d love to help you make 2026 your best year yet.
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/graham.townsley