The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - February 23, 2026
Happy National Banana Bread Day in the USA, and another roundup of travel news. We've enjoyed watching the exciting hockey games at the Winter Olympics - there was some amazing talent.
Now that the event is over, you might want to look at visiting Milan and Cortina in Italy. Host cities typically invest a lot into upgrading infrastructure which we can benefit from as travelers following the Olympic games.
Meanwhile, American Airlines increased its second checked bag fee to $50 for domestic and short-haul international flights—though you can save by paying online or through the app before reaching the airport. These updates join a growing trend of airlines adjusting their loyalty programs and fees, so if you're planning your next adventure, now's the time to review your travel strategy and maximize those miles!
A new survey from AAA and Bread Financial reveals that 76% of Americans planning to travel in 2026 are building their trips around meaningful milestones like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and family reunions.
Leading this trend are Gen Z and Millennial travelers, with nearly 9 in 10 planning milestone-centered journeys. Birthday celebrations top the list (32%), followed by family reunions (30%) and friends' milestones (29%).
While 40% of travelers say these trips help them reconnect with loved ones, planning comes with its challenges—59% report experiencing tension with travel partners.
Smart travelers are turning to travel advisors (46%), loyalty programs, and flexible payment options to make their milestone moments both memorable and manageable.
Three of America's most beloved national parks—Arches, Glacier, and Yosemite—are making spontaneous visits easier by lifting their timed-entry and reservation requirements for peak season. The Department of the Interior announced this welcome change in February, marking a shift from recent years when advance bookings were mandatory. "We're expanding access where conditions allow," said Acting Assistant Secretary Kevin Lilly.
While some conservation groups worry about potential overcrowding, the parks will monitor traffic and may implement temporary measures if parking lots or roadways reach capacity. Keep in mind that other popular parks like Rocky Mountain, Acadia, and Zion still require reservations for certain areas and activities, so always check before you go.
Disney is marking America's 250th birthday with "Disney Celebrates America," a spectacular celebration running from Veterans Day 2025 through Independence Day weekend 2026 at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Highlights include the extension of the "Portraits of Courage" exhibit at EPCOT honoring post-9/11 veterans, the debut of "Soarin' Across America" at both parks in Summer 2026, and special patriotic fireworks displays July 3-5.
The celebration kicked off with Mickey and Minnie leading a patriotic Rose Parade entry alongside 50+ military veteran cast members. Disney is also donating $2.5 million to Blue Star Families and offering special experiences for military families throughout the year-long celebration.
Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced stricter dress codes at select specialty dining restaurants, moving away from its signature "Freestyle Cruising" philosophy. The new guidelines ban bathrobes, tank tops, hoodies, ripped jeans, and hats at venues including Le Bistro, Onda by Scarpetta, Palomar, The Haven Restaurant, and Cagney's Steakhouse.
While casual beachwear remains welcome throughout most of the ship, the change has divided cruisegoers online. Some travelers appreciate the elevated dining atmosphere, while others feel it contradicts the cruise line's relaxed brand messaging and isn't practical for warm-weather destinations. The update highlights the ongoing challenge cruise lines face in balancing guest expectations with maintaining dining venue standards.
Armenia has announced an exciting temporary visa exemption running from January through July 2026, making it easier than ever to explore this captivating destination. If you hold a valid residence permit from the US, EU, Schengen Area, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Oman, you can enter visa-free and stay for up to 180 days.
This is your chance to discover Armenia's ancient monasteries, stunning mountain landscapes, vibrant café culture, and UNESCO World Heritage sites without the usual visa hassle. Whether you're planning a cultural deep dive, a family getaway, or an extended adventure, Armenia is rolling out the welcome mat for travelers from around the globe.
The U.S. State Department urges travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism risks, and civil unrest.
While the country offers incredible cultural experiences, visitors should be aware of potential violent crime including carjacking and robbery, particularly in urban areas.
The northern border region remains under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory due to terrorism threats from groups like JNIM.
Now’s the perfect time to lock in your July 4th weekend camping reservations before the most coveted sites disappear. National and state parks, especially near lakes, beaches, and mountain trails, tend to book out months in advance as travelers plan their summer getaways.
Securing your spot early not only guarantees the best campsites with scenic views and amenities but also lets you plan activities like hiking, kayaking, or fireworks viewing without last-minute stress.
It's also not too early to make sure you have the camping essentials you need so you don't scramble for supplies at the last minute.
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Featured Place - Solvang, California
Why Visit? Szczecin is a hidden gem of Poland located on the Baltic Sea coast. This vibrant city offers impressive Gothic architecture, charming parks and gardens, and cultural richness.
Top Things To Do:
The Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes: This impressive medieval castle is a must-see for history lovers. Explore the museum inside or enjoy stunning views from the top of the tower.
Waly Chrobrego Promenade: Stroll along this beautiful riverfront promenade and admire the unique architecture and sculptures. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat tour along the Oder River.
National Museum in Szczecin: Learn about Szczecin's rich history and culture at this fascinating museum. With collections ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
Travel Tip: For those looking for pleasant weather, the summer months from June to August are the best time to visit Szczecin. The city is easily accessible by train or bus from major cities in Poland, and public transportation is reliable and affordable.
Plan Your Visit: Check out our blog post on Szczecin for more ideas and tips to plan your trip.
Planning Ahead - Top Events in Six Months
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on August 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Beyond the Gates, Bergen, Norway – Multi-day rock and metal festival in coastal Bergen, bringing international bands and fans to an atmospheric Nordic setting. (July 29 - August 1)
✈️ Don’t miss out on incredible travel savings.
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February 2026: We have a few Southern California road trips on the calendar.
Spring 2026: Camping and sightseeing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
July 2026: Beach camping in Northern California
January 2027: The NHL Winter Classic in Utah
Now is the time to start marking your calendar for your future bucket list adventures. If you have travel questions, feel free to reach out to us. You can reach us at comments@theplaceswherewego.com
Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
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