Smart Travel Tips for 2026: 10 Things We Won’t Do This Year

2025 was the year we started traveling smarter, not more. We took fewer trips but made each one count. By planning with intention and spending points and money where they made a real impact, we elevated our experiences without blowing the budget.

So for 2026, we’re carrying that mindset forward with a clear list of things we’re no longer doing. Some of these mistakes cost us time. Some cost money. And some just didn’t align with the kind of travel we want to do anymore.

If you’re also looking to make travel more meaningful and less stressful, this list is for you.

10 Things We Won’t Do This Year

1. Fly Southwest

We used to defend Southwest for their simplicity: free bags, friendly crews, and underdog charm. But in 2026, they’ve moved away from their signature open boarding model and lost some of what made them feel different in the first place. Without that unique edge, the trade-offs feel less worth it. The in-flight experience still lags behind competitors, and we’d rather put our points or dollars toward airlines offering more comfort, airport lounges, and upgrade options.

2. Fail to Budget for Upgrades

Whether it’s a direct flight, business class seat, or hotel suite with a view, we’re planning for it upfront. These things cost real money that can add up quickly. In the last few years we’ve had a budget mindset went booking and bougie habits while splurging during the actual trip. We know we’re going to do this regularly. So these add-ons are now part of our baseline trip budget. No surprises!

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3. Chase “Deals” Instead of Value

We’ve learned that the cheapest option often isn’t worth it once you factor in stress, lost time, and disappointment. A low room rate can mean a long ride into town, thin walls, and zero neighborhood character. A rock‑bottom flight price can mean awkward connections, middle seats, and a travel day that feels twice as long as it needs to be.

In 2026, we are choosing value over sticker price. We’re putting our money and points toward experiences that are comfortable, well located, and thoughtfully planned. Sometimes that means spending a little more. Almost always, it means enjoying the trip a lot more.

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4. Travel Without a Plan for Airport Lounges

We’ve used airport lounges for years, but in 2026, we’re being even more intentional about it – especially at smaller airports or on long travel days. When Priority Pass or credit card lounges aren’t available, we’re not hesitating to pay for access if it adds real value.

In many cases, lounge day passes cost less than a sit-down airport meal and offer far more: comfortable seating, reliable Wi-Fi, outlets, clean restrooms, and complimentary food and drinks. Add in peace and quiet – especially in airports where the gates are loud, crowded, or chaotic – and it becomes an easy decision.

We’re also checking lounge locations and hours in advance so we’re not stuck without a plan. Whether it’s a Priority Pass space, a partner airline lounge, or a paid option, we’d much rather start or end our journey in a calm, functional space than circling the terminal for a seat or an overpriced salad.

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5. Ignore Shoulder Season

Shoulder season is the ultimate luxe-for-less strategy: fewer crowds, better prices, surprisingly better weather, and more availability for everything you want to do. We’re planning spring and fall trips intentionally, rather than settling for peak-season stress.

It’s worth noting that over-tourism has also impacted the shoulder season, but you’re still better off booking in these times. It’s also a great idea to avoid tourist hotspots altogether and find hidden gems or underrated cities – but we totally understand the desire to see big bucket list places.

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6. Overpack

We’ve always packed light. It’s one of the few travel habits we nailed early on. But even so, we’ve still had trips where we brought more than we needed: an extra pair of shoes we never wore, a dressy outfit that stayed in the suitcase, a just-in-case item that took up way too much space.

In 2026, we’re tightening it up even more. We’re dialing in our capsule wardrobe for each destination, sticking to pieces that layer well, wear multiple ways, and don’t wrinkle at all. This lets us move faster, skip baggage fees, use public transit without stress, navigate cobblestone streets, and actually enjoy travel days instead of dragging luggage behind us.

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7. Overlook Walkability

We’ve stayed in “great value” hotels that turned out to be miles from anything we actually wanted to see. That kind of savings ends up costing you money for rideshares, time lost in transit, and the overall feel for a place.

In 2026, we’re booking based on walkability first. We want to step outside and be in the city, walk to the beach, or just have access to everything we need without a big transportation plan.

We’re looking for neighborhoods where we can walk to morning coffee, stumble on a great wine bar, or take an evening stroll in a cute neighborhood. Walkable locations give us flexibility, cut down on transit time, and let us discover more naturally. That’s where the magic is.

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8. Pay Too Much for a Mediocre Meal

We’ve eaten enough overpriced pasta and mediocre burgers to learn that convenience doesn’t equal quality. We’ve had some amazing touristy experiences (like dinner in the Eiffel Tower), but the cost of dining out has taken away from our food joy.

We’re excited to explore more markets and street food, especially in cities where the best meals are served from stalls, carts, or counters. There’s a time and place for a splurge-worthy dinner, and we’re not skipping those altogether. But we’re choosing them carefully, not just because of a famous name or location, but because they offer something special and unique to the place we’re visiting.

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9. Ignore Points Redemptions

We’ve been using points and miles for years. It’s one of the smartest ways we’ve kept our travel elevated without overspending: from business class seats to luxe hotel stays that cost us next to nothing out of pocket.

But in 2026, we’re refining that strategy even more. Instead of holding onto points for some “ideal” future trip, we’re using them when they give us the biggest return, like upgrades that change the entire flight experience or hotel stays that put us in the perfect location without blowing the budget.

We’re also being more proactive: planning around award calendars, stacking credit card perks, and booking redemptions that maximize both value and comfort. We’ll be sharing our strategies and real results throughout the year, so subscribe to learn more!

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10. Leave Flex Days Out of Our Itinerary

In the past, we’ve made the mistake of planning too many hour a day, especially on shorter trips. It felt efficient at the time, but rushing from one reservation to the next left us worn out and missing the best part of travel: the unexpected and spontaneous moments.

In 2026, we’re building in more space. Slow mornings. An unscheduled afternoon. A day with no plans but a walk or a good book by the pool. It doesn’t mean we’re ditching structure. I love to plan! We’ll still book key experiences in advance, but we’re leaving space around them to breathe.

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Our Mantra for 2026: Less Travel, More Luxe

We’re not trying to do it all. We’re trying to do it better. In 2026, we’re continuing to focus on quality over quantity, comfort over chaos, and experiences that feel personal, local, and a little bougie. That means planning ahead (but not packing the itinerary), spending wisely, using points strategically, and choosing meaningful upgrades.

If you’re planning your own “less for less” travel year, we hope this list helps you get there with intention. What’s on your won’t-do list for 2026? Let us know in the comments.

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