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Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips
Start Planning Holiday Season Travel
It's never too early to start planning for the holiday season, especially if you're considering international travel.
With Christmas six months away, now is the perfect time to begin mapping out your dream trip to popular Christmas Markets in Europe.
Not only will this give you ample time to research and book flights and accommodations, but it also allows for extra planning and budgeting.
And as you prepare for your festive adventure, don't forget about investing in a quality luggage setthat can withstand the journey and keep all your belongings safe and organized while abroad.
AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and July 5, with 61.4 million going by car. Air travel is nearly flat year over year, while “other modes,” including cruises, are the fastest-growing category. AAA also reported that the national average gas price dropped to $3.99/gallon on June 18 after nearly four weeks of declines.
Europe continues to rank as the safest destination for long-haul travelers, even as global demand softens for the summer season. A new Long-Haul Travel Barometer from the European Travel Commission and Eurail shows that affordability is now a major factor in trip planning, with some travelers choosing alternative destinations or shorter stays to manage costs.
Still, Europe remains highly attractive thanks to its culture, history, strong tourism infrastructure, and growing rail connectivity. France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain remain top choices, while Central and Eastern European destinations such as Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, and Bulgaria are gaining attention from travelers seeking better value and fresh experiences.
A new analysis from Casino.ca suggests that some popular U.S. travel destinations may carry a higher risk of bedbug encounters, with Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Washington, D.C. ranking among the areas with the highest odds.
The study compared pest-control rankings from Orkin and Terminix with social media mentions and TripAdvisor hotel reviews, finding that heavy visitor turnover may play a bigger role than hotel quality or destination reputation. For travelers, the takeaway is simple: even well-known cities and upscale accommodations are not immune, so it is worth doing a quick room inspection on arrival, keeping luggage off the bed, and checking bags before heading home.
Channel Islands National Park will reopen Santa Rosa Island for day use beginning July 1, marking an important step in restoring visitor access after the Santa Rosa Island Fire burned for 20 days in May and June.
While travelers can once again plan daytime visits, campground reservations have been canceled through August 13 as crews continue erosion control, cultural resource protection, and repairs to damaged infrastructure.
Visitors should expect changing conditions, possible area closures, and limited access while recovery work continues, and should check the park website and confirm transportation with Island Packers before making plans.
London Museum will reopen on November 28, 2026, in Smithfield, transforming the long-disused Victorian General Market into a major new cultural destination.
Formerly known as the Museum of London, the museum will showcase seven million objects spanning 450,000 years of history across London’s 33 boroughs, from Roman writing tablets and royal artifacts to Banksy’s Piranhas and Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger strike medal.
For travelers, the move adds a major museum experience to one of London’s most historic neighborhoods, blending the city’s past, present, and future with exhibitions, dining, family spaces, and evening programming.
Juneau, Alaska is a hidden gem nestled in the scenic wilderness of Southeast Alaska. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, Juneau offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Top Things To Do:
Mendenhall Glacier: This breathtaking glacier is easily accessible and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
Mount Roberts Tramway: Take a ride on this tramway to get panoramic views of Juneau's landscape and learn about the Tlingit culture at the top.
Whale Watching Tour: Get up close and personal with humpback whales on a guided tour through Alaska's pristine waters.
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Juneau is from May to September, when the weather is milder and the tourist season is in full swing. However, be prepared for crowds and higher prices during this time.
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on December 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Holiday Ale Festival, Portland, Oregon— A popular winter beer festival featuring a large lineup of seasonal and limited-batch brews. (December 4-5, 2026)
Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France - Often called the "Capital of Christmas", this is one of the oldest markets in Europe, dating back to 1570. It features hundreds of wooden chalets and dazzling illuminations. (November 26 to December 24, 2026)
Christmas Market in Budapest, Hungary - Voted the best Christmas market in Europe multiple times. It is highly celebrated for its romantic atmosphere, hearty Hungarian foods, and a spectacular 3D light projection mapping show across the cathedral façade. (mid-November to January 1)
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