Imagine spending 2026 learning how to make fresh pasta in the Tuscany countryside or biking along the Rhine River. For today’s travelers, vacations are no longer about checking landmarks off a list. They’re about connection, discovery, and stories worth bringing home.
From immersive cultural experiences to adrenaline-fueled adventures, travel trends are shifting toward journeys that feel personal, purposeful, and unforgettable. Travel marketing product manager David Pehle tends to put these styles of travel into two buckets: experiential travel and adventure travel.
Experiential travel is all about cultural immersion. It goes beyond hitting the top tourist attractions and truly experiencing a destination like a local or only in ways that locals know how.
“People who want to travel to Italy, for example, are not going only to see the Colosseum or try all the food; they want authentic experiences like going to the Tuscany countryside and learning how to make fresh pasta in someone’s home,” Pehle says.
While there will always be those looking to relax, Pehle says adventure travel is also seeing a huge boost. While rooted in the same desire for more of an experience, adventure travel takes that one step further.
“People don’t want to sit on a bus. They want to bike along the Rhine River, hike the Inca trail, and so on,” he says. “That type of travel saw a huge uptick in 2025, and we’re projecting for 2026 that is the type of traveling that will be most popular.”
Whichever kind of travel you are planning, a AAA membership is your way to get access to exclusive member benefits and amenities offered by its preferred travel partners.
AAA Travel Partners worth exploring
- Viking Cruises: Looking for an enriching excursion that offers a chance to deeply connect with your destinations? This cruise line specializing in river, ocean and expedition cruises is known for its elegant ships, immersive cultural experiences, and destination-focused itineraries. Guests can also enjoy award-winning service and inclusive pricing.
- Royal Caribbean: For those seeking world-class entertainment, destinations, and amenities, this leading global cruise line is the right fit. Take a ride aboard one of Royal Caribbean’s innovative ships to experience unforgettable experiences tailored for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
- G Adventures: With this small-group adventure travel company, guests can experience more off-the-beaten path destinations. Trips focus on authentic yet sustainable experiences that connect travelers with local cultures and communities like never before with unique itineraries and expert guides.
- Trafalgar: This guided vacation company is designed to make travel as stress-free as possible. Led by expert local guides, Trafalgar offers curated itineraries across the globe filled with hassle-free planning, insider access to unique destinations, and the chance to connect deeply with local traditions and communities.
Visit the Winter Travel Marketplace
Are you ready to start your 2026 travel? AAA Travel’s annual Winter Travel Marketplace returns January 24, 2026, at the Holiday Inn St. Louis SW–Route 66. Guests can register online or by calling 866-222-7587. From 9 a.m.–1 p.m., guests can participate in informative presentations from AAA preferred travel partners and have access to AAA travel advisors to begin vacation planning. Guests will also receive limited-time offers, exclusive member benefits, and a free passport photo voucher. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a free copy of AAA’s detailed Route 66 map to celebrate the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary, or visit AAA.com/route66.
Unable to make the show? Call or visit your local AAA branch between January 23 and February 7 to take advantage of these offers during the AAA Travel Sale.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of AAA Missouri. For more information, visit one of the AAA Missouri offices in the St. Louis metro area, or contact a AAA Travel Advisor at aaa.com/travel.
